Throughout an insane travel schedule, we were able to shoot down to Rock Hill, South Carolina, to check out the Big Shots Prep Nationals. A loaded event with teams from all over the country, Kevin Schneider and his staff assembled a group that was honestly too talented to truly evaluate during the sessions I attended.
(Photo courtesy of David Walker)
Just across the border from Charlotte in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Big Shots Prep Nationals were held at the gorgeous Rock Hill Sports and Event Center. Competitive games were played all day, under-the-radar prospects were found, and championships were won. Big Shots alumni include Ja Morant, Bam Adebayo, Zion Williamson, Mac McClung, and more. The 2026 Big Shots Prep Nationals will undoubtedly provide more information on who might join them in the league.
High School Slam Orange
Champs: Winston Salem Christian National (NC)
MVP: Nick McLean — dominated the division, leading all scorers and averaging 15 PPG all weekend.
Big time performances all weekend at Big Shots Winter Nationals. These hoopers showed out.
— BIG SHTS (@BigShotsGlobal) March 7, 2026
Starting off our breakdowns from the Big Shots Prep Nationals, here’s a deeper look at some of the top overall performers from the event, regardless of class:
Nicolas McLean, 6’9, PF, Winston Salem Christian (NC), 2026
It was my first time taking a deep look at Nick McLean, and it was immediately evident why Atlantic Sun Conference champs locked him up early in the process. The incredibly agile 6-foot-9 forward is a lights-out shooter (hit seven threes in one game), runs the floor exceptionally well, and uses his game-changing athleticism above the rim on both ends of the floor.
Sure, he’s going to need to get stronger, but the 17-year-old is just scratching the surface of the high-upside prospect that he can become down the road, as seen with his MVP performance for champion Winston Salem Christian.
Dylan Betts, 7’2, C, IMG Academy (FL), 2028
The highest-ranked player at the Big Shots Prep Nationals, Dylan Betts, lived up to his five-star billing with his play for the IMG Ascenders. The lefty sophomore was comfortable putting points on the board with his back to the basket, showed that he could shoot it out to the 3-point line facing up, and utilized his height to see over the top of the defense as a passer.
Betts has as good of bloodlines as anyone with a father who was drafted to the NBA, a mother who was an elite volleyball player, and two sisters who are both ranked top-5 in the nation (we featured Sienna in depth here), so it’s worth betting on Dylan to reach his immense potential.
Alex Davis, 6’9, PF/C, Southeastern Prep (FL), 2026
A no-nonsense big man, Alex Davis made a mid-season move from Zephyrhills Christian to Southeastern Prep and brought his typical gritty play with him that has made him a D-1 prospect. A player who thrives playing through contact, Alex seeks contact anytime he has the rock, will rebound outside of his area, and brings a level of physicality to the hardwood every time he laces them up.
Still open with his recruitment, Alex Davis is definitely a guy who should be contributing at the D-1 level next season.
Santonio Waide, 6’0, PG, Combine Academy (NC), 2026
The MVP of the top post-grad division, Santonio Waide, led the group in scoring and carried over the outstanding season that he had playing in Overtime Elite. The scoring point guard is a lights-out shooter from beyond the arc (shot 46% from 3-point range in OTE play), was a vocal leader on the floor, and showed the ability to facilitate for others.
Waide recently picked up an offer from UMass Lowell, but left no doubt in anyone’s mind in Rock Hill that he will be a D-1 lead guard.
Hendrik Pertel, 6’7, SF, Huntington Prep (WV), 2028
A native of Estonia, Hendrik Pertel was undoubtedly the best sophomore wing that we saw at Big Shots Prep Nationals. The swingman is an explosive straight-line driver, can shoot it from three with his feet set, and had arguably the dunk of the tournament in Rock Hill.
Already holding an offer from Texas A&M, Hendrik has firmly established himself as a high-major prospect and will be shooting up the national rankings.
Stephano Farrington, 6’8, PF, Bull City Prep (NC), 2026
One of the most athletic players in Rock Hill, Stephano Farrington, is the type of high upside big man that you love in today’s game. The bouncy forward plays with a motor that doesn’t stop, is an outstanding cutter, and is a lob threat no matter where he is on the floor. Toss in the fact that Stephano has over 1,000 blocks in his high school career, and you see why he’s a no-brainer D-1 prospect.
Editor’s Pick
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