John Wall Invitational Has Some Intriguing Prospects

For the 46th consecutive year, Raleigh, NC, will host a prestigious high school basketball tournament that has gone through several names, most recently t has been called the John Wall Invitational.

The games will take place Wednesday-through-Saturday at Broughton High School, which is located near N.C. State University and downtown Raleigh.

The event annually draws very well at the gate because of the caliber of teams and prospects that are included in the field. As an example, a year ago, Kevin Knox participated. At the time, he was a major target of both the Duke and North Carolina coaching staffs, so naturally coaches from both programs were in attendance when his team played its three games in the four-day event, though teams only play three times in that span.

Two-eight team brackets this year include UNC signee Coby White, a 6-3 point guard from Wilson, NC, who is rated the No. 30 overall player nationally, Vernon Carey, the top player nationally in the junior class who is from Florida and is a UNC target, and 5-star guard Jalen Lecque from Christ School in Arden, NC, among others.

THI’s Deana King and Clint Jackson will be on hand covering the event, and both are excited about the talent that will be participating.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some outstanding talent especially UNC signee Coby White,” King said. “It will be my first time seeing him live in a game. I attended last year and it’s an amazing tournament to watch.”

Jackson has seen White play in AAU action, now he gets the chance to see him in a different realm.

"To be honest, I am really looking forward to seeing Coby White with his high school team," Jackson said. "He's such an explosive scorer and so much fun to watch. I've only evaluated him in AAU settings where the pace and schemes are often quote chaotic, so it'll be nice to see him in a more structured setting.

Top 25 prospects Joey Baker, a 2019 Duke commit from Fayetteville, NC, and class of 2020 Arizona State commit Kyree Walker (Phoenix, AZ) are also playing in the event.

"Carey is the number one junior in the country right now.," Jackson said. "A big, strong southpaw big man who can own the paint but also step out and shoot with range. One of his teammates is also a nationally elite prospect, top ten sort of sophomore. Scottie Barnes, a long, hybrid wing forward who is a defensive ace. His agility, defensive versatility and handle remind me of a young Scottie Pippen/Stacey Augmon type of forward.

"Jalen Lecque from Christ School near Asheville is also someone who I have a great deal of interest in seeing live. The event is loaded and I can't wait to get up and make the two and a half hour trek from Richmond to Raleigh for two full days of action."

David West Bracket

Wednesday

Broughton vs. Downey Christian (Fla.), 1:45 p.m.

Greene Central vs. Christ School, 3:30 p.m.

Kinston vs. Greenfield School, 5:15 p.m.

Garner vs. Trinity Christian, 7 p.m.

T.J. Warren Bracket

Wednesday

Word of God vs. Wesleyan Christian, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday

Cannon School vs. IMG Academy (Fla.), 28, 3:30 p.m.

Panther Creek vs. University School (Fla.), 6:50 p.m.

Heritage vs. Hillcrest Prep (Ariz.), 8:30 p.m.