Independent Hoops: South Carolina
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
COLUMBIA, SC – The second leg of the Independent Hoops made a stop in South Carolina. Players ascended from the Palmetto State and its surrounding areas.
Each of them came prepared to show just how talented this camp would be. There is a list of players who will soon be remembered for the work they showcased on the hardwood.
Here are some names to track moving forward.
Russ White | 2024 | Cardinal Newman | had a dominating performance throughout camp. The 6-foot-3 forward has a college-ready body and a high motor. His energy was contagious as the other players were forced to match it or they would lose out against him. He showed versatility in being able to guard all five positions on the floor. White put the ball on the floor and helped just get the offense going too. His court vision was impressive and precise. He also showed the ability to score on all three levels of the floor. This lefty is the kind of player who could fit any collegiate program. His attitude is to win and contribute by any means necessary.
Quavon Henry | 2024 | Cross Creek | showed off a competitive swag to his game. The Cross Creek High product shot the ball really well. He got to the rim with ease too. Most of his moments looked effortless. Being able to get to the basket allowed him to get off a fluid mid-range jumper. His explosive first step made it hard for opponents to stay with him. He also has solid court vision being able to put teammates into scoring positions.
Phillip McLean | 2024 | Carolina Forest | is an exceptional two-sport athlete. He is an offensive lineman on Friday nights and a nimble center on the hardwood. His impact is immediately noticed when the ball is thrown into him. This 6-foot-5 interior beast has great feet and soft but secure hands. If a defender, regardless of height, is caught behind him McLean will win that matchup. One he has an array of impressive moves making defenders helpless. He runs the floor and is capable of finishing in transition at 250 pounds. McLean pancakes defenders on the gridiron and does the same with screens in pick-and-roll action. This young man will be pursued both sports just look at the footage.
DeMarco Middleton | 2024 | Westside | has been in the gym and it shows. The 6-foot-2 combo guard is a lanky wiry guard who competes on both ends of the floor. His defense helped get things started on the offensive end for him. He got to the rim with plenty of ease and finished through contact. This then helped set things up for the jumper. He knocked it down from everywhere on the floor. The work put into hitting the outside shot was noticeable due to the confidence and fluidity of his jumper. Look for him to make a jump this season at the Augusta school.
Braylen Smith | 2024 | Augusta Christian | is one shifty point guard. The Lions’ product is full of energy and excitement. He moves through traffic with the allusive speed of a garden snake. His speed opened up passing opportunities for others. There were no looks, or pocket passes to teammates before he would finish with a floater or at the rim. He is sneak athletic finishing above the rim a few times.
Zion Brown | 2024 | Westwood | was sneaky good. When you first take a look at him before getting on the court, he has a laid-back demeanor. However, when he steps onto the court it is all business and relentless energy in every possession. His wiry arms and lateral quickness disrupted plenty of players in getting off shots or to the rim. He deflected everything. Being so disruptive allowed gave him easy scoring opportunities through steals and layups.
Brian Sumpter | 2025 | Keenan | is a budding star. This is not said in hyperbole about the 6-foot-7 small forward. He is long, athletic, and explosive, which is a combination many college programs seek. Combining that with his skillset, Sumpter’s stock is headed on an upward trajectory. Every game he played displayed every aspect of his game. The Keenan High product handled the ball well on the open floor before dropping off dimes for easy baskets. He had a nice touch from the perimeter with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. It will be hard-pressed not to hear his name buzzing in the state by the start of the travel season.
Aamere Tolbert | 2025 | Hephzibah | is a name that needs to be added to a long list of players in the Peach State in the class. The lefty combo guard plays hard on both ends of the floor. He gets to where he wants to go because of his constant movement. His hustle and effort allowed him to shoot uncontested jumpers from beyond the three-point line. He got to the rim and absorbed contact like a sponge. His instinct and knack for finding the ball make him a solid rebounder at his position.
Korie Corbitt | 2026 | Ridgeview | was impressive in the eyes. This youngster looks like a player prepared to play against stronger and more experienced players. He is poised in handling the ball on the perimeter. His versatility at both guard’s spots makes him a matchup problem. He is an excellent defender with a solid motor. This combo guard is athletic with the capability to extend the floor with his jumper. Defenders look to get physical with him but it is something the Ridgeview is prepared to handle.
Elton Smith | 2026 | Cardinal Newman | is a prospect with plenty of upsides. This 6-foot-8 power forward has solid timing for a young player. He looks to contend or alter a number of shots every chance possible. His length allowed him to rebound outside of his area. He runs the floor like a gazelle and finishes above the rim as often as possible. While there is plenty of room to grow, Smith will be a whisper this first year in high school but will soon be heard about regionally in two years.
Emmanuel McCullough | 2026 | Keenan | put defenders on notice. The crafty guard got the rim with tremendous confidence. He played downhill and was not letting anyone get in his way. He made back-to-back high-level plays it left defenders wanting to switch off of him on a number of possessions.
Marshall Bolden Jr | 2026 | Belton Honea Path | showed plenty of discipline throughout the camp. He played off two feet and did not look to force shots. This combo guard made plays to help keep defenders off-balance. He has a bright future ahead.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.