Post Season Profile: Texas Tar Heels 2026
Texas Tar Heels came into the Prep Hoops Next circuit ready to work. A new team to the Circuit, this group was determined to rise to the occasion and face some of the top programs in the nation. They implemented…
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Continue ReadingTexas Tar Heels came into the Prep Hoops Next circuit ready to work. A new team to the Circuit, this group was determined to rise to the occasion and face some of the top programs in the nation. They implemented multiple defenses and focused on how they could win mismatch situations. Offensively, learning how to swing the ball and attack the basket from all levels of the court was a huge focus point for this group’s success.
This group includes standout prospect Davion Vasquez who will likely compete on his Varsity squad come high school season.
Below is the latest team roster and a few notes on what each player brought to the squad this summer.
Carson Palmer – A sneaky athlete that can get to the basket. Super explosive and can knock down the three. Palmer really took himself out of his comfort zone over the summer. He went from standing on the 3 to driving to the basket and finishing in the open court easily.
Holt Hemby – A crafty guard that uses his length to get by defenders. He moved from a 1 guard to a 2 guard. He’s a great defender in the open court and learning to become a ball hawk.
Collin Griffith – Stretch 3/4 . Super hard to guard around the basket and a corner 3 specialist.
Chase Bagely – Super athlete learning to use his strength and size to get to the basket and finish around the rim.
Davion Vasquez – Took a major step back for the betterment of the team. He got out of his comfort zone and is learning to be a scorer around the 3-point line while still being a crafty open-court finisher and a true point guard.
Jamarion Lawson – He’s the smallest player on the court but plays like he is 6’8. Willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the team. Definition of an undersized true point guard. Knows how to direct traffic and lead his team in multiple ways.
Jhaiden Harris – Came in later in the season but was a huge part of the success late in the summer with his athleticism. He can guard the entire length of the court and is just annoying to opponents on defense.
Carson Palmer – Carson has gone from a catch-and-shot player to a slasher. Still has the ability to knock down the 3 but if you don’t close out correctly it is a layup. You won’t see a lot of players in his class that has his package. His length and athleticism make him dangerous in the passing lanes. If he sees a ball in the air he’s running through it and getting a layup or creating an opportunity for others around him.
Collin Griffith – Has great length and natural athleticism. He is continuously learning to use his size and length to get to the basket. Every game brought something new to the team on both ends of the court. When he becomes comfortable with his body expect great things from him.
Davion Vasquez – Davion is one of the most explosive players you will watch on the court. If you catch him one on one in transition expect a bucket or hope he trips over himself. Has a great finishing package around the rim. He is stepping into the role of true point guard too. With his explosiveness when he gets to the basket he is creating opportunities for bigs and perimeter plays because the defense is forced to slide over and play help defense.
Tomeek Dinkins – We have watched Tomeek’s game improve over the years. He has gone from a true 5 player to 3/4. His strength and shoulders allow him to bang with the best of them. His pick-and-roll game has improved greatly. Knows how to use his body to finish at the rim and will pop out and knock down the 3. I wouldn’t be surprised if his high school moved him up this year due to his continuous improvement.
Clearly, a group that will continue to grow and develop together. The athleticism on this squad is obvious and they are most definitely a “team to watch” as they’ll be a tough matchup when all the pieces are put together. Prep Hoops Next dove deeper into Texas Tar Heels 2027 [Q&A with Coach Nathan Brewer] and their experience on the Prep Hoops NEXT circuit and what’s to come for these prospects.
Which Prep Hoops Next event do you remember most and why?
I would say Prep Hoops NEXT “The Tune Up” in Haltom. That is when all the kids truly came together and it seemed like everything clicked at the right time. We didn’t come out with the championship but in that tournament, we could see where we were going to be. The players that stood out the most in that tournament easily were Tomeek, Davion, and Jamarion. We could easily see how their energy and play were much needed.
How do you feel your program competed throughout?
Overall, there was never a game we did not compete in or should have not competed in. As a smaller team, we played best in transition playing full-court defense trapping the ball, and getting steals.
Team Leaders? Who creates the flow on and off the floor?
Tommeek Dinkins, Davion Vasquez and Jamarion Lawson.
What is expected for next summer? The same plan of attack?
Next summer we hope to return almost all the kids. We have a truly special group that enjoys playing together. Right now we are improving player IQ and increasing their skill sets. Trying to transition from a coach-led team to a player-led team. We want to give all the players on this roster a fighting chance to play at the next level whether their goal is college or varsity they all have the capability of doing that this next year.
Next summer we expect the kids to step into the Prep Hoops NEXT circuit ready to go competing at a high level from tip-off until the official calls game. The expectation is to be in the champion bracket every Sunday.
Prep Hoops is excited to watch the growth of these athletes who competed extremely hard and well over the 2022 season!