The East Coast Invitational Team Camp brings in some of the state’s best high school basketball talent to town, but it also allows the area’s standouts to showcase what they can do on the court.

The 25th annual ECI tips off Thursday and concludes Sunday. As the action draws near, here’s a look at local players to watch out for during the tournament: 

Kannon McBride, Croatan: McBride has achieved a lot in his first three years at Croatan, and I expect him to once again shine as a senior in basketball and as the football team’s quarterback and kicker. Last basketball season, McBride was the Coastal Conference Player of Year and shared the area’s player of year award after he averaged 25.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game. McBride has all the physical skills to have a solid senior year. I simply look for him to continue taking care of business, and the ECI gives him an opportunity to make more aware of his talent.

Gavin Zheng, Croatan: Zheng was a key contributor last season in his first year as a full-time starter as he averaged 7.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals. But with the graduation of team second-leading scorer Tyler Thorpe, third-team all-area last season, I look for Zheng to increase his scoring and assist production. If he takes the next step, that will bode well for the Cougars in their run for a conference title.

Grady Adams, Dixon: Adams is one of the area’s more experienced players, and I look for him to use that to his advantage as a senior. He averaged 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals last season. He’s a player who I think will get his name more out there with solid efforts this week.

Noah Wright, Dixon: Wright was a second-team all-area player last year after he averaged 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals. As a senior, look for him to take an even bigger step and contend to be an area top-five player.

Tae Burney, Jacksonville: As a freshman last season at Liberty Christian Academy, Burney was third-tea mall-area after he averaged 12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. While he will face tough competition in the ECI and during the regular season, his athleticism will be a big tool for the Cardinals.

Matt Williams, Jacksonville: Williams was a second-team all-area player last season amid the Cardinals’ 5-15 season after he averaged 13.2 points, four rebounds and 1.2 steals. As a senior, look for him to be a leader.

Savion Gibbs, Northside: Gibbs is a senior who has a chance to show what he can do after he received limited time last season. The Monarchs still return plenty of athletes, but the ECI will give Gibbs a chance to prove that he can be a key player in the regular season.

CJ Green, Northside: Green, a senior, is another player who looks to take advantage of this opportunity after he averaged 5.4 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

Jayden Laney, Southwest: Laney emerged as a key player as a junior last season as he averaged 11.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals. He’s a area player who could potentially take the biggest leap.

Carlos Pagan, Southwest: Asa junior last season, Pagan stepped out of the shadows of former teammates and became “The guy” for the Stallions as he was a first-team all-area player after he averaged 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.3 steals. Pagan is fun to watch and I believe he can open eyes this week.

Connor May, Swansboro: In his first season at Swansboro following a move from Virginia, May emerged as one of the best local players as a junior. He was a first-team all-area player after he averaged 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals. May doesn’t fret under pressure, and I look for him to have a solid effort in the ECI.

Markis Sam, Swansboro: Sam was a contributor last season as a sophomore as he averaged 5.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals. As a junior, look for him to elevate his game even more.

Joaliel Caraballo, White Oak: Caraballo gave the Vikings a lift when he joined the team in the middle of last season. He finished averaging 13.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.1 steals and was named a second-team all-area player. Look for him to be solid again as a senior, given he will have a full offseason with White Oak.

Zarion Hobbs, White Oak: Hobbs was named the Big Carolina Conference Player of Year and shared the area’s player of year award after he averaged 23.3 points, four rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals. The senior is one of the most exciting players in the area, and I certainly look for him to be great again in his final high school season. Hobbs will not back down against the tough competition the ECI offers. In fact, I look for him to embrace the challenge.

Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.