UNC Basketball: Five-star Justice Carlton releases Top 20 list

Five-star class of 2024 forward Justice Carlton has narrowed her recruitment to 20 teams. Did Courtney Banghart and the UNC basketball program make the cut?

Justice Carlton is one of the most sought-after recruits in the Class of 2024.

The Katy, Texas native is considered to be a top-25 prospect in her graduating class. ESPNW has the 6-foot-2 forward ranked as the No. 21 overall prospect, which makes her the second-highest rated player from the state of Texas.

With plenty of interest from college coaches across the country, Carlton has narrowed her recruitment down to 20 programs. This was good news for Courtney Banghart and the UNC basketball program, as they are still in the mix.

Heading into her junior season, Carlton has taken the next step in her recruitment process. As she begins to shorten her list of potential suitors, her stock is expected to continue to rise.

Along with competing in AAU competition, Carlton has also gained experience through the USA Women’s U16 National Team back in 2021. To learn more about Carlton’s overall game and skillset, check out this breakdown, courtesy of Ohio Basketball Live:

"Standing at 6’2 she creates mismatch problems for her opponents. She is as an elite talent from a skill standpoint that translates into production out on the court. She can catch and finish in the post with ease around the basket. She has a natural feel for the game and does not force the issue when the ball is her hands. She understands how to keep the ball high and away from smaller defenders and can also spin baseline to avoid double teams. She is now able to catch and face away from the basket and consistently knock down shots which makes it even more difficult to matchup against her. Her biggest skillset may be her ability to play every position at the high school level will only benefit her as she moves to the next level. She is as good on the defensive end of the floor as he is offensively. She plays extremely hard and takes pride in playing defense. It is common to see her diving on the floor for loose balls as well as getting a key defensive rebound in a crucial part of the game. She simply will do whatever is needed for her team to win. She moves her feet well and does not gamble and get silly fouls. She protects the rim very well and uses her body well from a defensive standpoint."

Carlton is a player to keep an eye on, as the UNC basketball program hopes that she’ll eventually make her way to Chapel Hill in the future.

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