By: Ethan Reece

The travel season has come and gone, leaving us with a lot of impressions and thoughts on names to be excited to follow throughout the high school season. The 2026 class is next up to move into high school, and there are a lot of guys that will be making their impact felt sooner rather than later. It's early, but this is looking like a really deep class with a lot of talent that will be providing us with great basketball over the next four years. We at Phenom Hoops have already taken an in-depth look at rising freshmen to watch in North Carolina, now let's take a look at some names to keep on your radar in South Carolina.

Quh'Mareon Webb (Northwestern)

Although usually pegged on guys when they're older in high school, Quh'Mareon just has that 'it' factor to me that makes him really special. He's a long athletic downhill specialist with a contortionist shotmaking ability that just leaves defenders shaking their heads. He's explosive when making the decision to get by guys, and yet also elusive when it comes to guys trying to beat him to a spot. Either way, the end result of tough finishes, frequent trips to the FT line, and foul trouble for defenders remain constant. Most recently at our Summer Finale, he showed off his ability to carry an offense with a high percentage of the decisions being trusted in his hands to make things happen and set guys up. He sets the tone as a leader and does so with an impressive motor that never seems to stagnate or falter considering the style of play he approaches the game with. I expect him to bring noteworthy contributions and more than hold his own as a freshman this upcoming season.

Antwon Young (York Prep)

We've had teams from all over the region at our events this year, and I can easily say Antwon is on the most specially gifted athletes, particularly with the springs he carries in his feet. Unlike any other rising freshman I've seen in the Carolinas, Antwon plays above the rim and carries a level of activity that already makes defenders have to be wary of him flying in for a putback. It's not just one jump, the second one is just as quick and high. I noted earlier in the season how uncanny his style of play is for this age, and that I was excited to see how he would keep developing. After several more viewings late this season, he has clearly made the necessary progression in his game to be a threat on all levels. He runs the floor well, has clearly been working on his post game where he showed to be demanding and capable with soft touch off moves, and has also rounded out more coordination with the ball in his hands as he's grown into his body.

Yale Davis (Ridgeview)

It would be hard to look back on this season and not remember the show Yale put on our Lamelo Ball Invitational. That was perhaps our most loaded event, especially in the 14u division, and he was in my eyes the most impressive guard on display that weekend. He's a real go-getter that you can hand the keys of an offense over to. His relentless aggressive mindset on both ends allows him to take over a game through the mayhem he can put a team through. He's a ball hawk waiting on passes his way, an extremely tough shot maker, and poised under pressure when the lights shine brightest. He had a bit time moment in the semis, completing a personal 10-0 run in the final minute comeback, including an AND1 drive on the biggest guy on the court and a game-winning stepback three from several feet out. Needless to say, while he comes into his freshman year with a slightly smaller frame, his mental approach playing with a chip on his shoulder is bound to bring him success no matter the role.

Mike Jones (Indian Land)

Mike has already proven himself amongst some of the top high school competition, having played with Elite 1 17u in the Coach Rick TOC. You would've never known he was so young based off his confidence as a sly playmaker with cool composure. To be just entering high school, he already has a clear understanding of how a point guard should impact a game. He leaves his fingerprints in every area, measuring up to the more true sense of the term point guard where he's able to make the offense click and his teammates better. He's a capable scorer with instinctual downhill assertiveness dropping dimes off for guys and taking advantage of the help side. But he was at his best in the open court, being decisive in maneuvering traffic with a quick handle and proved to be very crafty when cornered, seeing the floor and making the proper reads without hesitation. Opponents are going to have to get used to being burnt for their mistakes over the next four years as he's clearly just getting started.

Will Bush (Dorman)

Another guy who's already proven himself against high school competition, Will has no problem staking his claim in the paint. He stands at 6'6 with a stout physically imposing frame and was consistently the biggest guy playing up a level. While his game is still developing and could use more overall aggression, it was clear how much a force he could be inside given the proper touches. He battles for every board, optimally finds positions for putbacks and post feeds, and has soft hands to control his catches and finishing around the basket. One thing was certain, he definitely wasn't being knocked out of position, keeping a grounded balance, and genuinely playing extremely hard every possession. Given the great coaching I saw his team receive at the Summer Havoc, and the powerhouse Dorman has been in South Carolina, I see no reason he won't be a big name we hear more of, bringing the 'old school' feel back with a power post-game.