Coach Rick’s Opening night standouts and observations
Opening night of the inaugural #PhenomJMAC Showcase was simply outstanding. With a
standing room crowd and overflow seating for college coaches, coaches and fans were treated to
a high level of basketball talent. Now, let’s take a closer look at the standouts on opening night
and some nice story lines.
6’2 2019 Caleb Mills (PSB Elite)
We’ve been on the Caleb Mills bandwagon for quite some time. As a matter of fact, we have him
ranked ninth in our current and loaded North Carolina 2019 class and it may be wise to put Mills
in the conversation as a top 100 player nationally. As our good friend Jacey Zembal stated,
“Caleb Mills scores as easily as water flowing from a faucet.” Simply put, Caleb Mills packed
the gym with high major coaches and may be one of the hottest prospects in the country. He is a
silky-smooth scorer that can score from all three levels. It is so effortless and nothing is rushed or
forced. In the first game against NC Red Storm, Mills poured in a game high 29 points including
three 3-pointers. In the nightcap against a super talented Team Felton, Mills was sensational
scoring 32 points including four 3-pointers. He has recently picked up ACC offers from
Clemson, Wake Forest, and Pittsburgh.
6’4 2019 Caleb Stone-Carrawell (PSB Elite)
Playing in his first tournament with his new team, Carrawell looked like a seasoned veteran with
PSB Elite. Sporting excellent size for a shooting guard, Carrawell tallied a consistent 17 and 19
respectively. His stock is on the rise and will be a highly coveted prospect for mid majors and up.
Carrawell’s game translates at the collegiate level.
6’0 2019 Dakari Johnson (NC Red Storm)
The senior scoring point guard will take a year of prep and it would be wise for mid majors to
take a serious look at the athletic and dynamic scoring guard. In the head to head match up
against Caleb Mills, Johnson poured in 25 points including six 3-ponters. One thing is for
certain, Johnson plays with confidence and poise. His blend of athleticisms, skill and ability to
score should make him a hot prospect going into this prep season.
5’10 2019 Bryson Childress (Team Denver)
Bryson Childress may carry a small frame, but his young man plays with a big heart. He’s one of
the more exciting players to watch. Childress has excellent ball handling skills and has the ability
to create his own shot off the dribble. In the game against Team Charlotte who is considered one
of the better defensive teams in the country, Childress scored a game high 21 points including
seven 3-pointers.
Team Charlotte
Coach Jeff McInnis has built a powerhouse program in Charlotte with the majority of players
under the radar nationally with the lone exception of Devon Dotson on last year’s team. That
being said, Jeff McInnis has built a brand based upon heart, hustle and determination. No matter
the age group, Team Charlotte has been a reputation of playing hard and playing with a never
“say die” attitude. Every team in the organization is an extension of Jeff McInnis. He demands
his team to play with passion and purpose. Yes, Jeff McInnis is animated and exciting to watch
on the sidelines, but one thing is for certain, he simply gets the most out of each and every
player. No other coach in the country does a better job do exactly that!
Coach Bobby Lutz (Team Denver)
Personally, coach Bobby Lutz has been one of my favorite college coaches of all time. While he
has currently retired from the college ranks, he volunteered to help coach a local travel ball team.
This alone speaks volume for Bobby Lutz as a coach and more importantly as a man. Lutz
carried a wealth of knowledge and a passion that is unequal in the business today.