High school hoops are officially back and we’re kicking things off with a bang this season with session one of Phenom Hoops High school Jamboree. Forty teams from six different states gathered in Greensboro to start their seasons with high level hoops, the competition was stiff and the college coaches were watching.
Greensboro, North Carolina- Dozens of college coaches flocked to the triad on this fall Saturday afternoon for session one of our high school jamboree, players of all levels were in attendance to show how their summers were spent. It’s still early so mistakes are expected, some players continued to help their stocks soar and others broke on to the scene for the first time.
5’10 2019 Marcus Harris (W-S Christian)
Harris came in extremely under the radar but he certainly put our staff on notice early, Harris poured in 18 points to start the day. Harris flashed serious athleticism when he climbed the ladder to snag a lob from point guard Casian Richard, Harris finished the pass with a two handed tomahawk. Later Harris got hot from deep and really stretched the defense, his hot shooting carried the Lions down the stretch. Harris is quick with the basketball, but he can stop on a dime and pull up clean for the mid range jumper.
Currently Winston Salem State is showing interest, at this stage Harris is more in the mold of a combo guard than a true point guard. Harris scores it effectively from all three levels, he’s a scrappy defender and he’s coachable.
6’0 2019 Chris Hill (United Faith)
Hill is the general for United Faith, the ultimate lead guard and pacesetter, Hill orchestrates this offense like poetry in motion. The ball constantly moves in Hill’s hands every pass he makes has a purpose, Hill is the glue for this team and his skilled passing makes life a lot easier for everyone else. Hill is a high I.Q. guard, he won’t turn the ball over, Hill will make the extra pass, and with his court vision he routinely finds the open man. In a tough game against Carolina Day Hill was key on both ends. When things were sporadic Hill calmed the storm and got everyone in position, Hill can also stroke the leather, his shooting capability keeps the defense honest.
Defensively Hill is an absolute dog, he was one of the best on ball defenders present at the jamboree. Hill made all of his matchups extremely uncomfortable and he came up with several steals, Hill has excellent footwork and he moves quick laterally. Currently Ferrum and USC- Upstate are recruiting him the most.
6’7 2020 Josh Rubio (Comenius)
Rubio has made some strides on his game over the last year offensively, Rubio showed a polished back to the basket game, he looked confident shooting the fadeaway jumper, Rubio finished strong through contact and shot the three ball at a high percentage. In a hard fought win over Hickory Grove Christian school Rubio finished with 18 points, including going 2-3 from behind the arc. Rubio prevailed through some early cramping issues to lead the Knights, he remained a physical presence on the block and imposed his will on the boards. Rubio also ran the floor well on both ends.
Defensively Rubio has become more of a vocal leader calling out screens and switches, Rubio is versatile enough to guard multiple positions. Hampton was recently in to see Rubio and plan to visit again during the season, Virginia Tech has also been in contact Rubio informed me.
2020 6’11 Jaylon Gibson (Grace Christian)
Gibson came in with considerable hype and he absolutely lived up to his billing from the jump. Gibson is a long and bouncy 6’11 he’s an explosive finisher, Gibson realizes his length and utilizes it to finish over defenders. Gibson has a slender frame but he’s a lot stronger than he looks, he showed finesse and patience down low on the block. Gibson showed good awareness on a couple of put back dunks, and flashed a bit of a handle bringing the ball up the court. If Gibson continues to work on the handle and developing a left hand it will make him that much harder to guard at the next level.
Gibson is also a natural shot blocker his length and quick reactions are a troubling combo on the defensive end, Gibson will anchor the paint and clean up the glass. At 6’11 Gibson is agile he runs the floor well and covers a lot of space in minimal time.Gibson has the most upside on this list, and could be one of the best long term prospects in the state.