The Phenom Hoops’ travel schedule is officially back in full swing, as we traveled down to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina for our Queen City Showcase this past weekend. There was an abundance of talent in the gym, which led to numerous standout performers across the weekend. This article will take a closer, more detailed look at some of those personal favorites…
5’9 ’21 Kadyn Dawkins (Cobras 2021)
The Cobras 2021 roster is one that should be prioritized by college coaches of various levels, and Kadyn Dawkins is certainly towards the top of the list. Though he’s easily one of the more under-recruited prospects in North Carolina, something is bound to change. It’s been said time and again, but the floor general is truly special. He’s just wired differently, and it’s evident in the way he approaches the game. Dawkins possesses an incredibly high IQ and utilizes it to relentlessly chop up opposing defenses—both as a scorer and playmaker. He has very tight, crafty ball-handling skills and the necessary vision to make his surrounding teammates noticeably better. Dawkins is a consistent three-level scorer with great decisiveness off the dribble. He understands how to navigate through the lane while surveying andeyeing a mere glimmer of space for scoring chances. Furthermore, he’s a great defender and consistent problem in transition. Right now, it’s almost annoying how little action Dawkins has within his recruitment. He’s a proven winner with toughness, leadership, and a clear killer instinct. Not only is he a phenomenal player, but Dawkins is also the type of kid coaches should want off the court. He deserves more attention from varying types of scholarship-level programs.
6’7 ’21 Toby Harris (Carolina Flyers)
While there were many “high-profile” performers on display, Toby Harris quietly went about his business and absolutely dominated as a result. Like most guys on this list, it’s truly perplexing to try and make sense of his recruitment. Even being somewhat under-the-radar, Harris has been a worthy Division I prospect for the last calendar year. The questions surrounding his game and its translatability are somewhat laughable, given his unwavering consistency—no matter how big the stage. Harris is far more than just a knockdown perimeter shooter and genuinely highlighted the full arsenal throughout the weekend. He initiated offense, set up others, worked inside the paint or around the perimeter, took defenders off the dribble, blocked an abundance of shots, and rebounded very well on both ends of the floor. Harris showcased a game with no real weaknesses (which is something we’ve come accustomed to) and stood out as a leader on either side of the ball. Additionally, he possesses a lengthy, wiry frame that should only continue to add muscle over the coming years. For those still expressing concerns about Harris, it’s time to embrace reality and appreciate the abilities of the 6-foot-7 wing/forward.
6’3 ’22 Silas Demary Jr. (Raleigh’s Finest)
While the previous two names have been somewhat regular at Phenom Hoops’ events, Silas Demary Jr. is somewhat of a new face. Though he’s already a noted prospect and previously attended our camp, this setting really allowed for his dominance and consistency as a leader to shine. To call Demary the breakout prospect of the event would be somewhat of an understatement; he was that impressive. He’s long, intelligent, and highlights a complete skillset on either end of the floor. Demary was the clear leader of this talented group, and highlighted an incredible balance between scoring and playmaking throughout the weekend. He runs a team with poise and precision but can also easily slide into an off-ball role and still make a lasting impact in all facets of the game. Demary showed flashes of being unstoppable in transition while maintaining unselfishness and hunting for the smartest available play. He utilizes his length well to intercept passing lanes and force turnovers. Demary is also a quality rebounder with capable full-court vision. It’s only a matter of time before he blows up and becomes a priority amongst Division I coaches, but that moment could be even sooner than originally anticipated.
6’9 ’21 Joseph Ferrante (QCAA)
Earlier in the season, we dubbed Joseph Ferrante one of the more obvious prospects due for a rise in our rankings. That being said, he certainly didn’t disappoint at the Queen City Showcase. Ferrante furthered the notion that he’s a definite Division I prospect with size, touch, and inside-out capabilities. He’s excellent around the basket and consistently demands a double-team out of the post, which makes him quite difficult for majority of opposing teams to contain. The southpaw can finish with skill, craftiness, or through contact, but also displays great passing instincts. Ferrante moves well for his size and actively looks to mix it up between the post and perimeter, which makes him quite malleable to play alongside a variety of frontcourt pairings. He has a big, sturdy frame and utilizes it well to absorb contact and position himself effectively for rebounds or post-ups. Ferrante runs the floor properly in transition and rarely, if ever, shows lapses in judgment. Although he suffered an injury, Ferrante still put forth one terrific showing after another this past weekend. He’s going to become a hot commodity, as it’s only a matter of time before college coaches start really appreciating his abilities.
5’11 ’23 Trey Green (Team Charlotte)
The Team Charlotte program is certainly home to some of the top talent within the Carolinas, and Trey Green has been as impressive as anyone on display. He’s an extremely intelligent floor general with one of the highest basketball IQs across the entire state, which allows him to effortlessly lead and dictate the action. Green is a terrific three-point shooter with great vision, craftiness, and ball-handling skills. He showcased the ability to run a team with poise or operate as a lethal off-ball threat playing alongside other primary ball-handlers. Green possesses a very savvy, sophisticated approach on both ends of the floor and simply sees the game a few steps ahead of most players. He’s a great defender with quickness, positioning, and impressive first-step anticipation. While there might be other point guards in North Carolina’s Class of 2023 with more appealing physical attributes, Green remains very unique and can go toe-to-toe with anyone in that grouping. It’s early, but coaches would be wise to start laying groundwork immediately since Green will likely become a Division I priority sooner than later.