Phenom Hoops continued their travel around North Carolina for the Open Gym Tour, then making a late-night stop at Carmel Christian. The Cougars had a special year last season but came up just short in their quest for a state championship. But Carmel is back on the court and ready for another chance to make a championship run.
2022 6’7 Cade Tyson will be looked at as one of the senior leaders this season, using his size, his IQ, and ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from all levels. And he has only gotten stronger with his game, which will make him a touch matchup each night. 2022 Logan Threatt is a very nice addition to the program, giving Carmel a speedster in the open floor, a vocal leader, and a scorer on the floor.
Going along with the size, 2022 6’8 Luke Krawczyk has continued his stellar play this summer and is looking to do the same this season. He looks more fluid and is becoming an even bigger threat with his ability to stretch the floor, his mobility, and still getting stronger to battle down low. 2023 6’9 Kaleb Siler is going to be another big presence carving out space in the paint and making a living on the boards. Siler has the size to be a monster down low and great hands/touch that will give this team a nice balance.
2022 6’4 Nyles Howard and brother 2025 Ian Howard come into the program as well, with Nyes bringing size and another point guard-type prospect that will allow this team to run different sets and different personnel on the court. Nyles does a nice job in seeing the floor, using his size to his advantage, and getting to the basket or creating for others.
2022 Kyle Bean is going to be counted on for this team, as he understands the system, is a smart player on the court, can defend, and really stretch the floor with his outside shooting. His senior leadership will be a nice plus to the team. The same could be said for 2022 6’2 Santana Smith and 2022 Julian Arias. Smith is a smart guard that gets after it defensively, really being a nuisance for opponents but also stepping up and hitting shots. Arias, who wasn’t in action due to soccer, is another guard that has a smart feel to his game, competes on both ends, and is a guard that can make plays for himself and for others. All three seniors will play big parts for Carmel this season.
Lastly, you have players like 2024 Jackson Burnham, Ben Burnham’s younger brother, 2023 Boston Smith, and 2023 Jordan Mike, all of which could help give this team more depth and help this team come in waves. The Cougars have the talent and the coaching staff that certainly should have them in the picture for another run once again.