What a weekend of basketball it was for Phenom Hoops. Not only did we continue our weekend coverage and platform with the HoopState League but we also had a great opportunity to head down to South Carolina to check out talent from around the region at the Upward Combine. Players from North and South Carolina were in attendance, as we were able to get a few updated viewings of players but also learn some new ones as well. We now look at a few incoming freshmen that impressed.
2026 Elton James (Legion Collegiate): James is going to be a name you hear a lot in the coming years. For someone at his age, there is a lot to like about his game. Quickly, he looks the part when he is standing a 6’6 and you see how well he moves around the court. James has a tremendous skill set that seems to come naturally his way; whether it was running the floor in transition, finishing at or around the basket, attacking the boards, and his ability to operate from inside and out, James shows the early flashes. Really liked his touch and ability to operate on the court, but it seems like he is just scratching the surface of what he could be in the end.
2026 Korie Corbett (Ridgeview): Corbett is a player that catches your attention with his sturdy 6’6 frame at the combine and when watching him more, you can see that he should be a name you hear a lot more about down the road. Corbett brings a physical frame that allows him to operate in a variety of ways and make his impact felt. He can finish tough through contact, help on the boards, step out and be effective from the perimeter, and also make plays off the dribble. At the combine, you can see that he is capable of being a versatile defender and play multiple positions with his size, and that he has tremendous potential as he continues to develop with his overall game.
2026 Ja’Quell Brown (Goose Creek): Brown was a name that we saw at the South Carolina Live Period and we were really impressed. A few months later, one can see that he has continued to put in the work, is getting better, and has a high IQ for the game at his age. Brown can be an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands, displaying a great feel and craft in creating for himself, his change of speed and direction, and finding ways to score the ball in a variety of ways. Just has a natural feel with the ball in his hands and I believe he is going to be a name you hear a lot more in the coming years.
2026 Elton Smith Jr. (Cardinal Newman): Smith is a name that we have mentioned for a few years now and still just a freshman, you have to see the upside in his game and what he might be at the end. He already brings great size at 6’6, is fluid and mobile on the court, can operate down in the post but has the early skillset to step outside, put on the deck and create, and finish with touch. Already possessing a good frame as a freshman, it will be interesting to see how much more he grows and develops. But he checks off the boxes early with his footwork, his skill set, and his feel as a versatile big man.
2026 Broderick Anderson (Keenan): Anderson looks to be another player to start looking at with Keenan, and he had some good highlights at the combine. Standing at 6’4 already, Anderson showed nice poise and feel to his game, not being sped up, making smart decisions, and showing that he has nice touch around the basket but also can step out with a smooth feel. The wing prospect was really able to spotlight his diverse impact on the court and played with tremendous confidence. He will be a name to watch out for.
2026 Ian Leverette (Midland Valley): Leverette is a new name that I stumbled upon, but I liked what I saw out of the young guard. Leverette is a crafty guard with the ball in his hands, showing his change of speed and direction, creating for himself, and also finding his teammates well. He has a scrappy feel to his game, competing and understanding how to be vocal on the defensive end, but also can be dynamic with the ball in his hands. Did a great job in creating off the dribble, getting opponents off-balanced and creating opportunities.
2026 Lance Barnes (Catawba Ridge): Barnes is yet another player that you will want to start learning about now before it is too late. Barnes is one that we had a chance to watch before and continue to be impressed with his feel for the game at his age. He is a 6’1 guard that has a smooth feel, plays under control, and has an advanced feel for the game. He continues to show his ability to make plays and read the defense, making smart decisions on the court while also showing his ability to score well. Really like his progress he continues to make and should be a name to monitor more.