By: Cooper Hart
Seth Cullen (Flight 22 Prep)
Seth is a 6’6” Wing/Forward that has a strong frame and quick feet. He was impressive today on the defensive side of the ball where he was constantly switching onto bigger and smaller players, allowing him to eliminate advantages all over the court. I like that he plays containment defense as he rarely gambles for steals and is good at keeping his man out of the paint and forces pass outs or tough 2-point attempts. Seth used his size to rebound well and his developed ball skills allow him to start the break by himself, which he did quite often. He’s a great open court passer as well as a downhill driver. Both of those traits proved tough to stop in transition as he was able to make plays there all day long.
Carson Daniel (Central Cabarrus)
Carson is part of a fantastic system that plays an aggressive, swarming style on defense and an unselfish, read-based style on offense. Carson excels on both sides of the ball as he plays defense with his feet and keeps opponents in front of him. He has great defensive instincts and uses his hands well to create turnovers and be generally disruptive. Offensively, he is crafty in getting into the paint and almost always makes the right read to either finish at the rim or kick out to a shooter. He is one of the best decision-makers I’ve seen in my short time with Phenom Hoops, and he makes accurate passes while jumping and/or off balance. Between him, his brother Chase, and Jaiden Thompson, Central Cabarrus has one of the best backcourts in the state, regardless of division.
Dane Cassada (Calvary Day)
2026 Dane Cassada is a strong and smart guard for a well-rounded Calvary Day team. He has a mature frame and a knockdown jump shot that makes him a very difficult off-ball assignment. Dane showed off an improved handle that he used to start fastbreaks and operate offense in the half court. He impressed a lot with his ability to create for others as well. As a freshman this year Dane will be an important piece for a competitive Calvary Day squad.
Zion Walker (The Burlington School)
2024 Zion Walker stood out today as the point guard for TBS. He has quick feet and uses that to keep guards in front of him, even when picking up full court. His strong frame also allows him to absorb contact and contest shots in the post and at the rim. This fall, he has usually operated off the ball and took on more of a scoring role from the wing. Today however, Zion was the lead guard, running the offense and setting up his teammates, while still doing the other stuff that makes him the player that he is. He doesn’t let defenses speed him up and he makes pressure decisions with poise and confidence. His projection to the next level is as a two-way lead guard and today he looked the part.
Mikhail Pocknett (Flight 22 Prep)
Mikhail is a big, strong wing that is impossible to stop downhill. He is built like a running back and attacks the basket like one. He finishes well at the basket and on the offensive glass while also being a more than willing passer when his shot isn’t there. Mikhail is also one of the better defenders I’ve seen in Eastern NC. He uses his strength to eliminate space on the ball and keep his man out of the paint. I was also impressed with his intensity on defense as he often gives second, third, and even fourth efforts on that end. His willingness to fly around on defense can make up for a teammate’s missed rotation, which I’ve found to be a rare trait.
Tyheim Love (Moravian Prep PG)
Tyheim is a lanky lead guard that generates paint touches and limits turnovers. He is a good finisher at the rim and can use craft or strength to score. He stood out to me today as a creator by creating advantages, attacking closeouts, and reading the back line of the defense. He showed off an adaptable offensive game as he shined playing multiple different roles across his two games. As a primary shot creator, he showed off the ability to hit shots off the dribble and off the catch and as a primary playmaker he showed off his decision making and passing. He has a translatable skill set that should allow him to contribute quickly at the next level.