This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to various different locations for the June Live Period. Between the talent in Advance and Greensboro, there was plenty of buzz about the NCHSAA and NCISAA competition throughout the weekend. Although the public-school event was at capacity for most of the weekend, Greensboro Day School (as expected) hosted an extremely entertaining three-day slate of games for the private school sector. These events typically serve as tune-up periods more than anything else. There were plenty of notable takeaways, but no team has ever been handed a state championship trophy in June. Numerous squads stood out—like The Burlington School. Let’s take a closer look at their roster…
Although this roster is extremely balanced, it would be impossible to ignore the manner in which 6’2 ’24 Zion Walker sets the tone. Already committed to Mount Saint Mary’s, Walker has always excelled as a strong, physical downhill guard with crafty finishing ability, defensive prowess, and a reliable perimeter jumper. However, it’s easy to see how much he’s developed as a playmaker and off-ball threat throughout the years. Walker is a polished scorer, but likely won’t need to carry such a heavy offensive burden this season. He’s ultimately going to take this group as far as they can go. That being said, 6’2 ’25 Cam Flippen provides this group with another smart, tough, well-rounded guard presence. His calm demeanor, steady identity, and natural ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor should make him an appealing target for a variety of college programs. Whether running the team, playing without the ball, or doing the little things, Flippen brings obvious value. Rounding out this group, 6’4 ’27 King Gibson is already shining as one of the top young players in the state. He’s long, skilled, and explosive with an understanding of how to make his presence felt within the flow of the action. Gibson can reliably create his own shot, cut without the ball, and make plays in transition. He should only continue to get better and better over the foreseeable future.
It’s somewhat uncommon for most programs to have two scholarship-level big men, but the Spartans have a notable duo in 6’8 ’24 Ty Outlaw and 6’8 ’25 Kaden Hammond. In all honesty, Outlaw might’ve progressed as much as anyone on this roster over the last calendar year. He’s always been big, strong, and physically imposing, but it’s clear that his feel, mentality, and overall skillset have improved. Outlaw utilizes his body really well around the basket, both as a rebounder and finisher through contact, and blocks shots at a healthy rate defensively. His stock continues to trend upward—and it feels like various programs will start extending offers soon. Meanwhile, Hammond stands out as a highly appealing prospect in his own regard. He provides an excellent combination of IQ, strength, touch, footwork, and communication on both ends of the floor. Hammond is quietly one of the best passers and shooters among big men in North Carolina. He runs the two-man game exceptionally well as a screener, makes smart decisions in read-and-react situations, and can be featured in a variety of different roles. It’s surprising that more schools haven’t decided to offer (especially given how he’s improved his body and athleticism), but that’s guaranteed to change within the coming months.
Though the Spartans have been impressive in June, it’s worth noting that 6’7 ’24 Josh Randolph and 6’4 ’24 Jordan Durham are currently sidelined with injuries. Randolph will provide a much-needed shooting presence with length, athleticism, and a useful off-ball presence. On the other hand, Durham is a well-rounded utility player who simply finds ways to impact the game. Both guys bring a lot of value, so one would assume that this group will only continue to blossom. Additionally, 6’4 ’25 Devin Sims has been a fairly seamless addition to the roster. He’s a hyper-explosive wing with a strong body, high motor, and rugged approach. Sims is tough and consistently excels in transition. Expect each of these three to play vital roles.
The first grouping should absorb most of the available backcourt minutes, but guys like 5’10 ’25 Kendall Hooker and 5’10 ’27 Asante Philip should also provide useful energy off the bench. Hooker has been previously battle-tested but should provide toughness, unselfishness, and a scrappy defensive nature. Similarly, Philip is a low-maintenance guard who should steadily progress during his time with this group. Both guys should contribute.