On Tuesday afternoon, Phenom Hoops stopped by Green Level High School in Cary to check out the reigning SWAC champion Gators. Along with their SWAC regular season championship, they’re coming off a 29-2 record (the best in school history) and a run to the fourth round of the playoffs. They return three starters and their top two scorers.
6’9” 2025 Isaac Ericksen (Illinois State)
Ericksen, an Illinois State commit, is the school’s first and only 1,000 point scorer and has a realistic shot at crossing the 2,000 point mark by the end of this coming season. He continues to make improvements as an outside shooter, jumping from 27% from deep as a freshman to 29% as a sophomore and 35% as a junior. He’s made visible strides in his strength and athleticism, something that should make the transition from Green Level to Illinois State much smoother. His inside-out presence and ability to score at all three levels will put him squarely in contention for a wide array of postseason awards this year.
6’4” 2025 Izzy Eatman
Eatman is one of the most under-appreciated prospects in NC’s 2025 class. He’s noticeably more comfortable with the ball in his hands and will have ample opportunities to showcase that part of his game with Tye Cain graduating this past summer. He has a good feel for the game, is crafty and creative in how he gets to his spots, and is a quick-twitch athlete. His production, physical tools, and projectable skill set should prove worthwhile when decision time comes.
6’6” 2026 Trevor Manhertz
Manhertz is slowly beginning to gain traction as one of the more intriguing prospects across the state, something Phenom Hoops has been predicting for over a year now. He continues to improve as a shooter as he’s now getting his release point higher and getting his shot off quicker. He’s showing more and more confidence, evidenced by the variety in his shot attempts. He’s a great passer in the open floor, displays awareness off the ball, and is still continuing to grow into his frame.
6’0” 2026 Garrett Midkiff
Midkiff has developed into one of the more reliable shooting threats in the area. He shot 39% from three this summer with SW15H Elite, up from the 33% he shot during his sophomore season. He understands his role, plays with a good motor, and is highly vocal on both ends of the floor. On top of his shooting, Midkiff should provide some ball handling relief in spurts this season, taking some pressure off of Eatman and Ericksen.
6’7” 2026 Tyson Miller
Miller is yet another member of this Green Level program who seems to just get better and better. He simply understands his role and how to be effective. He rebounds it well, keeps the ball high on post touches, and is rapidly improving his touch, both inside and out. Look for him to have a greatly increased role this year and provide rebounding, playmaking, and reliability from the big position.
6’5” 2025 Owen Taylor
Taylor showcased his well-rounded nature throughout the workout. He plays hard, attacks the glass, and is a reliable finisher around the rim. He understands his role and knows when and where to attack versus making the next pass. He should bring a wealth of experience and versatility to the rotation this season.
6’1” 2026 Andrew Schall
Schall stood out as a knockdown shooter who possessed confidence, great mechanics, and quality footwork. He understands how to move well without the ball and how to get open coming off of screens. He’s coming off of a productive JV season and should provide a healthy off-ball shooting presence to this rotation.