2025 Jaylen Cross and 2026 Yohance Connor shine in Day 2 thriller
What a game it was between Combine Academy and Caldwell Academy, as if you like an offensive game, you got that with this one. Combine was able to secure the impressive 90-76 victory, with both teams trading blows. But 2025 Jaylen Cross and 2026 Yohance Connor may have had the best two performances of the day, with Cross finishing with 31 points and Connor going for 28 points. Cross was able to do it all, showing tremendous athleticism, playing with big-time energy, scoring at the rim and through contact, creating for himself, and being an effective option defensively; and all this was done in front of the Charlotte staff. Connor was also impressive for Combine, showing how his game has elevated and how he can be an effective three level scorer. He knocked down threes consistently throughout, was off the charts off the dribble, and brought excitement with his athleticism.
Davidson Day and Christ School make strong statements
Two other teams that made a statement on Day 2 were Davidson Day and Christ School, with Davidson Day taking down Millbrook in impressive fashion and Christ School clamping down on Carmel Christian. Davidson Day continues to show just how dangerous they can be with the balanced attack; they have plenty of options that can step up on any given night along with a clear leader in 2025 Isaiah Denis. Christ School also impressed once again; not only do they have a balanced offense with plenty of options, but they get it done on the defensive end as well. Both these teams made it clear that they have the pieces for another state title.
Elijah Mobley comes back home and earns Springdale Prep a win
Springdale Prep was a new team on the block for us at Phenom Hoops, as they hit the road and traveled down to North Carolina for a matchup against Charlotte Performance Institute. They brought some intriguing talent and certainly some size to the court, but they also brought a familiar face back to North Carolina in 2025 Elijah Mobley. He 6’3 guard stepped up and lead the charge in an overtime thriller, finishing with 24 points, attacking off the bounce, getting to the rim, and finding ways to get to the line. He stepped up big being back in NC.
Guard play leads to wins for Gaston Christian and Victory Christian
Two 2026 guards here in North Carolina that could certainly find their ways in playing at the next level were 2026 Cameron Newman for Gaston Christian and 2026 Justyn Whitfield. And both really stepped up big in leading their teams to hard-fought victories. Newman continues to be a strong point guard and leader on the court but also excels in being an offensive scoring threat, creating for himself, and being crafty with his handles. Whitfield is one that can hurt you with his perimeter game, showing a ton of confidence from deep along with being a playmaker for himself and others on the court. Both finished with over 20 points in their games to help secure victories.