Phenom Hoops welcomed in Springdale Prep last week at the #PhenomTipOff, a new team for us to check out and see what kind of talent they would be bringing to the table. In a tight overtime game in which they were able to secure the win, there were a few players that caught our attention from the team, as we dived into a bit more of what we saw.
2025 6’3 Elijah Mobley
Mobley is a familiar face here in North Carolina but is now suiting up for Springdale Prep. But he made a statement back at home in leading his team to an OT victory with 24 points. Mobley has good size and a good feel for the game, excelling and creating off the dribble, finding ways to get to the line consistently, and being a constant scoring presence on the court. He had an excellent game to lead the way and also to welcome him back home.
2025 6’11 Tong Makuach
A new name for us at Phenom Hoops but Makuach could garner more attention from what we saw. A true 6’11 big man showcased his ability to be an option around the basket, finishing with touch, and attacking the rim, but also using his size well on the boards, recording a double-double at the Phenom Tip-Off with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Makuach had good timing, played with energy, and just made his presence felt.
2025 6’9 Bolis Thet
Thet as size that you have to like and shows the capability of stretching the floor with his shot-making ability from mid-range and from behind the arc. But he also ran the floor well, ran in transition well, and finished at the rim on multiple occasions. He did a great job in being active on both sides of the court, and was able to make his presence felt in an array of ways.
2026 5’10 Amonte Johnson
Johnson was one that I really enjoyed watching, the 5’10 guard played with grit and toughness, had a terrific motor on both sides of the ball, put his body on the line to make plays for his teammates, and was a true playmaker. His energy and motor was contagious, and he is one of those players a college coach would love to have, as he looked willing to do what it takes to help secure a win.
2026 6’5 Larry Duncan
Duncan was another interesting prospect, part of the Class of 2026. He checks the boxes when you look at him with his positional size, and then shows some flashes of his game. Duncan is able to open up the floor with his shot-making and range, getting to his spots well and knocking down shots behind the arc but also displays bounce off the dribble and finishing at the rim in transition.