This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Rise Indoor Sports for our annual Hardwood Classic. The two-day slate featured a healthy mix of talent across all divisions, both boys and girls, and provided us with a lot of intriguing prospects to watch. Like normal, we will take a closer look at some notable standouts from the event…
5’8 ’28 O’Brian Lowery Jr. (CP3 EYCL)
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to know that OB Lowery has rapidly become one of my favorite players to watch during the first few months of the travel ball season. Between his slight frame and lack of size, Lowery can easily be overlooked. However, actually watching him perform proves that he’s an incredibly dynamic, polished player. Lowery is a legitimate offensive weapon whose IQ, craftiness, and refined creation skills make him a nightmare for opponents to contain. His quickness and tight handle allow him to effortlessly break down opponents to generate whatever shot he wants. Lowery truly scores in every way possible. He’s a knockdown shooting threat who forces opponents to stay attached at all times, both with and without the ball. The only thing defenders can do when Lowery gets off clean looks is hope he misses. Although Lowery can fill it up from distance (including off the catch, bounce, and movement), he still applies nonstop pressure as a penetrator and midrange threat. Additionally, he possesses a sharp understanding of how to change speeds to generate open looks for himself and others. Lowery is also a quality playmaker and scrappy defender with great anticipation instincts. It’s just impossible to ignore everything he showcases as an offensive focal point. For what it’s worth, he hit the game-tying three to force overtime and then converted the game-winning three a few possessions later. Lowery is among the many enjoyable pieces on this CP3 EYCL roster.
6’2 ’27 Jazir Wright-McGhee (Warriors Life Elite)
This Warriors Life Elite group certainly didn’t disappoint. They were utterly dominant en route to the championship contest, and Jazir Wight-McGhee was a massive reason why. Although their collective IQ, toughness, and chemistry were evident, Wright-McGhee shined as a leader whenever necessary. He’s a true all-around player with no glaring weaknesses in his game on either side of the ball. Wright-McGhee controls the action as the main creator while getting others involved and picking his spots from all levels. He touched the paint whenever he wanted and consistently made the right read, but also hit perimeter jumpers at a quality percentage. Wright-McGhee displays terrific pace and knows how to consistently generate clean looks off the bounce. Add in his reliable rebounding, rugged defensive presence, and generally calm demeanor, and it’s easy to see everything he brings to a team. Already a definite scholarship-level player, it’ll be exciting to watch his stock rise going forward.
6’0 ’28 Eddie Cota (Cota Elite)
There are a lot of notable freshman guards throughout North Carolina, and Eddie Cota clearly has the talent to be mentioned with the very best. He played up multiple age groups with Cota Elite and was undoubtedly their best player in every contest. Cota has a terrific handle with the ball on a string and the craftiness to really cause problems for defenders. His pace and sharp change of direction allow him to break down opponents with relative ease. Cota displayed great vision as a passer and polish as a three-level scorer. He mixed it up well to apply pressure from all levels while setting up others and finding opportunities as a cutter or spot-up threat. However, Cota is simply at his best when dictating the action with the ball in his hands. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, but it’s easy to see how his overall game and on-court demeanor have improved over the last calendar year. Should he remain on his current trajectory, Cota has the chance to be a high-level player.
6’2 ’26 Judah King (Top Shot)
The Hardwood Classic afforded us the opportunity to see the older Top Shot squads, and Judah King visibly stood out with his all-around production and leadership. He sets the tone in a very straightforward manner on both ends of the floor. King is a smart, steady leader by example who knows how to run a team, play without the ball, and make a consistent impact defensively. He reliably initiated the offense while actively applying pressure at the rim and mixing in jumpers along the perimeter. King is simply a reliable two-way guard who impacts the game in virtually every role. Although he’s made clear improvements as a focal point, his adaptable game can be useful in all types of situations. Expect King to continue trending upward, both with this group and going into his senior season, and attract scholarship-level programs.
6’6 ’26 Trey Jones (SW15H Elite)
After losing most of the last twelve months due to injury, Trey Jones could potentially see his recruitment skyrocket this summer. The appeal should be fairly obvious as a 6-foot-6 wing shooter with size, feel, and ball skills. Jones is a low-maintenance piece who can always find value as a spot-up option, but has also shown the ability to do more when needed. He’s a willing passer and capable initiator. Jones moves well without the ball to find open seams, yet looks to attack closeouts and finish whenever available. He’s a quality athlete with great length and an appealing frame. Jones is a solid defender who still has clear upside on that end of the floor. He rebounds his position well and understands how to get to his spots in transition. Jones should already have the attention of various programs but it’ll be interesting to see how many offers he accumulates over these next few months.