This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center for our annual Memorial Day Classic. The event featured a ton of noteworthy teams and players, and quality competition could be found at every turn. As usual, this article will highlight a group of five personal favorites from the three-day stretch…
6’7 ’26 Cole Cloer (Team CP3)
It’s typically uncommon to see an elite prospect continue to make high-level strides after their ascension into stardom, but that appears to be exactly the case with Cole Cloer. Not only has he grown taller, stronger, and more explosive, but the 6-foot-7 wing seems to expand his skillset at a rapid rate. Cloer is a knockdown shooter with picturesque mechanics, legitimate thirty-foot range, and the ability to hit highly difficult jumpers off the catch or bounce. He displays a crafty creation sense and handles the ball extremely well for his size. Cloer can truly get any shot he wants on the floor, yet still displays a very methodical, unselfish approach. He scores with frequency, efficiency, and mixes it up at a healthy rate from all three levels. Cloer’s IQ and offensive versatility cause a constant flow of problems for opponents. His passing and shot-making alone will regularly leave spectators in awe. That being said, Cloer’s newfound explosiveness quietly makes him one of the most exciting players across North Carolina. Right now, he’s playing well above the rim and showing no mercy to contesting defenders. While his crafty moves below the basket are still evident, Cloer doesn’t hesitate to rise up on whatever victim is waiting. Though his vertical athleticism is notable, it’s clear that he’s also gotten faster and quicker. Add in his defensive instincts, involvement as a rebounder, and transition ability, and it’s difficult to envision a scenario where Cloer isn’t a high-major player.
6’6 ’27 Josh Leonard (Upward Stars)
Every so often, a prospect will come through one of these shoe-circuit organizations and immediately turn heads at an early age—and that accurately describes Josh Leonard. Despite playing up an age group, he’s usually the best player on the floor. While it’s easy to see that he already possesses all the necessary physical tools (size, length, fluidity, and a strong frame), Leonard’s IQ and blossoming skillset are arguably his most impressive traits. He’s already comfortable at running the offense or generating shots for himself and others with the ball in his hands, but also makes an impact as an off-ball threat. Leonard is a smart, athletic, all-around wing/forward with versatility on both ends of the floor. He’s strong and tough enough to consistently play through contact as a finisher, rebounder, and interior defender. Leonard provides a unique sense of comfort when crashing the glass and pushing the break in transition, as if making the right read or decision was already a foregone conclusion. He’s a natural leader, both by example and through his production. He finishes well, both above and below the rim, and shoots the ball at a quality percentage from midrange and beyond the arc. National media outlets would be wise to take note early, as Leonard is already displaying the makings of a special prospect.
6’3 ’26 Jack Siegel (CC Elite)
The CC Elite program has seen a ton of talented players come through its doors over the years, and it seems like Jack Siegel will be among the next wave of notable prospects. Though somewhat unassuming at first glance, it doesn’t take long to realize that Siegel is a really impressive player. His combination of IQ, poise, and all-around skillset makes him a legitimate problem for opponents. At 6-foot-3, Siegel comfortably controls the action as a primary ball-handler with vision, unselfishness, and three-level scoring prowess. He’s a lethal shooter with craftiness as a finisher and in-between scorer (runners, floaters, etc.). Although Siegel can find success without requiring the ball in his hands, he’s arguably at his best when given freedom to operate as the main decision-maker. He’s also probably tougher and more athletic than initially meets the eye (though opponents tend to quickly notice his capabilities). Siegel rebounds effectively for his size, positions himself well defensively, and makes hustle plays as needed. Furthermore, his pace, patience, communication, and calm demeanor allow him to stand out as a leader on both ends of the floor. It’s early, but coaches should start getting familiar with Siegel sooner than later.
6’4 ’25 Jordan Watford (Upward Stars)
Though he’s been a staple in the program for a while, it feels like Jordan Watford has only gotten better and better. He’s long, athletic, and provides a pretty well-rounded skillset. Watford is one of the best penetrating wings you’ll find, given his ability to get to the rim and finish basically whenever he wants. He utilizes his blend of length, strength, and crafty array of moves to apply constant pressure at the basket. Watford handles the ball well for his size, makes smart passes, and plays very well through contact. He also causes problems with his versatile defensive presence. Watford can defend smaller or bigger opponents while rebounding like a big on both ends of the floor. He’s a tough, well-rounded athlete who battles for extra opportunities and willingly makes hustle plays whenever possible. Watford naturally impacts the game on both ends of the floor, but still has considerable upside remaining. College coaches should already be extending offers, but expect him to truly blow up as his perimeter shooting progresses.
6’9 ’25 Trent Steinour (Team Curry)
Despite Team Curry facing some ups and downs as a group, it was easy to be impressed with how much Steinour has developed. Though his archetype remains the same, he’s clearly gotten more athletic and aggressive while adding clear strength to his frame. Between his post presence, two-man game, and floor-spacing ability, there’s already a lot to like about his offensive skillset. Steinour battled hard for post position and made decisive moves on the block, where he was able to finish through contact or above the rim. He moves extremely well for his size, displays a high motor on the glass, and alters shots well defensively. Steinour has progressed at a rapid rate, but his remaining upside is still quite obvious as a skilled, athletic two-way post player with timing and fluidity. It’s easy to see why various Division I programs have already gotten involved, but folks should expect his recruitment to continue trending upward over the foreseeable future.