Over the past five days, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual Live Period at the Raleigh Convention Center. Between the 20 courts of action and over 200 teams on display, there were a lot of notable storylines and takeaways. Throughout the week, we will be highlighting a variety of different teams and individuals who are deserving of attention. Let’s first take a closer look at five prospects who stood out as personal favorites from the event…
5’10 ’25 MJ Williams (Team Trezz)
Every year, there are players who capture the attention of everyone in the gym. Sometimes it’s based on production and other times it’s the excitement they bring to a game. MJ Williams represents both of these sentiments. Since April, he’s been utterly dominant. His production, leadership, and ability to propel his team to win basketball games has never wavered. However, Williams somehow elevated his play to yet another level during this most recent five-day stretch. He’s incredibly comfortable at setting the tone as a focal point. Team Trezz had a slew of coaches in attendance for each game and, where some guys might shrink in the spotlight, Williams only got better as the crowd increased. He’s such a smart, poised ball-handler with craftiness and the ability to get by anyone in his path. Williams is so quick and slippery that he’s able to make sharp, decisive movements in tight spaces without even needing to process. Opponents are sending double-teams at him and he’s so impressive at evading any defensive pressure. Not only do defenders struggle to stay in front of him but his ability to rapidly read and break down the action leads to countless assists (especially in transition). Although Williams gets wherever he wants off the dribble and constantly makes intelligent decisions, he keeps his foot pressed to the pedal as a scorer. This team looks to him to burden a heavy offensive load, and he always delivers. Williams hit perimeter jumpers at an insanely high percentage (and volume) while actively getting to the rim and finishing. Defensively, he’s offered his usual amount of tenaciousness and suffocated opposing guards at a nonstop rate. Williams also rebounds extremely well for his size/position, makes hustle plays, and will literally do anything it takes to win (as evidenced by their perfect 7-0 record across the event). It’s genuinely shocking that he only holds two offers (Chowan and Mount Olive) at this current time, as Williams is the type of player that will be a massive difference-maker wherever he goes.
6’7 ’25 Jamie Brooks (Long Areas Elite)
Given the uptick in resources and social media, it’s become more and more difficult to find guys who are hidden gems. After getting our first viewing of Longs Area Elite, it’s clear that Jamie Brooks is set to be a desirable commodity for college coaches going forward. Seemingly every coach in the building inquired about him prior to his first game, and it’s easy to see why. Brooks certainly did not disappoint. It took about one minute into the contest to realize he’s a definite scholarship-level player with the combination of size, skill, motor, and athleticism to be an absolute terror for opponents. Brooks possesses terrific two-way instincts. Offensively, he did everything from posting up, dunking on opponents, spacing the floor, and making smart passes. Brooks was such a difficult matchup for opponents that he could’ve looked to score on literally every possession. He secures great position on the block and makes strong moves around the basket—finishing with either hand or above the rim. Brooks high motor allows him to outwork opponents and secure rebounds at a strong rate. He capitalizes on second-chance opportunities and appears comfortable attacking in transition or locating a guard and effectively filling the lane. Although his offensive game was noteworthy, Brooks was equally as impressive on defense. He blocks shots at a strong and displays the ability to contain several types of opponents. Brooks is comfortable switching onto perimeter players when necessary. Given everything he showcased throughout the weekend, expect him to see a visible uptick in his recruitment going forward.
6’4 ’25 Parker Evanson (Team Blessed)
There are always a few teams outside of North Carolina who attend our Live periods and generate buzz, and Team Blessed certainly fits the notion. Although we will take an in-depth look at their roster later this week, this excerpt will highlight Parker Evanson and his very strong showing across the event. Despite their overall balance as a group, it doesn’t take long to see that Evanson is a focal point. He’s an extremely polished, well-rounded guard who can absolutely fill it up offensively. Evanson regularly controlled the action while displaying a quality balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. He handles the ball with care, creates for himself and others, and makes smart decisions off the bounce. Evanson is a lethal shooter, both off the catch and dribble, who can consistently find opportunities with or without the ball in his hands. That being said, he also sees the floor well and understands how to make the extra pass. Evanson positions himself for success defensively and displays the ability to force turnovers at a quality rate. Add in his rebounding, transition presence, and general confidence to assert himself as a leader, and it’s easy to see him appealing to a variety of next-level programs.
6’2 ’25 Trevor Best (BrickSquad Monopoly)
Anyone who watched BrickSquad Monopoly throughout the weekend already understands how impactful Trevor Best was as a focal point for this group. For those who don’t know, Best is a tough, polished, athletic guard who can consistently fill it up. He scores the ball with pure ease while highlight a terrific blend of creation skills, perimeter jumpers, and momentum-shifting finishes. Best plays with a lot of moxie and doesn’t back down from any opponent. He’s a crafty ball-handler who generates clean looks for himself and others while applying nonstop pressure from all levels. Best aggressively attacks the basket and finishes with either hand, through contact, or above the rim. He hits jumpers from midrange and beyond the arc while regularly being able to disregard heavy defensive pressure. Best is a willing passer who knows how to collapse the defense and make reads as a playmaker. Defensively, he plays with an edge. Best displays a rugged, physical approach and knows how to outwork opponents for extra opportunities. He rebounds the ball well for his size and applies consistent pressure in transition. Expect Best to continue turning heads throughout his upcoming senior season.
6’3 ’25 Dermot Lowry (NC Spartans)
Although every prospect listed warranted a lot of attention from college coaches, Dermot Lowry arguably boosted his stock more than anyone on display. Despite having never played with any of his new teammates, Lowry was incredibly impactful. The team only had five to six players for each of their games, but it didn’t seem to matter. Lowry’s production was undeniable. Whether in a primary or complimentary role, he shined. Lowry shot the ball at a high percentage, attacked closeouts whenever available, and consistently made smart decisions. His smooth, all-around offensive game proved to be a seamless addition to this group. Lowry displayed a high IQ and adaptable nature. He’s also more athletic than opponents tend to think, as evidenced by their surprise when attempting to meet him at the rim. Lowry creates well off the bounce, displays craftiness as a finisher, and understands when to defer versus take advantage of open looks. Furthermore, he’s a scrappy defender with motor and toughness. Lowry entered the event with multiple college opportunities, but he should expect to see an influx of new schools getting involved over the coming weeks.