This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for our March Madness event. There were a slew of notable teams and prospects on display throughout the two-day stretch, making for great competition and overall entertainment. While plenty of the attention was centered around the showcase games and various notable programs, takeaways were evident from all age groups. Let’s take a closer look at some personal favorites from the event…
6’4 ’24 Bishop Boswell (Team CP3)
It pretty much goes without saying, but Team CP3 always puts forth one of the most talented rosters in the state. In doing so, some players can be slightly overlooked by the general masses—and Bishop Boswell is simply too impressive for folks to brush aside. The team is quite balanced and has various different x-factors on a game-to-game basis, but Boswell always seems to stand out as the glue keeping everything intact. Possibly the most adaptable piece on the team, he truly does whatever the team needs at any given time. Boswell looks to make the right play, and does so with unwavering consistency. He’s smart, athletic, and runs the team effectively as the primary ball-handler. Boswell is excellent at getting downhill and finishing or making the consequent pass. His defensive presence is menacing, and his blend of size and motor allow him to make a constant impact on the glass. Boswell plays the passing lanes well, forces turnovers at a strong rate, and excels in the open floor. Additionally, he’s shown prolonged consistency from three-point territory and has no real weaknesses on either side of the ball. His all-around skillset paired with his natural leadership makes him an undeniably valuable piece, and someone Division I coaches should pursue with more haste.
5’10 ’24 Carson Daniel (BSA Supreme)
Although we recently wrote a feature on BSA Supreme, Carson Daniel is simply deserving of more attention following his impressive weekend. We don’t intend to overexplain the situation, but Daniel is clearly a major part of what makes this group so special. As the point guard, he consistently sets the tone on both ends of the floor. Daniel is a brilliant playmaker who purposefully and deliberately looks to create opportunities for others. He can and will score as needed, but really shows minimal (if any) desire to do so. Instead, Daniel focuses on being an incredible pest defensively by mirroring opposing guards, forcing turnovers at a nonstop rate, and making one intelligent decision after another in the open floor. It’s difficult to overstate how impressive his defensive presence is, specifically due to his skinny frame. Still, Daniel’s blend of quickness, toughness, physicality, and sheer instincts make him an absolute nightmare for opponents at the point of attack. His harassing nature is unreal. Daniel rarely allows opponents any margin for error, and pounces at the perfect time to outsmart ball-handlers. Furthermore, he’s among the most unselfish, creative floor generals in the state. Daniel continues to be a name worth noting for college coaches.
6’3 ’24 DJ Boyce (Team Hope)
Given the gradual shift in its value, three-point shooting will always be prioritized in the highest regard—which works out perfectly for a noteworthy marksman like DJ Boyce. Generally speaking, feels like not enough folks are talking about his status and overall identity with this Team Hope squad. While Boyce has certainly been a standout and showcased his premier spot-up ability, a lot of his appeal comes directly through being a very useful, low-maintenance piece within any context. He’s a capable creator and initiator who truly doesn’t require the ball to make an impact. Even without offensive touches, the threat of Boyce’s shooting forces opponents to stay attached at all times—which merely opens up more opportunities for everyone else on the floor. He’s a smart off-ball threat who moves well as a cutter and understands how to put himself in scoring positions. Boyce is also able to attack closeouts and finish or make passes to open teammates. He’s already worthy of attention from scholarship-level programs, but should only continue to trend upward going forward.
6’6 ’27 Taj Saragba (Team CP3)
Easily the youngest prospect on this list, Taj Saragba is absolutely a name worth remembering over the foreseeable future. For a rising eighth-grader, his size stands out upon the initial glance. However, the intrigue only continues to heighten upon seeing his feel, polish, and how well he moves as a young post prospect. Guys this young typically have some sort of glaring weakness, whether from a lack of skill, maturity, or something in-between, but Saragba doesn’t appear to have any of those issues. He legitimately possesses the full toolkit as a long, strong 6-foot-6 interior piece with touch, toughness, and flashes of perimeter ability. It’s really difficult to envision a scenario where he doesn’t put up video game-like numbers during his next middle school season. Honestly, Saragba could be a strong contributor for a variety of high schools if presented with the opportunity. It’s still early, but he’s definitely someone folks across North Carolina should start getting to know. Should he maintain his current trajectory, Saragba will be a special prospect.
6’0 ’24 Jasean Williams (Team DWill)
This final entry was somewhat difficult, since various guys could’ve been chosen from this balanced Team DWill roster. However, Jasean Williams consistently stood out as a leader for this group—both through production and by example. He’s a smart, unselfish, well-rounded point guard prospect with a great balance between scoring and playmaking. Williams looks to create for others whenever possible but actively takes advantage of scoring opportunities from all three levels. He’s a great teammate who communicates, battles on both ends of the floor, and makes the right play at a consistent rate. Williams is equally reliable in the half-court and open floor, and forces turnovers at a nice volume. He can create effectively off the bounce, knock down jumpers, or finish through contact around the basket. Given his progression, Williams could definitely be due for a breakout season.