This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for another exciting three-day stretch of basketball. Between the competition, atmosphere, and overall talent, it was easy to be engaged in the action. There were a ton of notable standouts across the event, and this article will take a closer look at five personal favorites…
6'7 '26 Cole Cloer (Team CP3)
Although his status as a high-level prospect has been widely known for quite a while, it's clear that Cole Cloer has taken yet another step toward stardom. At 6-foot-7, he's physically grown while maintaining his identity as a legitimate wing prospect. Cloer has gotten visibly stronger and more explosive, which is almost unfair given his overall skillset, and is capable of dominating games in a smooth, effortless manner. He handles the ball very well, especially for his size, and is capable of initiating the offense or creating opportunities for himself and others. Cloer scores the ball in basically every possible way. Whether cutting, spotting up, hitting three-pointers, accessing pull-ups within a few dribbles, or attacking the basket with force, pretty much any shot attempt is a quality look for him. Cloer also utilizes an array of jabs, ball fakes, and subtle movements to generate space or force defensive shifts. His IQ is evident in every possible area of the game. He's always been a solid athlete, but his increased athleticism has truly made him even more unstoppable. Cloer consistently finished way above the rim while highlighting defensive prowess, playmaking instincts, and advanced offensive ability. He possesses no glaring weaknesses. Already among the top prospects in the state regardless of class, expect Cloer to steadily garner attention from national outlets and various types of Division I programs.
6'2 '24 Grant Hamilton (CC Elite)
Anyone who has watched this group (or Weddington) over the last twelve months shouldn't be surprised to see Grant Hamilton continuing to shine. It feels necessary to always add in the fact that he's more than a shooter, simply because his incredible shooting prowess can allow folks to overlook his overall game at times. That being said, Hamilton is arguably the best shooter in North Carolina. He's a polished creator with IQ, vision, creation skills, three-level scoring polish, and an understanding of how to use his knockdown abilities to open up everything else. Hamilton received a copious amount of defensive pressure (including from some of the top defenders in the state) and his approach never wavered. He continued to stand out as a calm, poised leader and comfortably dictated the action for this group. Hamilton moves extremely well without the ball, especially in transition, to consistently expose holes in the opposing defense. It's amazing how every opponent focuses on him, yet he still finds ways to get open or generate clean looks off the bounce. Hamilton hit pull-ups, finished through contact, and applied nonstop pressure from beyond the arc. He's also very comfortable coming off movement from anywhere along the perimeter. Add in everything he provides as a defender, playmaker, and overall teammate, and it's only a matter of time before Hamilton becomes a next-level priority.
6'6 '24 Camden Edmonds (NC Spartans)
Although he was already a clear leader and focal point for this group, it feels like Camden Edmonds has only continued to elevate his game. At 6-foot-6 with length, feel, and craftiness, he's easily one of the most polished scorers in the state. While he's a useful playmaker and willing passer, Edmonds legitimately applies nonstop pressure as a three-level scorer. He has no difficulty getting whatever he wants offensively, but will often take whatever the opposition gives him. Edmonds reliably creates his own shot off the bounce, where he highlights an impressive array of pull-ups, finishing moves, and overall instincts through traffic. Due to his size, he's able to simply rise up (or finish) above the majority of contesting defenders. Edmonds is a solid all-around athlete with toughness and the ability to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. He also battles on the glass, poses a quality threat in transition, and always understands how to make his presence felt. Given everything he showcased throughout the weekend, folks should expect Edmonds to be a major target for various college programs.
6'8 '25 Dylan Clark (Team MVL)
After seeing him from two years ago to the current day, Dylan Clark has arguably progressed as much as anyone over that span. Though his development has been steady, it's genuinely crazy to think that he's the same kid who attended camp. Clark has blossomed into a tough, athletic, high-motor big man with strength and a straightforward approach. He displays excellent rebounding instincts, defensive ability, and a low-maintenance identity on both ends of the floor. Clark does a phenomenal job of protecting the paint, controlling the glass, running hard in transition, and capitalizing as a finisher'both through contact and above the rim. Not only has his motor increased, but his uptick in overall aggression has only made Clark more impressive and physically imposing. Although he's talented enough to contribute for pretty much any team in the state, playing with this group allows him to receive a ton of reps and naturally expand his two-way game in a simultaneous manner. Assuming he maintains his mentality and stays on his current trajectory, Clark should turn a lot of heads over these next two years. College coaches would be wise to start monitoring immediately.
6'8 '25 Isaac Ericksen (Sw15h Elite)
Despite being a newly formed program, Sw15h Elite is already one of the more entertaining squads to watch'and Isaac Ericksen is a massive reason why. He appears to have gotten taller while also clearly adding strength and athleticism over the recent months. That being said, Ericksen has maintained his high level of skill and ability to naturally cause matchup problems from the forward position. He creates well, especially for his size, and can score the ball in a variety of different ways. Ericksen possesses touch, mobility, and an understanding of how to consistently mix it up offensively. He can reliably finish out of the post or above the rim and displays a smooth shooting stroke from midrange and beyond the arc. Ericksen attacks closeouts well off the bounce and is capable of making the proper read with the ball in his hands. He's too long for most perimeter opponents and too fluid/skilled for the majority of interior defenders, which leads to obvious appeal. Given the success skilled forwards who can pass, dribble, and shoot, Ericksen will be a coveted prospect over these next few years.
