This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for another entertaining three-day stretch of basketball. There was a slew of highly anticipated matchups on display with teams looking to work out the kinks and hit their stride going into the summer season. Though various standouts emerged, we will take a closer look at five personal favorites from the event…
6’4 ’24 Bishop Boswell (Team CP3)
Given everything he’s showcased over the last month, it’s clear that Bishop Boswell is going to be more valuable than ever for this group. He’s simply a quality all-around player with a phenomenal blend of size, skill, and athleticism. Boswell is one of the best defenders in the state, especially among guards, and can actively toggle between multiple positions. His instincts, physicality, and sheer activity naturally cause problems for opponents on defense. He rebounds and forces turnovers at a healthy rate, which allows him to immediately push in transition and generate scoring chances for the team. Boswell is really fast (both with and without the ball), displays sharp quickness, and actively plays above the rim. That being said, his array of enticing physical tools doesn’t diminish or take away from his strides as an overall player. Boswell offers a very balanced, team-oriented identity on both ends of the floor. He’s able to initiate the offense, outwork his assignment on defense, and apply scoring pressure from all levels while consistently looking to make the right play. Boswell offers IQ, toughness, adaptability, and phenomenal energy. It’s surprising that he’s only collected one offer in the last eight months, but that feels guaranteed to change sooner than later.
6’8 ’26 Rivers Knight (Team United)
Between his tools, ability, and overall trajectory, there should be nothing but pure excitement about Rivers Knight and his steady ascension into stardom. After showcasing a ton of appeal during his freshman season, he’s only continued to visibly progress. During the event, Knight was genuinely incredible. Not only did he anchor the paint and control the glass, but he proved to be somewhat unstoppable as an offensive threat. He displayed soft touch, nice vision, and polished scoring moves out of the post. However, that only begins to detail what Knight brings to the table. Now that he’s become a legitimate knockdown shooter, the 6-foot-8 big man has turned into an absolute nightmare for opponents. He’s clearly been given the green light to take any shot he deems appropriate, and rightfully so, as he’s already shaping up to be one of the best shooting big men to come through North Carolina (especially over the recent years). That being said, Knight isn’t merely spacing the floor and knocking down shots off the catch. Sure, he’s a lethal pick-and-pop option, but also hits jumpers off the dribble, coming off movement, or when trailing in transition. Add in his fluidity, defensive instincts, and low-maintenance approach, and it’s easy to see why Knight is easily among the top prospects in his class. His game is already so incredibly rare, and he’s only going to continue to develop into a special prospect, which should make him an obvious commodity for all types of Division I programs.
6’5 ’25 Jaylen Cross (Team CP3)
After getting our first viewing of this group, Jaylen Cross clearly stood out as a major leader and all-around focal point. Without reiterating the obvious, this young man is simply special. On a roster full of star prospects, Cross is still the type of all-around player who is willing to accept any role in order to win. Although he showcased the full offensive arsenal, it’s so easy to be impressed with the way he sets the tone as a defender, rebounder, and general high-motor piece. Cross is willing to defend the best opposing player while prioritizing his presence on the glass, in transition, and as a selfless teammate. He’s a polished three-level scorer with the ability to get seemingly any shot he wants, yet consistently looks to locate the best available shot and set up others in ideal scoring positions. Cross’ poise, maturity, and high IQ are evidenced through basically everything he does on the court. He’s a phenomenal athlete with length, toughness, and all the necessary leadership qualities to excel alongside any collection of teammates. Cross also communicates, produces within the team structure, and affects all facets of the game. It’s surprising that he only holds one offer (Hampton) at this point, but his inevitable blow-up is definitely on the horizon. Don’t be shocked if he begins to warrant national attention this summer.
6’3 ’25 Will James (Strong Center)
There are so many enticing pieces for college coaches within the Strong Center roster, and Will James is certainly among that group. After previously highlighting a lot of ability over the years, it’s clear that he’s taken a step forward across the last twelve months. James has a strong frame, well-rounded skillset, and quality feel for the game on both ends of the floor. He primarily controls the action as the main creator for this group, offering a useful blend of shooting, playmaking, and penetration ability. James defends with nice energy, rebounds the ball well for his position, and knows how to apply constant downhill pressure as a transition threat. He’s a willing passer with an understanding of his teammates’ strengths and how to actively get them clean looks in their preferred spots. James is smart, unselfish, and can make hustle plays as needed. He typically operates within the confines of their balanced team structure, but can also expand his production and take over when necessary. Given his consistent growth, there should be a lot of buzz surrounding James over the foreseeable future.
6’0 ’24 Armani Henderson (Team Eat)
After having multiple extremely impressive weekends in a row, it’s impossible to overlook everything Armani Henderson is doing. He’s been so impressive as a tough, heady, quick-twitch lefty guard with feel, instincts, and undeniable ability in the open floor. Henderson is an absolute blur in transition. He gets downhill and attacks the basket basically whenever he wants. Although he’s a capable finisher with either hand, opponents truly struggle to stop him from getting to his left—especially with a full head of steam. That being said, Henderson is arguably just as lethal in the midrange, where his pull-up was a common avenue for buckets in every single contest. He does a quality job of taking what the defense gives him, but also isn’t afraid of taking what he wants in the proper situations. Though he regularly scored at will, Henderson displayed a strong willingness to disrupt opponents definitely and set up others whenever possible. He utilizes his length and anticipation very well to harass opposing ball-handlers and force turnovers. Henderson definitely showcased the makings of an obvious next-level player, so it should be exciting to watch him blossom over the coming months.