This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina to conclude the month of July with our annual Summer Grind. While the vast majority of programs are utilizing this period to rest and recover, there were still plenty of guys who couldn’t resist another weekend of competition. Although not with their normal teams, there was still a massive following behind the high-profile prospects throughout the weekend. That being said, this article will take a closer look at some personal standouts from the two-day event…
5’11 ’23 JJ Moore (NLPB)
The contest between NLPB and Team Eat was arguably the most exciting showdown of the event, and JJ Moore proved to be the clear difference-maker in their winning effort. After being extremely productive throughout the last calendar year, folks should already know about the smart, heady two-way guard. For those who don’t, Moore is tough and reliable with the ability to effectively run a team and/or operate as an efficient primary scorer. His IQ and leadership by example are both evident through his approach on either end of the floor. Moore is slightly undersized, but it really doesn’t seem to matter in most cases. He’s quick, crafty, and possesses a strong balance between scoring and playmaking. Moore contains his assignment well defensively and understands how to involve himself in the rebounding battle whenever necessary. He displays nice pace to his game, both in transition and the half court, and can pile on points in a hurry. It should be common knowledge at this point, but Moore should be a priority for various types of scholarship-level programs.
6’5 ’23 Brock Rose (Team Synergy)
Although he’s been a useful player for a while, it’s obvious that Brock Rose has taken a massive step forward over the recent months. Coincidentally, his sudden emergence works out perfectly for everyone involved. Not only does he regularly stand out as a leader for Team Synergy, but Rose should definitely be an asset to Ardrey Kell as one of their top players going forward—especially in lieu of their roster turnover. His IQ, size, and shooting allows him to be an impactful piece in any type of role. However, Rose has the ability to legitimately burden the offensive load with a (seemingly) constant flurry of drives, pull-ups off of two to three dribbles, and smooth jumpers from beyond the arc. He’s long and crafty, which allows him to regularly disregard defensive pressure or generate clean looks off the bounce. While it often goes unnoticed, Rose understands how to utilize ball-fakes and the threat of his shooting to make opponents look foolish. Additionally, Rose is a quality defender with a knack for intercepting passing lanes and outworking his assignment as a rebounder. It’s not a hot take, but everyone should be expecting a breakout season from Rose during his upcoming junior campaign.
6’5 ’24 Isaiah Evans (Charlotte Nation)
After getting consistent viewings of him across the last month, it seems increasingly likely to see Isaiah Evans panning out as a high-level prospect. His length and overall frame should make the initial appeal obvious, but he becomes even more enticing upon watching him perform. Evans already possesses a pretty phenomenal combination of IQ, skill, and athleticism, especially to be a 6-foot-5 rising sophomore. Let’s be clear: he would’ve likely started and dominated as the leader of 99% of high schools in North Carolina…as a freshman. Instead, majority of the state has never heard of him. That is guaranteed to change sooner than later, as Evans has the clear tools and ability to appeal to all types of Division I programs. It’s simply rare to see a young prospect with his blend of attributes. While his explosion will stand out to most, Evans has proven to be a reliable shot-maker with the vision, toughness, and craftiness to carry an offense. He’s a terrific rebounder with excellent two-way versatility and the ability to comfortably defend two to three positions at this level. Though early, folks should bet on Evans to emerge as a star in the coming years.
6’9 ’24 Isaiah Sutherland (NLPB)
Given his growth over the last twelve months, it’s difficult to understand how anyone isn’t enticed by Isaiah Sutherland and his incredible long-term appeal. The notion of a skilled, athletic rim-protector is what every modern coach is wanting from their big man. Not only does Sutherland understand how to excel in a low-maintenance role as someone who rebounds, blocks shots, and runs the floor, but he can also expand his production and do more as needed. He’s a capable finisher, both through contact or above the rim, and shows the ability to space the floor from midrange or beyond the arc. Sutherland’s defensive instincts paired with his fluidity as a long, active 6-foot-9 athlete should have a ton of folks excited about his continued progression. Should he continue on his current trajectory, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where Sutherland doesn’t pan out to be one of the top prospects in North Carolina.
6’4 ’25 Tre McKinnon (Team Eat)
Despite being the youngest player listed, there is already so much to like about Tre McKinnon and what he brings to a team. As a long, fluid, bouncy 6-foot-4 athlete, he’s currently taller and more athletic than majority of opponents at this stage. However, McKinnon knows how to overwhelms his assignment in a variety of different ways. Though he will utilize his physical tools to his advantage, McKinnon is more than capable of showcasing flashes of skill with the ball in his hands. He can space the floor at a solid rate and handles the ball well for his size and position. McKinnon’s interior toughness and ability to finish, rebound, and block shots make him an absolute menace around the basket. Even though he hasn’t played a high school game, there is already a lot worth being excited about. Expect McKinnon to be an impact player upon stepping on campus at Lake Norman.