Day one of the annual Phenom National Showcase didn’t disappoint, we had both gyms rocking at Greensboro Day School well into Friday Night, there was competitive basketball, live student sections, and of course more storylines!
Greensboro, North Carolina- A total of 18 teams from six different states gathered on opening night to battle it out, a handful of players did themselves serious justice on the recruitment trail. College coaches at all levels from different parts of the country came looking to land a late splash, or itching to get in early on future studs in the making. This event has always been a launching pad to get eyes on players on a big stage, this year was no different. I put together a list of players that really boosted their recruitment stocks!
2019 6’1 Bradley Halverson (Christ School)-
Halverson Holds the rep of a sniper but this weekend he came with a lot more in the bag. Halverson obliterated defenders with head fakes and ball fakes, you have to respect the quick trigger but the hesitation had defenders all out of position. Halverson penetrated the lane with confidence, he nailed the running floater around the rim over the trees guarding the paint for Greensboro day. 
Halverson has improved as a passer he showed adept playmaking ability drawing defenders in and making kick outs to open teammates, he continuously rewarded the bigs for Christ school in transition. Halverson looks more confident than ever and he’s playing poised basketball, Halverson looks to be settling in for a breakout senior season.
2019 6’8 Nick Evtimov (Greensboro Day)
Absolutely on another level at this point, Evtimov has added so much to his game it’s impossible to ignore. Evtimov has the ability to handle the ball in the open floor, Evtimov can sky for a rebound and take it coast to coast no problem, he’s confident attacking his man off the bounce with a plethora of dribble moves , and Evtimov is a truly gifted passer at 6’8 he delivered timely crisp passes. 
Evtimov remains a force down low on the block, Christ School had no answer for him in the paint. Evtimov ate the glass up, and anchored the paint defensively. Evtimov has become a valued rim protector, he really changed the nature of the game. Currently Campbell and Colgate are most actively recruiting Evtimov.
Kojack Thompson (Christ School)
Senior year and Thompson is absolutely strapped in! Thompson led Christ school in a knock down drag out brawl, versus the hosts Greensboro Day in front of a rather rowdy crowd. Dillard gymnasium was absolutely rocking and although they came up a bit short, Thompson more than held his own with 19 points, Thompson made a number of clutch threes, whenever the Greenies faced a drought and needed a bucket Thompson was there. Thompson is the heart and soul of this group, he’s the definition of tenacity.
Thompson orchestrated the offense, and got the young Greenies in position to score efficiently, Thompson is unselfish and values each possession. At 5’10 Thompson is a creative finisher around the cup, he utilized the rim and backboard to shield lay up attempts from aggressive shot blockers. Thompson is a straight up dog on defense, he abuses his matchup and really wears opposing guards down, throughout the contest he came up with crucial steals and tipped passes. Thompson is going to make some program extremely happy, he’s a leader and a true winner. Guilford College and Roanoke College are currently vying for Thompson’s services.
5’11 2021 Tyler Gill (Trinity Academy)
One of the quickest players with the rock we saw all day, Gill is an absolute blur with the basketball! Gill plays fast but within control, he’s excellent in the open floor where he can push the pace and make things happen with the basketball. Gill is a creative finisher around the cup and Gill draws lots of attention when he drives, he did well dishing out timely accurate passes. Gill sees the floor well and limited turnovers on opening night.
Although Gill knocked down a handful of jumpers, this is one area that could gain more consistency with work. Defensively Gill doesn’t gamble and he has quick active hands, Gill impressed with his poise and body control. Gill will continue to be a tough match up, he’s got a lighting quick first step and Gill just a sophomore should only get better.
6’7 2019 AJ Morris (United Faith)
Morris is a big time athlete with sound slashing ability, Morris can also step out and knock down the long ball. Morris is a prospect who’s best basketball will be played at the next level, he’s good one on one, Morris can score off ball in catch and shoot opportunities, he’s an explosive finisher looking to tear the rim off.
Morris plays all over the floor for United Faith, his combination of length and athleticism offers up a lot of versatility. Morris is a smooth scorer and he picks his shots within the offense, Morris showed a high motor on the boards, defensively the length causes havoc. Morris is one of several lengthy athletic forwards on this roster, they cause a lot of tipped passes and these guys are tough to stay in front of on the break. Morris could be a steal late in the signing period for division ones looking to make a late splash.