This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Rise in Advance, North Carolina for our annual Team Camp. This event always serves as a kickstart to June, as players go back to their respective high schools and prepare for the upcoming Live periods. There’s usually a fair number of takeaways but it’s also easy to get carried away or overexcited by the sheer change of pace from travel ball. Either way, various teams made noise, individuals put on notable performances, and coaches were able to assess their rosters. After seeing Joe Rybak and Calvary Day over the years, the Cougars could be poised for their best season in recent memory. Let’s see why…
In all honesty, everything starts and ends with 6’3 ’26 Dane Cassada. He had no issue asserting himself as a focal point last season despite sharing touches with two key seniors. However, this current roster construct should allow him to shine as a leader while also improving his production across the board. Cassada makes his presence felt in a variety of different ways. Whether running the team, causing problems defensively, or playing without the ball in his hands, his incredibly high IQ is always evident. He’s an excellent passer with a crafty handle and playmaking sense. Cassada effortlessly breaks down opponents and sets up others or applies scoring pressure from all three levels. He mixes it up quite regularly with the ball in his hands, which naturally forces opponents to be on their toes at all times. Still a knockdown shooter, Cassada does an impeccable job of utilizing jabs, ball fakes, and the threat of his perimeter ability to overwhelm his assignment. He’s a great rebounder, instinctual defender, and all-around offensive weapon. Expect him to put up ridiculous numbers during the upcoming season.
There are a lot of meaningful pieces beyond their kingpin, like 6’0 ’25 Owen Calvert and 6’0 ’25 Bryson Mickey. Both guys are somewhat unassuming at first glance, but they’re able to operate interchangeably as ball-handlers and scoring threats. Calvert is tough, scrappy, and plays with a constant chip on his shoulder. He’s a menacing defender, heady playmaker, and quality shooting threat. On the other side, Mickey is the type of gamer that simply knows how to consistently outwork and outproduce his assignment. He’s a smart, high-motor guard with a willingness to make the extra pass and do the dirty work. Expect both guys to make a huge impact for this group.
Although the trio above should provide a majority of the production, guys like 6’5 ’25 Asher Tolbert, 6’6 ’24 Jordan Richardson, and 6’6 ’26 Josiah Spillman will all offer valuable minutes. Someone like Tolbert is able to produce as an inside-out forward with touch, energy, and perimeter shooting. Meanwhile, Richardson should be extremely useful as their main interior presence. Rounding out this group, Spillman is clearly just scratching the surface but has plenty of appeal as a long-term piece that seems to get better with each viewing. Don’t be surprised when this group has a noteworthy season.