Phenom Hoops has had a chance to get out during the month of June as teams have been participating in several teams’ camps and during the live period. One event that Phenom attended was the Catawba Team Camp, bringing in several teams from around the region and giving us an early look at what each program has to offer.
One of the first teams that we sat down to watch was Central Cabarrus, a program that made a lot of noise last season and they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. 2024 Chase Daniel and 2024 Carson Daniel look to lead the charge once again for the Vikings, as the twins are already having a bigger summer making a ton of noise with their play. Both do a tremendous job in creating for themselves and for others, they are extremely quick with the ball in their hands, and make a big difference on the defensive end.
2023 Jaiden Thompson is one that should be and has been gaining traction. We recently saw him with PSB Elite, where he was a standout and he is going to be part of the trio guard play that should really create a ton of havoc for opponents. He averaged 12.9 points last year, while also averaging 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and being a menace on defense as well, averaging 2.4 steals per game. He has a tremendous ability to use his speed, get to the basket, and has shown to be a consistent scorer and threat on the court.
Even with a few key losses from last year’s team like Te’Veon Glover and Tre Bost, Central Cabarrus has the pieces to continue their winning ways once again this season, while others look to step up even more. 2023 Gavin Bullock played all 14 games last year for them and was a key piece, as well as 2023 Adriel Miller. Emerson Baker was one that helped man the paint at the team camp and has a soft touch around the rim while carving out space and getting on the boards.
But with the guard play and with a season (and now summer) under their belt, it looks like head coach Jim Baker and the Vikings aren’t going away any time soon and should have yet another successful season. Also, something to add, their style of play is extremely fun to watch, as they bring the pressure, fly around the court, create a ton of turnovers, and never let their foot off the gas.
