Phenom's Hoop State Opening Stock Boosters
The inaugural Phenom Hoop State Championship opening round is in the books. While there were no surprises on the outcome of any of the games, many players solidified their stance as being among the state's elite players while others increased their stock.
6'7 2020 Josh Rubio (Combine Academy)
With a star-studded roster with young talent, being the 'older' player on the team, one can get lost in the shuffle. That being said, 6'7 unsigned senior may just have punched his ticket to scholarship offers with this performance on opening day of the Phenom Hoop State Championship. Sporting a strong frame, Rubio looks more like a football tight end rather than a perimeter player that has touch, range and beautiful shooting mechanics. His shot comes off his fingertips with perfect backspin and rotation and once he gets his feet set, he is highly efficient. In the game against CBA, Rubio netted 17 points including three 3-pointers. What makes Rubio so effective is he knows his role. He can post up using his strong and wide body which allows him to overpower small opponents, but forces the opposing team to step out and guard him beyond the 3-point line. Rubio is a no brainer for D2 schools and don't be surprised if some D1 schools come knocking on his door.
6'9 2020 Jemal Davis (Liberty Heights)
What's not to like about a lengthy and strong power forward that plays with maximum effort and energy. Davis finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots. Davis currently sports offers from Quinnipiac, SC State, Eastern Michigan, and Mississippi Valley State, but look for others to get involved sooner rather than later. Davis has all the tools, size, length, athleticism, and most importantly a non-stop motor. He is a solid offensive player, but his better defensively which is difficult to state these days. Someone is going to find a hidden gem and Davis is going to be a successful and productive D1 player no matter where he goes. One thing is for certain, you won't have to teach/coach effort with Jemal Davis.
6'3 2022 Amare Haynie (Moravian Prep)
The improvement in Amarre Haynie from the beginning of the season to now is simply jaw dropping. Haynie is playing with confidence, poise and maturity and has found his niche and role for coach Antonio Lowe, who continues to fly under the radar as one of the better basketball coaches in the state. Haynie can play either guard position. He has size, length, athleticism along with a matching skill set. Look for his stock to explode and will become on the priority list for high major schools.
6'9 2021 Jordan Wildy (Moravian Prep)
It was a statement game for Jordan Wildy in their win over Bull City Prep. We're talking about a lengthy, athletic, mobile and fluid forward that runs the floor, battles for rebounds and using his length extremely well on both ends of the court. Wildy finished with 16 points, but we were impressed with his hustle, motor and relentless approach throughout the game. The 'light switch' has gone off and coach Antonio Lowe has a future star on his hand with Jordan Widly.
