Phenom Hoops Analyst Jeff Bendel takes a look at names that he watched and stood out on Saturday
David Rose MDC Player Recaps
Charlotte Nets 15U
5’7 ’19 Jaylon Terrell- Quick point guard that gets by opposing defenders and into the lane with relative ease. He also looks to involve teammates whenever possible, especially out of the two-man game.
6’3 ’20 Zachary Bessette- Long-bodied forward with three-level scoring ability, able to penetrate and draws countless fouls in the paint. His length allows him to rebound and alter shots at a quality rate.
Durham Hurricanes 2020
6’3 ’20 Drake Thompson- Typically the hardest worker on the floor for either team, aggressively looking to secure the next rebound, loose ball, and then push in transition. He plays within himself and doesn’t try to force the issue; stays extremely active on the glass for second-chance points.
6’0 ’20 Andrei George- Many of the Hurricanes best lineups feature George because of his ability to stretch the floor. He makes opponents pay from behind the arc, especially if they ignore his presence. The drive-and-kick game flows exceptionally well with George on the court.
6’1 ’21 Cole Sinclair- Great leader on both ends; he has exceptional vision and scoring ability for his age. Sinclair displays a high IQ, always looking ahead of the current possession and frequently breaking down opposing defenses.
NC Runnin’ Rebels 16U
6’5 ’19 Shamon Jackson- Long, strong big man that runs the floor extremely well and harnesses his ability to rebound/block shots in the paint. He’s willing to meet opponents at the rim with no fear; sets quality screens and understands how to roll hard to the basket.
Team United Elite 16U
6’5 ’19 Donald Hill- Strong interior presence on both ends of the floor; knows how to step out and defend the perimeter yet also rebounds and alters shots in the paint at a quality rate.
6’4 ’19 Donovan Hill- Shot-blocking forward with terrific athleticism and motor; possesses the IQ and ability to make plays on the glass. Hill displays a high work ethic, willing to make any play to put his team in a winning position.
Durham Hurricanes- Dorsey 17U
6’3 ’18 Ikee Tabron- High motor wing that has the ability to control a game on either side of the ball; he frequently looks to make the smart play, which almost always results in points. Tabron is a strong defender, scorer, and rebounder, making for a quality all-around game.
Manzer Basketball
6’7 ’18 Sam Woods- Athletic rim protector with great timing on rebounds and blocks, allows him to rise and finish dunks over nearly any opponent.
6’0 ’18 Jaylen Johnson- He’s a hard-nosed guard that prides himself on defense. Johnson makes life extremely difficult for opponents with his picture-perfect defensive slides, stances, and active hands.
Charlotte Aces
6’5 ’18 Stephen Edoka- Physically dominant specimen that doubles as a two-way matchup problem. Opponents struggle to contain his strength, especially off the dribble; Edoka also hounds his assignment every possession, both on and off-ball.
6’4 ’18 Strah Rajic- Exceptional two-way guard that comes in the gym locked in and ready to play. He’s a silent killer that simply makes the high IQ play every opportunity.
NC Runnin’ Rebels 17U
6’1 ’18 Chris Barnette- Super high IQ point guard with three-level scoring ability (extremely efficient from three-point range). Barnette is a benefit on both sides of the ball, as he can defend any opposing ball handler and quietly put up twenty points with ease.
6’6 ’18 Kenyon Burt- High motor forward that destroys opponents on the glass (on both ends) and is frequently rewarded with second-chance points. Burt is very similar to a Kenneth Faried-type, willing to do all the dirty work and outrebound everyone along the way.
Team Loaded NC 17U
6’7 ’18 Landers Nolley- Long, versatile scorer that torches opposing defenses in a multitude of ways; he’s able to handle the ball and create shots for himself or others extremely well. Nolley was nearly unstoppable with the ball in his hands.
6’7 ’18 Jayden Gardner- He is a brute force around the basket and understands exactly how to throw his body around to snatch rebounds and putbacks. Gardner bullies opponents in the low post; has grown-man strength.
Bull City Select 17U
6’6 ’18 Tyriq Burrus- Strong, athletic big man that rebounds and defends well; he plays hard and knows how to score effectively around the basket. Has good timing and instincts on defense.
Carolina Knights 17U
6’4 ’18 Tre Harvey- Long, versatile wing that scores very efficiently on all three levels; his length allows for a high, smooth release on jumpers. Harvey plays with a high IQ and purpose, always looking to put his team in a winning position on both sides of the ball.
5’10 ’18 Tiquan Whitmore- Sharp, quick point guard with quality vision and ball distribution skills; he has a terrific feel and IQ for the game. Whitmore provides a great balance of scoring and passing for the team.
6’8 ’18 Nate Bonney- Hard-working big man that excels at running the floor, rebounding, and making the hustle plays. Bonney has nice touch around the basket and looks comfortable operating out of the low-post.
6’2 ’18 Ryan Kennedy- Silky-smooth shooter with textbook form; his shot is quick and he’s able to get it off with no time or space. Kennedy displays a high IQ and plays team-ball above all else.
Team Loaded NC 15U
5’11 ’20 Jalen Cone- Lightning quick point guard that frequently blows by defenders; his ability to get into the lane and to the rim is unbelievable for a player his size. Cone is a quality athlete that elevates way higher than most point guards; his high IQ and skill level makes him an extremely productive (and entertaining) player.
WCC 17U
6’6 ’18 James Nworah- High energy forward that rebounds anything in sight; has an elite motor that he carries on both ends of the floor.
Carolina Wolves 17U
6’0 ’18 Taji Moore- Extremely smart player that is dangerous with or without the ball; he scores on three levels and plays with an added toughness. Moore is a phenomenal team player that excels on both sides of the floor and wants to do whatever is necessary to win.
6’0 ’18 Greyson Collins- Lethal three-level scorer that continues to get it done, piling up points efficiently and whenever he wants. Collins is crafty and has a very high IQ, allowing him to create for others.