Phenom Hoops tuned in Thursday to check out the Quarterfinals of the GEICO Nationals, bringing some of the best talent from around the country all under one building. We bring you our standouts for each game.
Final: IMG Academy 73 ' Milton 68
2022 6'6 Jarace Walker (IMG): Now that he is finally back and looking healthy, Walker showed why he is one of the top prospects in the country and why so many college programs are looking his way. Walker is such a strong, powerful 6'6 prospect that can score in an array of ways, whether it is finishing strong at the rim or facing up and knocking down shots. Finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
2022 Jaden Bradley (IMG): Loved what Bradley showed in this game.' We know about his scoring presence, something he showed at Cannon but he continues to show his overall point guard feel for the game.' With his size, he shows a tremendous feel and pace in attacking the defense, penetrating the lane, and finding his teammates.' Unselfish player but also knows when to score. Bradley finished with 20 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds
2022 Bruce Thornton (Milton): Thornton was competitive throughout the game, trying to keep his team within striking distance throughout the game.' He brings a good frame as a guard, and showed that he can be a threat from multiple areas on the court.' Thornton does a nice job in attacking defenders and getting the ball on the rim, embracing contact to get to the line as well. Finished strong and close to a double-double with 18 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds.
2023 Kanaan Carlyle (Milton): Carlyle was relentless, even if wasn't always going his way in the first half. This young man continued to battle throughout and really found success when creating off the dribble for himself but also showed a confident shot from deep when he stepped in rhythm. The young man has a bright future and absolutely loved his energy level on the court. Led the charge in scoring with 22 points, 5 rebounds.
Sunrise Christian 56 ' Prolific Prep 55
2021 Kendall Brown (Sunrise Christian): Brown was off the charts in this one with his hustle, his defense, and his offensive touch.' This kid brings a winning-mentality to the floor, especially when he is aggressive on both ends. He displayed his touch, his ability to create space, and his athleticism, but you also have to love his effort on the defensive end. Finished with a game-high 21 points.
2022 6'10 Adem Bona (Prolific Prep): Bona really became a favorite of mine with the energy that he brought. Absolutely love his motor on the floor, running from rim to rim, getting back on defense, blocking multiple shots, and playing with a strong feel.' He also does well in playing strong in the paint offensively though he still has room to grow in that area. Strong performance with 9 points and 6 blocks.
2021 6'10 Zach Clemence (Sunrise Christian): Clemence is an intriguing prospect with his ability to stretch the floor as a forward. He continues to show confidence in knocking down shots from three, excels in pick and pop situations, but also made a huge play at the end with a reverse slam. He was efficient and effective in this game. Finished the game with 12 points, two 3-pointers, and six rebounds.
2021 7'0 Nathan Bittle (Prolific Prep): Bittle really started to show his full arsenal in the second half, displaying nice timing on the boards and putbacks, but also showing his comfort level in facing up and knocking down from outside. Defensively, he made some nice plays in helping on defense and protecting the rim. Finished the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks.