This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Ben L. Smith High School for our second-annual Gate City Holiday Classic. The event spanned for three days, featuring both bracket play and showcase games, and led to several noteworthy takeaways. Ultimately, the hosting Golden Eagles were the only team to go 3-0 after battling through Sun Valley, Holly Springs, and Cardinal Gibbons to secure the championship. They looked imposing as a group and should be viewed as legitimate contenders going into the second half of the season. Let’s take a closer look at their main pieces…
6’4 ’26 Jyi Dawkins
Arguably the most impressive performer across the entire event, Jyi Dawkins shined as a focal point for this group. He’s a true all-around player who consistently impacts every facet of the game—a rarity at the high school level. Dawkins possesses an incredible blend of IQ, skill, athleticism, and toughness. At 6-foot-4, he’s a real matchup problem for opponents. Dawkins is a reliable creator, ferocious defender, and polished scorer from all levels. He’s a dynamic multi-positional piece who can function in various roles. Dawkins is comfortable off the bounce and makes consistently great decisions with the ball in his hands. His malleable, adaptable game makes him a perfect fit within this structure. Dawkins rebounds, defends multiple positions, applies pressure in transition, and fills in the gaps wherever necessary. Given everything he does on the court, folks should expect his recruitment to explode over the next twelve months.
6’5 ’25 Kenny Miller Jr.
Although the entry above warranted a lot of praise, so does Kenny Miller Jr. It’s easy to see how his confidence has continued to climb after a full season with the program. That confidence, in addition to his skillset, unselfishness, and intangibles, is a massive part of what makes him such a valuable leader for this group. Miller controls a lot of the action as a primary creator. He’s an intelligent playmaker who consistently touches the paint and makes the right read with the ball in his hands. Miller scores at an efficient rate (and within the flow of the offense) but is typically looking to generate looks for others. He finishes well around the basket, gets to the free-throw line at a nice volume, and can knock down open jumpers as needed. Miller, like his cohort above, is a matchup problem due to his size, athleticism, and creation skills. He’s too quick and versatile for bigger defenders and utilizes his long, wiry frame to overwhelm smaller opponents. It’s surprising that more schools haven’t offered Miller, but that’ll certainly change over the coming months.
6’2 ’25 Tayshawn Mann
In terms of impact guys who do the “thankless” work, Tayshawn Mann is certainly one of the best. He’s a veteran piece who has been heavily involved for this program throughout his high school career—and that’s evident in the way he carries himself on and off the court. Where so many kids care about scoring and flexing for the crowd, Mann’s ego-less approach is incredibly refreshing. He’s a tough, physically imposing guard with size, feel, and a highly unselfish nature. Mann initiates the offense, creates for others, and scores as needed. On the other end, he’s a rugged defender and strong rebounder for his size/position. He’s simply a reliable player. Mann’s value might not be seen in the box score, but there’s no doubting the impact he brings to the table.
6’10 ’25 Ty’sere Payne
While it’s probably said a lot, it’s truly amazing to consider how far Ty’sere Payne has come in the last calendar year. He played in this same event last season but has clearly shifted his focus since transferring to the Golden Eagles. Payne has made visible strides as a player while also keeping it very simple and straightforward on the court. He’s found great success by finishing around the basket, running the floor in transition, rebounding with consistency, and altering shots as a rim-protector. Payne does a great job of getting deep position in the post and making basic, decisive moves to score. He’s already emerged as a nightly double-double threat for this group, yet still has plenty of upside remaining. Payne should be a definite target for college coaches.
6’4 ’26 Kadyn Turner-Scott
The last of the Golden Eagles additions, Kadyn Turner-Scott enters the program and quickly emerges as one of the top shooters on the team. He’s able to defend, rebound, pass, and create as needed, but is also quite valuable as a spot-up option. Turner-Scott is a steady, adaptable piece who can do a lot of different things based on team needs. Expect him to continue being a difference-maker for this group.
6’5 ’26 Gavin Palmore
Between his physicality, explosiveness, and flashes of versatility, Gavin Palmore is yet another meaningful piece worth knowing. He’s a constant threat to play above the rim, both in transition or as a cutter in the halfcourt. Palmore utilizes his strength well to secure rebounds and make opponents feel his presence defensively. He can knock down jumpers as needed, but is clearly at his best when attacking the basket and finishing through contact.
5’11 ’25 Micah Cowan
Similar to Mann, Micah Cowan is a guy whose motor, toughness, and unselfishness make him such an asset to this squad. It’s uncommon for any team to have the luxury of a substitute who they can insert and rely on to accumulate assists, steals, and rebounds—all within the confines of the team structure. Cowan can score but clearly prioritizes getting others involved, defending with energy, and outworking opponents for rebounds. His approach leads to natural production and, quietly makes him an x-factor for this group.
Rounding out this group, guys like Kendrick Johnson, Jordan Partee, and Darius Chukwuemeka each provide quality minutes. Johnson is a scrappy defender and capable scorer; Partee offers great energy and a willingness to make hustle plays; Chukwuemeka does the little things and fills in the gaps as needed.