It is that time of the year… time to crown a champion in what can only be recognized as the premier event to end the season for several of these teams. The Hoop State Championship gives teams, players, and fans a chance to check out some of the top teams in the country from North Carolina, all competing for a state title!
The season has flown by but Phenom Hoops has one more elite event to go in crowning a state champion, as we preview the teams that will be in contention this year.
Word of God
Record: 23-7
When we viewed Word of God before the start of the season, it certainly seemed that the Holy Rams were going to be fun to watch and had the talent to make some noise. That they did, as they have racked up some impressive wins over the season and they have been putting on a show in doing so. That is why Word of God will be must-see TV in the Hoop State Championship.
Talking about the talent on the court for the Holy Rams, everywhere you look you there are D1 type prospects that have captured our attention. Leading that list has been 2023 Freddie Dilione, who has been posting off-the-chart type stats, rising up the national rankings, and capturing the eyes of so many college coaches around the country. He impacts the court in an array of ways, showcasing his ability to lead a team, run the offense, find his teammates, use his big frame to help on the boards, and his scoring power; Dilione does it all. Along the outside with him, you will find 2023 Truman Claytor who has also been rising up the rankings with his impact and shot-making while 2023 Ja’Kwon Moore has a college-ready body and elite athleticism. Let’s not also forget one of the top shooters in the state in 2022 Po’Boigh King, who can light it up quickly from deep, and unsigned senior 2022 Mike Best, who helps lead the charge for his team.
Down low, Word of God may have some of the top athletic forwards in the state. 2023 Brandon Gardner is one of the top prospects around and it can easily be seen why with his blend of elite athleticism, power, and impact on the court on both ends. It is why so many schools are targeting for his talents. Then you also have 2023 Mekhi Grant, who has been a great addition as well.
Other players like 2025 Trevor Best, 2024 Zion Gardner, 2022 Josh McCarter, 2024 Tre Herbert, 2025 Jeremiah Henson, and 2024 Zion Collins all can help this team, making them dangerous and a team that should put on a show in Rock Hill.
Other Pieces:
HIGHLIGHTS: Oziyah Sellars GOES OFF for So. California as they DEFEAT Word of God at #theJohnWall!!!
HIGHLIGHTS: Word of God vs Combine Goes DOWN TO THE WIRE at 2021 John Wall Holiday Invitational!
Word of God putting everyone on notice with an impressive showing in Outer Banks
HIGHLIGHTS: Word of God COMES BACK After DOWN 14-0 to Start the Game vs Trinity Academy!
Phenom 1-on-1: 2023 Freddie Dilione (Word of God)