This past weekend, Phenom Hoops concluded the travel ball season in Rock Hill, South Carolina with our annual Summer Finale. These events always end up being more interesting than anticipated, as circuit teams have already shut down and kids are playing with other organizations. This usually results in high-level players teaming up and putting on a show. Unsurprisingly, Elite One easily had one of the most loaded rosters on display. They had all their usual guys, but also added Isaiah Denis—who clearly looks ready to have a breakout high school season at Davidson Day. Let’s take a closer look…
The 6-foot-5 wing has already been on most folks’ radar for quite a while, but it’s easy to identify his current transition into stardom. He’s long, rangy, and athletic with the necessary blend of IQ and creation skills to dominate opponents. Whether getting downhill and attacking the rim or generating clean looks for himself off the bounce, Denis consistently shined as an offensive focal point. He created for others, made plays in transition, and effectively worked without the ball. That being said, opponents really struggled to contain Denis from getting what he wanted and applying pressure from all levels. His length and quick twitch allow him to get wherever he wants on the floor. Although he was very impressive offensively as an athletic shot-maker with poise and toughness, Denis also displayed defensive instincts, rebounding prowess, and the ability to make an impact without the ball in his hands.
Given the new-look structure at Davidson Day, folks should be really excited about what Denis and his cohorts are capable of doing. It feels like he’ll be a major leader for this group going forward, but the collection of Mason Smith, Will Stevens, Levon Jacobs, Brady Kester, and Hank Neace (among various others) should make this team a legitimate contender. Over the coming months, it feels like this group will turn heads as Denis inevitably blows up and continues to accumulate Division I offers.