This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual March Madness at Rise Indoor Sports. Although there was an abundance of enticing squads on display, Middleton Hoops Elite was easily among the most intriguing. Only in their second year as a program, it’s clear that they are steadily trending as one of the top up-and-coming organizations within the region. Although they showcased enticing pieces at every age group, their 2027 squad definitely turned heads during their game against Team CP3. Let’s take a closer look at a few of their pieces…
Bryce Ward frequently dictated the action as a primary creator and polished scoring option. He was featured in Bendel’s Best, where we stated, It’s truly amazing to see how quickly Middleton Hoops has blossomed as an organization across multiple age groups. They have a ton of talent within their program, and Bryce Ward is someone folks should be talking about more over the foreseeable future. He’s an extremely quick, heady point guard who sets the tone on both ends of the floor. Ward possesses a tight handle, sharp playmaking sense, and the ability to consistently generate clean looks for himself and others. His speed in the open floor and quickness off the bounce makes him very difficult for opponents to keep in front. Ward is willing to take what the defense gives him but can also generally get what he wants offensively. He scored at a seemingly constant rate from all levels. Ward showcased a healthy mix of downhill drives, midrange pull-ups, and jumpers from beyond the arc. He sees the floor well and looks to get others involved as much as possible, but doesn’t shy away from open opportunities offensively. On the other end, Ward is a tough, pesky defender whose quickness and anticipation make him problematic for opponents. The value of two-way floor generals will always be high, which should make Ward a player for coaches to monitor closely going forward.”
Meanwhile, Jackson Terrell also made a lasting impression with his blend of size, motor, athleticism, and physical tools. It’s easy to see the long-term upside with someone like him. Following the event, we stated, “Despite some struggles with foul trouble, it’s easy to see what makes Terrell and impactful two-way player. He’s long, athletic, mobile, and displays a quality motor on both ends of the floor. Terrell finishes well around the basket, finds success as a post-up option, and spaces the floor as needed. He has a solid frame and utilizes his body well to overwhelm opponents. That being said, rebounding the ball is arguably his most impressive trait. Terrell plays hard, battles through contact, and has an excellent nose for the ball. He has the tools to trend upward over the coming years.”
Ultimately, these are just two of the many intriguing pieces within this program. The Charleston (SC) area has always been an underrated hotbed for basketball talent, so it should take no time for this group to become one of the top teams in the Southeast.