The Travel Ball Season of 2022 has featured more teams of unsigned seniors than ever before, and it’s not close. Due to the portal reaching record-breaking numbers and nearly everyone getting recruited lower than their “expected” level, these kids have limited options. Majority of players don’t have much feel for their actual level anyway, so pushing them down yet another peg is a difficult pill for most to swallow. On the contrasting side, there are plenty of kids who are simply waiting for any offers to surface—not just ones from their desired destinations. That seems to be exactly the case with Griffin Powell and Will Rhodes of NC Spartans Bell. While this entire team contributes and is worthy of attention from college coaches, it’s impossible to ignore the dominance from this duo on a game-to-game basis. Let’s take a closer look at each…
Starting with Powell, who seemingly checks all the necessary boxes to appeal to a variety of different programs. At a long, wiry 6-foot-7, he’s arguably the most challenging matchup on this Spartans roster. Despite his lanky frame, Powell is pretty tough and physical. He’s a quality athlete who can play through contact as a finisher, both above or below the rim. Powell shoots the ball at a high percentage from beyond the arc, but also mixes it up regularly and understands how to take what the opposition is giving him. He handles the ball well for his size, puts himself in scoring positions, and can make plays defensively. Powell is skilled enough to grab rebounds and push the break in transition, where he’s capable of making solid decisions with the ball in his hands. Given everything he brings to the table, he shouldn’t be available for too much longer.
In looking at Rhodes, it’s confusing as to what more coaches want to see from him. During his junior season at Shining Light Academy, he averaged gaudy scoring numbers (23.9 PPG) and was able to take advantage of any available offensive opportunity he wanted. Their team struggles were largely due to the thin roster rather than their dynamic duo not doing enough. Regardless, Rhodes seemed to take the season as a learning experience and move forward accordingly. After a coaching change and some roster turnover, he was more than comfortable managing the game as a balanced lead guard. Rhodes was an obvious catalyst in the Knights’ improved success, and maintained quality averages across the board. Now, he’s excelling as a main piece for this Spartans group. Rhodes is a lethal scorer who has can consistently assert himself from all three levels. He’s crafty and able to breakdown opponents for scoring chances, but also looks to set up others whenever possible. Rhodes also defends his assignment and rebounds well for his size. He’s simply a smart, productive player who should certainly have more action within his recruitment.
All in all, this duo continues to suffer the consequences of a shaky landscape. It’s been noted and acknowledged countless times, but there’s nothing anyone can really do about the current situation. These kids are forced to adjust and roll with the punches. Either way, both of these guys should be priorities for numerous different programs—especially after the incredible starts to their respective travel ball seasons.