Phenom Hoops was on deck this past weekend at Greensboro Day for the NCISAA LIVE Period Session 1, where we have a great chance to view teams and players of all ages and levels. So we are wanting to dive into more of what we saw, bring you names that impressed us, and put names on college coaches’ radars. Here are players that have flown under the radar, but made an impression on us.
2024 Brendan Bailey (Asheville Christian):
Bailey is a name that has been flying up the ranks with his play this summer, and he put on a show this past weekend in Greensboro. The 6’4 senior prospect has been playing his tail off, and he should have opened up more eyes his way with his play. Bailey really put his full game on display; whether it is his continued success in being that tough, physical prospect that isn’t afraid to battle around the basket, finishing strong through defenders, but also showing more of his perimeter shot-making and ability to create, Bailey put his entire game out there. The senior prospect is relentless with his energy, he excels in getting on the boards, finding ways to produce and create, or simply being a leader on the court, which is why he elevated his stock at this event.
2024 Ty Outlaw (The Burlington School):
Outlaw continues to open up more eyes and grab the attention with his play over the summer and with The Burlington School. He excels in being that strong presence around the basket, especially with his frame and strength against opponents. But he is also adding more to his game, being more assertive on the offensive end, finishing more around the basket, and simply being that physical presence on the boards or in the paint. Outlaw can be that double-double type player on the court, but overall he is a strong presence on both sides of the court.
2024 J3 Swindell (Caldwell Academy):
Swindell has had a strong summer, so it was interesting to see if he could continue to flourish with his high school team yet again this year and continue that success. That he did, as he really stepped up as a leader on the court. Swindell has continued to add levels to his game and shows that he can be a threat as a shot-maker, showing range in knocking down shots behind the arc but also scoring in a variety of other ways. With his play and leadership, Swindell really makes this Caldwell Academy team dynamic with multiple offensive options. He should be in for another big season and catch the attention of many.
2024 Elijah Green (Covenant Day):
The rising senior guard has really put in the work over the last year, and it shows with his play. Green had a very strong junior season, and he has only continued that play this summer and at the LIVE Period. He was tremendous in being able to create and make plays off the dribble, lead the offense, and also showcase that he can be an impact scorer as well for his team. He has a confident shot from multiple levels but also did a great job in facilitating and leading the offense. Green has been playing well and it seems like that trend will only continue this upcoming season.
2024 Mason Smith (Davidson Day):
Smith had people talking about his play at the LIVE Period, as the 6’7 prospect is one that was lighting it up and showcasing his shot-making ability. Time after time, Smith was getting to his spots, expanding the offense, and making opponents pay from the perimeter. He has a very fluid and smooth release from deep, and he was filling it up. But he also did a tremendous job in using his size in a variety of other ways; rebounding, being a versatile defender, and also being a presence inside and out. He was really opening up a ton of eyes with his play, and he should see his stock rise with college coaches.