EVENT NEWS
To filter articles by a specific event, use the dropdown below.
POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Winter Nationals
2031 Caden Long (XLXB) Though it was early to start the day, Long was a prospect that quickly caught my eye with his overall feel and play. A young prospect who has early factors in his game that you like, he checks off the boxes with his size, skill, and offensive capabilities. Long displayed the ability to be a strong creator for himself, attacking downhill, finishing strong, and being that...
read more
Caldwell Academy earns 2A State Championship vs. TBS
Caldwell Academy: 17-18-17-21: 73The Burlington School: 13-13-14-11: 51 Standouts: 2026 Ayden Johnson (Caldwell Academy) Johnson was an absolute difference-maker in this game, as he really stepped up as an offensive weapon on the court. Johnson continued to flourish with his ability to knock down shots from behind the arc, hitting several big ones including one to end the third quarter. But he...
read more
Phenom Prep Showcase Player Profile: 2025 Caden Giles (Flight 22)
Player: Caden Giles Class: 2025 Height: 6’10 School: Flight 22 We’ve watched Giles closely for several years, recently stating, “He’s a long, mobile post prospect with a great combination of IQ, touch, and inside-out scoring ability. Giles finishes well around the basket and above the rim, but also knocks down shots at a quality rate from midrange and beyond the arc. He contains his assignment...
read more
Lab U Should Be a Target for College Coaches
As we approach our upcoming Post Grad Nationals, we are entering the final stages for 2025 prospects to get recruited by college coaches. Many college-level kids are being overlooked through no fault of their own. The NCAA has essentially established a system to keep kids in college longer and collect even more money through various avenues. However, there’s still time for coaches to find late...
read more
Bull City Prep Has an Abundance of Next-Level Talent
Given how things have shifted within the recruiting landscape, it’s become more difficult than ever to earn scholarships. Unfortunately, this naturally affects kids of all levels. Teams like Bull City Prep should still appeal to college coaches. They have a nice blend of depth and talent at all positions, and guys who could play at multiple levels. In preparation for our upcoming Post Grad...
read more
2026 Emma Montanari (East Lincoln) continuing to attract the eyes of college programs
Player: Emma MontanariClass: 2026School: East Lincoln Looking in the Class of 2026, Emma Montanari from East Lincoln would be a player who would be ranked high with many other big-time prospects in the state of North Carolina. The junior has had another fantastic season, filling up the stat sheet and leading the charge for the Mustangs. On the season, she is posting averages of 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg,...
read more
Phenom Prep Showcase Player Profile: 2025 Babacar “Djibly” Ly (S3 Academy)
Player: Babacar LyClass: 2025Height: 6’2School: S3 Academy Highlighting players who recently played in our Phenom Prep Showcase, we now take a look at a player who impressed all our scouts at the event.. 2025 6’2 Babacar “Djibly” Ly may have been one of my favorite players from the event, as he shined in so many areas on the court. The 6’2 guard made his impact felt all over the floor both...
read more
Phenom Prep Showcase Player Profile: 2025 Kobe Broome (Lake Norman Christian)
Player: Kobe BroomeClass: 2025Height: 6’1School: Lake Norman Christian Highlighting players who recently played in our Phenom Prep Showcase, we now take a look at a player who led the event in scoring. 2025 6’1 Kobe Broome was a one-man wrecking crew on the court at the Prep Showcase, averaging 30 points per game and putting his team on his back to multiple victories. No matter the setting,...
read more
4A NCISAA State Championship Preview: Christ School versus Carmel Christian
This weekend, private schools will play their final game of the postseason. The matchups have been decided as each of the state championship games will be held in Charlotte. We will take a closer look at each of the four games set to take place, starting with the 4A contest between Christ School and Carmel Christian. After an incredibly exciting finish to their last game, Carmel Christian stamps...
read more
3A NCISAA State Championship Preview: Concord Academy versus Greensboro Day
This weekend, private schools will play their final game of the postseason. The matchups have been decided as each of the state championship games will be held in Charlotte. We will take a closer look at each of the four games set to take place, starting with the 3A contest between Concord Academy and Greensboro Day. Folks should be extremely excited about this contest, which is clearly set to...
read more
1A NCISAA State Championship Preview: Victory Christian versus Crossroads Christian
This weekend, private schools will play their final game of the postseason. The matchups have been decided as each of the state championship games will be held in Charlotte. We will take a closer look at each of the four games set to take place, starting with the 1A contest between Victory Christian and Crossroads Christian. The folks in charge of private school seeding did a terrific job since...
read more
Proving to be a force in the paint: 2026 6’6 Happy Arune
Player: Happy AruneClass: 2026Height: 6’6School: Gaston Christian Season Stats: 14.9ppg, 14.6rpg, 2.9bpg Gaston Christian had a strong overall showing this season, as the Lady Eagles finished the year with a 15-6 overall record and was 10-2 in conference play. This was a team that has some intriguing talent overall but 2026 6’6 Happy Arune is one that certainly grabs your attention first...
read more
Phenom Prep Showcase Player Profile: 2026 Stephano Farrington (Bull City)
Player: Stephano FarringtonClass: 2026Height: 6’8School: Bull City Highlighting players who recently played in our Phenom Prep Showcase, we now take a look at a player who should certainly have the attention of college programs and has proven to be a college-worthy prospect. 2026 6’8 Stephano Farrington has seen his stock continue to rise with his play this season. Each time we watch him, he...
read more
Phenom Prep Showcase Player Profile: 2025 Nathaniel Wilder (Believe Prep)
Player: Nathaniel WilderClass: 2025Height: 6’2School: Believe Prep Highlighting players who recently played in our Phenom Prep Showcase, we first look at 2025 6’2 Nathaniel Wilder from Believe Prep. Wilder was consistent throughout his play, as he looked to be the clear leader on the court for his team. He consistently was one of the go-to options offensively on the floor, showcasing a physical...
read more
2A NCISAA State Championship Preview: Caldwell Academy versus The Burlington School
This weekend, private schools will play their final game of the postseason. The matchups have been decided as each of the state championship games will be held in Charlotte. We will take a closer look at each of the four games set to take place, starting with the 2A contest between Caldwell Academy and The Burlington School. Arguably no one is playing better basketball than the Eagles right now,...
read more
2025 MJ Williams is off the board, heading to Eastern Kentucky
Each and every time Phenom Hoops reports or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level, and it is such a great accomplishment for that player. Here is the latest commitment. Player: MJ WilliamsClass: 2025Committed to: Eastern Kentucky What Has Been Said by Phenom Hoops: “Williams has...
read more
The Burlington School vs. Harrells Christian Standouts
The Burlington School: 6’8 ’25 Kaden Hammond While each of their contributors was vital, the Spartans simply could not win this game without Hammond. Due to his efficiency, he probably could’ve taken more shots, but it’s still easy to recognize his patience, vision, and physicality on the block. Hammond battled relentlessly for position, moved well to get open as a cutter, and consistently...
read more
The Burlington School vs. Harrells Christian Recap
On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled to The Burlington School to watch the Spartans face off against Harrells Christian in the NCISAA 2A Semifinal matchup. The winner would advance to play Caldwell Academy in the championship this upcoming weekend. Both teams entered this game with something to prove. The Burlington School had to rewrite their script in the middle of the season. Not only did they...
read more
NCISAA Championship Games Are Set (Boys/Girls)
Boys: 4A Playoffs: Christ School 75 – Forsyth Country Day 65 Christ School used a balanced attack led by 2025 Zymicah Wilkins who finished with 29 points while Dacen Petty chipped in with 20 points. Carmel Christian 73 – Providence Day 65 It was a thriller at Carmel Christian as Providence Day had a chance to win but Bryce Slay saved Carmel at home with a buzzer-beating three to send the game...
read more
2026 6’8 Marco Varani (Elite Future Prep) showcasing big-time shooting ability
Photo Credit: Josh Millican Player: Marco VaraniClass: 2026Height: 6’8School: Elite Future Prep Recently at the National Prep Showcase in Rhode Island, Phenom Hoops had an opportunity to learn about a player we hadn’t seen before but were quite impressed with what he showed at the event. 2026 6’8 Marco Varani from Elite Future Prep is an intriguing prospect with his size and shot-making...
read more
NCISAA Semifinal Preview: Caldwell Academy vs. Wayne Country Day
Tonight, Caldwell Academy faces off against Wayne Country Day. The winner will go onward and face the winner of The Burlington School versus Harrells Chrisitan. Regardless of the outcome, it’s been a terrific season for each of the four programs remaining. The Burlington School had one of the most difficult schedules amongst North Carolina programs; Harrells Christian enjoyed their best season...
read more
NCISAA Semifinal Preview: The Burlington School vs. Harrells Christian
Tonight, Phenom Hoops will be in attendance for the NCISAA semifinal matchup between The Burlington School and Harrells Christian. The winner will go onward and face the winner of Caldwell Academy versus Wayne Country Day. Regardless of the outcome, it’s been a terrific season for each of the four programs remaining. The Burlington School had one of the most difficult schedules amongst North...
read more
Jaleel Smith’s Incredibly Productive Freshman Campaign
Every year, the newest crop of incoming freshmen hit the high school scene and begin to make a name for themselves. While most players typically aren’t ready to lead a team or carry a heavy burden, there are numerous exceptions. North Carolina’s Class of 2028 is certainly loaded with a variety of intriguing prospects—many of whom have already established impressive production. Although he...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Prep Showcase (Part Two)
6’2 ’25 Babacar Ly (S3 Academy) Although S3 Academy had multiple standouts from the weekend, Babacar Ly immediately captured attention with his dynamic identity. He’s a long, athletic, well-rounded guard with sharp quickness and impressive open-floor speed. Ly scored the ball with relative ease and was a constant problem for opponents in transition. He’s a tough defender who anticipates well to...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Prep Showcase (Part One)
6’10 ’25 Caden Giles (Flight 22) There were plenty of notable big men on display, and Caden Giles was as impressive as any of them. His length, mobility, and general instincts make him a problem for opponents on both ends of the floor. Giles is phenomenal at protecting the rim and altering or blocking shots without fouling. He walls up incredibly well while possessing enough strength to absorb...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Underrated Showcase
6’3 ’29 Nick Cannon (Garner Road) Arguably the breakout prospect of the event, Nick Cannon had folks buzzing throughout the weekend. He possesses a favorable blend of size, feel, and well-rounded ability, which allows him to consistently impact all facets of the game. Cannon scored on all levels and appeared comfortable dictating the offense as an initiator. He rebounds well for his position and...
read more
2028 6’7 Devaughn Dorrough (CA) proving to be a force early on and a name to learn
Player: Devaughn DorroughClass: 2028Height: 6’7School: Monterey Trail HS Out in California, Phenom Hoops looks to highlight one of the premier talents in the Class of 2028, as 6’7 Devaughn Dorrough has clearly made a name for himself. He has the Mustangs of Monterey Trail HS sitting at 23-5 overall and he is leading the team with 16.9ppg, 9.2rpg, and 1.5bpg, all while shooting 62 percent from...
read more
Breakout Player from #PhenomUnderrated Showcase
Player: Nick CannonClass: 2029AAU: Garner Road-Butler The Phenom Underrated Showcase brought some young but talented players to the court for Phenom Hoops to learn about, and one of the biggest breakout players from the event was 2029 6’2 Nick Cannon from Garner Road-Butler. Cannon presented a lot of upside and versatility in his game, especially with his blend of size and skillset at a young...
read more
Sad Sam’s Weekly Furious 5 Rankings for Week Ending 2/15
Greetings HS hoops junkies from across the blustery Piedmont! It is so windy that The Illustrious One thought he heard someone calling, “Auntie M, Auntie M” a while ago. However, he is hanging in there and is here to deliver his final F5 of the regular season. Last week saw the contenders contend and the pretenders fall. One matchup in the Greater Metro 4A...
read more
POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at #PhenomPrepShowcase
2026 Stephano Farrington (Bull City): Farrington has had a really good year as far as opening some eyes to his game. The 6’8 long, lengthy forward continues to not only make his presence felt on the offensive end but really excels as a defensive presence. Offensively, he finds ways to finish strong at the rim, moving well without the ball and showcasing his athleticism. But what always catches...
read more