EVENT NEWS
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POB’s Best of the Best: SC Top 80
2027 6’6 Josh Leonard (Wilson) Coming into yet another Top 80 down in South Carolina, 2027 Josh Leonard proved once again why he is the top prospect in the state overall and nationally ranked by so many. The true blend of size, physicality, skillset, understanding, and feel for the game is quite impressive but he has been showing that consistently over the years. And what makes him scarier...
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Takeaways from South Carolina Top 80
Josh Leonard is Special Anyone who attended the camp knows that Josh Leonard’s pure dominance was the primary takeaway. There’s something so unique about the calm manner in which Leonard is able to lead a team, dictate the action, and legitimately destroy opponents at a moment’s notice. It’s been this way for quite a few years, but his feel and skillset (particularly at his size) are truly...
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Coastal Carolina snags a steal as 2025 Tristan Thompson commits
Player: Tristan ThompsonClass: 2025Height: 6’5School: Wilson Committed to: Coastal Carolina Thompson is the third commitment for Coastal in the Class of 2025 Phenom 1-on1: Phenom: What made Coastal Carolina the place for you in the end? What went into your decision?Thompson: Everything. It is home, the coaching staff, the campus is beautiful, and the team chemistry; it is like family there....
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 3 at Phenom Hoops LIVE
2025 Jamari Jackson (Team Blessed): Overall, I liked what I saw from this Team Blessed (TX) team and more will be coming for them this upcoming week. But to start the day on Day 3, Jackson was one that captured a few eyes with his play and ability to make his presence felt. He is one that plays with a tremendous motor and is relentless in his attack, finding ways to finish through contact, get...
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom Hoops Team Camp
The past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual Team Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Between the individual talent, collection of teams, and overall competition, there were a lot of meaningful takeaways. College coaches were in attendance from start to finish, and several players made lasting impressions with their play. Although there were several standouts, this article will take a closer...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: Justin Harris #9: 5’10 ’25 Hyikeem Burnside (Laurens) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a quality impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Hyikeem Burnside. He’s a tough, scrappy, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with a high IQ and unselfish approach to the game. Burnside knocked down three-pointers and pull-ups, but was arguably at his best when...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from SC Top 80 (Class of 2025)
2025 Cedric Schofield (Keenan): Schofield had a very good overall showing at the SC Top 80, and I believe a showing like this when you watch the film should help him garner more attention. The 6’8 athletic forward was active all throughout, running the floor in transition, showing his bounce and ability to finish at the rim, but also show a nice well-rounded balance in his overall skill set. He...
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Upward Stars Combine: Players to keep an eye on (Part 1)
The Upward Stars Combine was a sensational event, and we at Phenom Hoops want to thank all the staff there for allowing us to check out the talent. Many players from North and South Carolina were on deck, and we got a great refreshing view of players as well as learn about a few new names as well. 2025 Zeke Marshall (Westside): Marshall is an interesting prospect with his long length and...
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Phenom Open Gym: North Raleigh Christian Academy
By: Cooper Hart On Thursday morning, Phenom Hoops made it out to North Raleigh Christian Academy to check out the 2023-24 Knights. They’re coming off a 14-15 season where they finished 3rd in the TISAC and returned just one of their top six scorers. 6’3” ’24 Jayse Buckley Buckley will be one of the few veteran leaders for this young group. He’s a knockdown shooter who moves well without the ball...
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Notable South Carolina Performers at NCHSAA Live (2025)
6’3 ’25 Kaleb Evans (Lexington) There were a ton of players who boosted their individual stock over the weekend, and Evans is easily towards the top of that list. He’s a dynamic athlete, creator, and overall shot-maker with an appealing blend of size, vision, and toughness. Evans is a useful three-point shooter, but typically prefers to break down opponents and attack off the bounce—where he’s a...
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SC LIVE Period Sideline Report: Stockrisers
2025 Kaleb Evans (Lexington): Evans was a player that was heavily talked about after the event as a stock riser from what we saw on the court. Evans has a lot of things going for him, as he has the size and length, he showed that he can run the offense, displayed tremendous playmaking ability, can be electric with the ball in his hands, and understands how to score getting to the basket or...
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Three Juniors Trending Upward from Phenom MDC
6’5 ’25 Tristan Thompson (Upward Stars) Though folks should already know about Thompson and his incredibly productive, low-maintenance identity, this past weekend was just another indicator of what he brings to a team. He’s a smart, skilled, versatile two-way wing/forward with the ability to consistently affect all facets of the game. Thompson can initiate the offense, create for himself and...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Day 1 at Phenom MDC
2025 Jake Benham (Mint Hill Lakers): Benham continues to find his name on our standout lists. But it is hard not to have him on the list with the consistent play he has been showing this summer. Benham is having a breakout-type year, showing how he can be a game-changer with his shot-making, his quick release, and his ability to make plays in a variety of ways. Another outing in which he filled...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Ward Yount #2: 5’9 ’25 Bryson Taylor (Dutch Fork) Starting things off, we look at a player who contributed quite well despite being the smallest camper on this team, Bryson Taylor. He’s a wiry, high-motor point guard prospect with nice feel and a blossoming skillset. Taylor is a great penetrator who can finish or set up others at a solid rate. He defends well at the point of...
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2025 Tristan Thompson earns first offer
The future in South Carolina is looking bright, as you will be hearing about several rising prospects from the state. One player that you will want to watch out for is 2025 6'5 Tristan Thompson. He has been a standout on multiple occasions with Phenom Hoops and he just earned his first offer. We spoke to him about his first offer.
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Session 2, Day 1, Part 1)
2023 Jordon Nevill (Team HOPE 2023 Chris): Nevill came in with a reputation as a shooter and he showed that once again, really being one of the most consistent threats from outside at the event. He has an effortless shot from three and has the ultimate green light; but he also display good decision-making, found the open spots, got out in transition well, and scored in other areas of the floor....
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Five Players to Watch For in South Carolina (Class of 2025)
Brian Sumpter 2025 Kaleb Evans (Lexington): Evans was a name that Coach Pope told me about before the event and when watching him, he was right about the early intrigue with his game. He is a 6’2 guard that plays with confidence, has good athleticism and feel, good body control that allows him to finish around defenders, but can be shifty and strong out in transition. Evans...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Day 1 at #PhenomMDC
By: DeAjai Dawkins 2025 Tristan Thompson (Upward Stars 15u 3SSB) Thompson is a solid rebounder, arguably the best on this roster, with good hands and balance. I was impressed with the way he secures boards with both hands and is difficult to rip once the ball is in his grasps. He’ll likely be responsible for a number of putbacks throughout his basketball career. Michael Williams Jr. (Future...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom MDC (Day 1, Part 2)
2023 Randall Pettus (Charlotte Aces): Pettus has had himself a solid outing on Day 1 at the Phenom MDC. In Game 2 though, was really impressed with his ability to create with the dribble and get to his spots, rising up with confidence and showing his mid-range game. A guard with good athleticism and touch on his shot. 2024 Paul McNeil (Richmond Jammers): Though it was a tough Game 2 for the team...
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Piedmont Classical v. Trinity Collegiate
On Monday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Piedmont Classical for a battle between the hosting Bobcats and the visiting Titans of Trinity Collegiate School. Coming from South Carolina, the Titans brought their slew of talent to the Hoopstate and looked more than ready to compete. On the other side, Coach Brown has consistently found ways to get the best out of this group since taking over as head...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Jordan Washington #100: 5’7 ’23 My’kel Croker (Lake City) Starting things off, we look at a player who consistently made an impact despite being among the smallest campers on display, My’kel Croker. He’s a quick, heady, smart lead guard prospect with a high motor, unselfish mentality, and the ability to outwork his assignment on either end of the floor. Croker played extremely...
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Player Standouts at SC Top 80
#100- My’kel Croker- While very few players tend to stand out during the drills/stations, Croker definitely stood out amongst the crowd. He’s slightly undersized but plays with incredible energy and constantly communicates on both ends of the floor. Croker approaches every single drill and possession with a visibly unselfish approach. In the games, he stood out as a pesky defender and forced...
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Gyms Gems: Blake Walker’s Rising Stars Open Run
By: Patrick Paul Passion Driven Sports has been a pillar in the Pee Dee/Grand Strand area for the past two years. Gyms Gems heavily focus on small-town kids with big talent. Got a chance to slide in and see Blake Walker’s Rising Stars Open Run. Blake Walker is establishing himself as another pillar in the Pee Dee area by putting together one of the best middle school teams in the state of SC....
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Phenom Hoops’ Carolina Middle School Showcase Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Jake Senyo #5: 4’11 ’25 Landon Wilson (Florence, SC) Starting things off, we look at a player that made a nice impact on both sides of the ball during camp, Landon Wilson. He’s a wiry, slightly undersized point guard prospect with quickness and an excellent feel for the game. Wilson handles the ball with care and can create for himself or others with great poise. He’s able...
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Carolina Bad Boyz Shine As They Win 12U Title at #PhenomJMAC
In what was probably the most electric game of the day and what was definitely the most electric 12U Game I’ve ever seen with my own eyes the Carolina Bad Boyz prevailed over Team Truth to come away with a crazy comeback victory in the championship game of the 12U bracket at the Phenom Hoop Report JMAC Showcase. After Trailing by as many as 21 points in the 2nd half, this group of young...
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South Carolina Jr. Phenom: Team 5 Evaluations
South Carolina Jr. Phenom Evaluations Team 5 Coach: Yusuf English #15:5’4 ’25 Cameron Davis (Columbia, SC) Starting thins off, we look at a player that brought an excellent attitude to the team and looked to motivate whenever possible, Cameron Davis. He’s a guard with a solid nose for the ball, always ready to make a play and try to secure extra possessions for the team. Davis...
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