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Five Available Offer-Worthy Seniors
6’3 Derin Saran (Asheville School) In all honesty, Derin Saran already has a pretty healthy collection of offers and could commit at any point in time. However, that shouldn’t deter more programs from getting involved with the extremely heady, playmaking point guard. Saran is easily one of the best passers to come through North Carolina in recent memory. His blend of IQ, craftiness, and overall...
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Seniors rising to the Occasion: Carmel MLK Showcase
There are plenty of unsigned seniors around the region in North and South Carolina, and a few of them were on display at the Carmel MLK Showcase. If schools are looking for players in the Class of 2023, here are a few you may want to check out and rewind the tape with what they showed at the event. 2023 Zion McDuffie (Butler): McDuffie finally catching on with a few programs, which is...
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Unsigned Seniors Through the Rankings
6’5 Bryce Cash (Carmel Christian) It’s unclear as to why Cash doesn’t have more action within his recruitment. Between his IQ, maturity, toughness, and unselfishness, he truly does check all the boxes for being an extremely low-maintenance player who produces on both ends of the floor. He possesses a strong, physically overwhelming 6-foot-5 frame with the necessary length and athleticism to...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Holiday Classic
2024 Austin Swartz (Cannon): We will start this article off this way… Austin Swartz should be a nationally recognized prospect by all outlets. Swartz’s game looks to translate well at the next level and he is showing so much more of his all-around game along with just how big of a prolific scorer he can be. When talking about his game, everyone knows his ability to be a fluid 3-level scorer,...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Steven Mims #1: 5’10 ’25 Derek Ross Jr. (Jordan) Starting things off, we look at a player who is clearly trending as one of the top floor generals in his class, Derek Ross Jr. He’s a smart, crafty, unselfish point guard prospect with sharp quickness, playmaking instincts, and three-level scoring ability. Ross understands how to properly run a team or burden a heavy scoring...
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Stockrisers from NC Top 80 (Class of 2023)
Another outstanding North Carolina Top 80 event has come and gone, and the talent was fun to watch. Some of the biggest names were all under one building and so many players could be found making this list, but these are a few players from the Class of 2023 that really popped off with their play at the event. 2023 6’8 Torey Alston (Winston Salem Christian): Alston had a great day of basketball,...
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Reece’s Standouts: Hoop State League (Week 2: West Division)
By; Ethan Reece 2023 Carlos Luis (Combine Regional)What impressed me with Carlos’ play was his effectiveness to get where he wanted and use his size to play at his own pace. He has the blend of inside out play that matches the style of today’s game, being able to operate on the block with quality footwork and pose a threat outside with his shot or comfortable ability to put his shoulder down and...
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Start Noticing More: Class of 2023 from #HoopStateLeague (West) (Part 2)
The Hoop State League has kicked off and Week 1 was off the charts, but we still have several weeks ahead that you and college coaches will not want to miss. We have been taking notes early on and we can tell you, there are a few players in the Class of 2023 that should garner more attention. Here are four more players to look out for more and should be bigger priorities this upcoming high...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Week 1, Day 2 at #HoopStateLeague (Cox Mill)
2023 Zion McDuffie (Bulldogs): It is about time people start recognizing McDuffie and what he can provide on the court. He is a strong, physical presence that is one of the more explosive prospects in the state. He is terrific out in transition and getting to the basket, finishing strong and a few highlight-reel dunks. But he also has shown that he can step out and be effective from outside,...
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Phenom Open Gym: Concord Academy
Head Coach Frank Cantadore is one of the most underrated coaches in the state, regardless of class or affiliation. Year after year, Coach Cantadore will play the toughest schedule, bar none! He isn’t afraid of the challenge and views the toughest teams as an opportunity for his team to improve and get better. Case and point, Concord Academy had a losing record heading into the NCISAA state...
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Dawkins’ Standouts: Phenom G3 Showcase (Part 2)
By; DeAjai Dawkins 2023 Avion Pinner (Team Curry) Avion Pinner has consistently impressed me when I’ve watched him play, but it is not for his high flying ability or overall versatility. Pinner’s ability to impact the game on the defensive end specifically is an incredibly special skill. Aside from moving his feet well, Pinner shows solid timing when protecting the rim and gives opposing scorers...
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G3 Showcase Team Preview: Team Curry 17U
With the June and July Live Periods on the horizon, there’s no better time for teams to compete to gauge their ability against high-level opponents. Our G3 Showcase is slated to feature a heavy mix of independent organizations and shoe-circuit programs—so there should definitely be something for everyone in attendance. The circuit teams nearing their halfway point should ultimately...
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NCISAA Championship Previews
After a season full of anticipation, the wait is finally over. We’ve reached playoff time after the first (somewhat) normal season since everything crashed due to covid. Between teams playing full schedules and the decreasing amount of general hysteria throughout the country, folks clearly wanted basketball to return. While some restrictions (masks, testing, etc.) still remain in place, this...
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NCISAA 2A Semifinal Recap: The Burlington School vs Wayne Country Day
In a rematch of last year’s NCISAA 2A State Semifinals, The Burlington School (28-7) would once again host Wayne Country Day (25-7). All season long, these two teams have been at the top of our private school rankings. 6’3 2024 Kobe George The Burlington School knew in order to win this game, they would have to make it very difficult on Wayne Country Day’s Collin Tanner, their...
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HIGHLIGHTS: Cam Whitmore (Archbishop Spalding) vs The Burlington School at 2021 #theJohnWall
Villanova commit Cam Whitmore and Archbishop Spalding took on the Burlington School led by Kheni Briggs and Avion Pinner in the semi-finals of the Devonte Graham bracket at the 2021 John Wall Holiday Invitational!
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Wednesday Standouts from The John Wall, Part 2
Game 5The Burlington School vs. Archbishop Spalding In their second round matchup of the Devonte Graham Bracket, defending NCISAA 2A State Champions The Burlington School (TBS) took on Maryland’s Archbishop Spalding. TBS struck first and held a nine point halftime lead behind the play of Kheni Briggs, Michael Nwoko and Avion Pinner. However, Spalding made their run in the third quarter as Jordan...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: John Wall Invitational (Monday, Part 2)
Archbishop Spalding vs. North Meck It was an intense battle between these two teams and a fun one to watch. It was a pretty close battle all throughout but Archbishop was able to hold the lead for nearly the entire game. 2022 Cam Whitmore was the real deal. Yes, he has incredible athleticism and he put that on display but his ability to score in a variety of ways, use his body well, put on...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom November Classic
2022 Quante Berry (Winston Salem Christian): Really liked what I saw out of the Providence commit. He wasn’t filling up the stat sheet as far as scoring but Berry was making play after play on the floor to help his team. On several occasions, he was able to create with the dribble and eventually set up/ find his teammates for easy baskets. But he also got out and took advantage...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: George Marshall #8: 6’0 ’23 Jordan Cooper (Wayne Country Day) Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to steadily trend upward with his reliable two-way presence, Jordan Cooper. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect with the necessary combination of IQ, vision, and scoring prowess to effectively operate from either backcourt position. Cooper is arguably at his best...
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Open Gym Report: The Burlington School
On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to The Burlington School for a high-level open gym session with one of the top programs across North Carolina. For the last two seasons, the Spartans have been led by Coach Ryan Bernardi and, regardless of roster composition, found a way to make it to the title game. After suffering a state championship loss, they reached their goal last season and seized...
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Quickly Reloaded: The Burlington School
Each year, there are certain programs that are guaranteed to be relevant simply due to their coaching and/or knack to acquire talent. Take Duane Lewis (North Meck), Dion Bethea (Gray Collegiate), BJ Jackson (Legacy Early College), and countless others as evidence of this notion. Well, despite entering just his fourth season as a high school head coach, perhaps Ryan Bernardi is deserving of a...
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Versatile Prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2022
Given the way basketball has trended over the last decade or so, versatility has become more valuable than ever—especially at the highest levels of play. Sure, there were older players like Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and even Anthony Mason among countless others who embraced versatility before it became popular. However, it’s gradually become a necessity for a successful modernized brand of...
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Team Loaded NC 2022
During last summer’s crazy travel ball season in which there were no sneaker circuits, one of the most popular teams in the country was Tea Marie Hoops, started by former Division 1 assistant coach, Thomas Carr. Tea Marie Hoops quickly took over the grassroots scene with high level players wearing colorful t-shirts reminiscent of the classic Five Star Basketball Camp shirt. Yes, they were...
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Five Prospects Deserving of More Attention from College Coaches (2022)
It basically goes without saying, but the 2020-21 high school basketball season has been among the more unusual situations to occur within basketball or high school sports over the recent years. Obviously due to Covid, majority of programs were forced to maintain extremely low attendance numbers which, in turn, only hurt the kids and their overall chances to advance to the next level. Many...
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Avion Pinner vs Nasiar Blackston – Wilson Prep vs Riverside-Martin (NCHSAA 1A FINAL FOUR Recap)
Check out the full recap and highlights from an intense matchup between Wilson Prep and Riverside-Martin, as they competed for a chance for a state title.
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Wilson Prep Advances to the NCHSAA 1A State Championship with Win Over Riverside Martin
By: Rod Bridgers Tonight felt normal. Almost a year into this pandemic I watched a basketball game with fans and it felt good. Even better for me, it was in my hometown as the Wilson Prep defeated Riverside Martin 66-50 to advance to the 1A NCHSAA State Championship game Saturday. The first quarter was filled with a bunch of turnovers and missed opportunities from both teams. Blame it on nerves....
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2022 Phenom Rankings: The shot blockers you need to know
College coaches certainly love big or prospects that can make a difference on the offensive end but they certainly don't mind having a player that can make an impact on defense, erasing opponents' opportunities to score by blocking shots. In the class of 2022, there are multiple names that could be found on the updated Phenom Hoops rankings that can help man or eliminate those scoring opportunities. There are just five guys that you will want to know.
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Unique skillset brings intrigue with 2022 Avion Pinner
Down at Riverside high school in Williamston, North Carolina sits a very intriguing prospect that honestly, may get overlooked at times. But with his unique feel, versatility, frame, and game, he should possibly be looked at as one of the top prospects in his class.
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Holiday Classic: A Good Dude vs. Charlotte Red Storm (Recap/Standouts)
A Good Dude and Charlotte Red Storm kicked off their game in the Arena court and the outside shot was falling early for both teams. Both teams were able to find success hitting multiple threes, as this game remained a tight battle through the first quarter. The three’s kept on coming for both, but A Good Dude just seemed to have too much length and skill, really firing on all ends offensively...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: James Baker #10: 5’8 ’22 Chris Britt (Gaston Day) Starting things off, we look at a player that continually stands out with his sharp, quick, aggressive scoring prowess, Chris Britt. He’s a tough, heady lead guard prospect with the ability to reliably and effortlessly create quality shots out of little to nothing. Britt is excellent at blowing by his man and finishing around the...
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