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2026 Dionte Neal looking to make another statement this year
One of the top point guards in the state of North Carolina has been 2026 Dionte Neal, as he has shown to consistently impact the game and is a proven winner. Neal has racked up the accolades and championships, and he has attracted the eyes of college coaches. But he is also a standout on the football field, being a pest on the field and the court. He recently attended the NC...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Jordan Paris #2: 5’9 ’26 Dionte Neal (Reidsville) Starting off, we look at a player who consistently propels winning in all possible settings, Dionte Neal. He’s a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with toughness, quickness, and a polished skillset. Neal is a natural leader by example and someone who visibly understands how to dictate the action as a primary creator. He touches...
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Expecting Big Seasons Ahead: NC Top 80 (Class of 2026)
2026 6’2 Ian Bailey (Asheville School) Bailey was one of several players at the NC Top 80 that we expect to have big seasons. Bailey had a breakout season last year, as outlets from all over started to notice his game and impact. When talking about his game, the first thing you must notice is his overall feel on the court; being a playmaker, making tremendous reads, facilitating to his...
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Who is the Top Tandem in North Carolina?
Noteworthy duos have long been a major part of building successful basketball teams. Even after the establishment of a “Big Three,” we still see a lot of teams at every level who excel with two star-like talents surrounded by complementary pieces. While this is obviously more challenging at the high school level, plenty of examples exist—especially in North Carolina. For the purposes of this...
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Returning Home and Looking to Repeat: Reidsville HS
There was some big news swarming around the state, as it was announced that 2026 Kendre Harrison will be returning to Reidsville. Earlier this year, Harrison announced that he would be heading to Providence Day but it seems that things have changed and one of the top prospects in the state is headed back home. Harrison’s return is huge news but the bigger picture for sure is now surrounding...
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North Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 9
Team 9 Coach: Evan Neisler #47: 5’7 ’26 Dionte Neal (Reidsville) Starting things off, we look at a player who is easily among the most dynamic guards in the state, regardless of class, Dionte Neal. He’s an undersized, incredibly smart, skilled floor general with lethal quickness and open-floor speed. Neal is a high-level creator and overall playmaker who utilizes his craftiness to effortlessly...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Peach Jam Championship
Photo Courtesy: Nike EYBL 2026 Dionte Neal (CP3): Neal was superb and it is time to give this young man credit for what he does on the court. Though he is a smaller guard, Neal can be an absolute difference-maker on the floor on both sides. He can strap up and create a ton of havoc defensively, putting a ton of pressure on opponents but he also is terrific in his ability to create and set up his...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Team Camp (Day 1, Part 1)
2026 Markus Kerr (Chambers): A new addition to the group at Chambers, it seems like the young man was able to fit right in and give this group yet another weapon at their disposal. Kerr though fits the part, as he was able to showcase his ability to create and make plays on his own, break down defenders and find his shot, but also flow within the offense. It looks to be yet another strong season...
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Point Guards Leading the Charge: Phenom MDC
2026 Cameron Newman (Team Charlotte) Newman continues to shine as a young rising point guard here in North Carolina, and the future looks bright for him. Not only is he used to playing up against older players, but he also understands how to lead a team. Newman isn’t afraid of the bright lights, elevating his play to lead the charge, create his own scoring opportunities, and also knowing how to...
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Six Freshmen Named to All-District Teams
On Monday, the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association announced their annual all-district teams. Across the twelve districts (and 180 total players), only six freshmen were chosen. It’s a tremendous honor for these young men to be appropriately recognized as some of the top players throughout the state—despite their age. Among the selections, you’ll notice that the three freshmen who...
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Phenom Game Report: Salisbury at Reidsville
We were coming down in the NCHSAA playoffs, as Salisbury and Reidsville battled it out in the Elite Eight. It was a slow game for much of the first half, with plenty of fouls to go around for both teams. Both teams were tied up at 11 at the end of the first quarter, but 2026 Dionte Neal was the one player that came out strong with nine points in the first quarter. But Salisbury was able to slow...
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A Closer Look: North Carolina’s Class of 2026
6’6 Cole Cloer (Orange) Between the team’s success and his individual production, it’s easy to see why Cole Cloer is already one of the top players in North Carolina’s Class of 2026. At 6-foot-6, he already has the IQ, size, and skillset to legitimately dominate a game. Cloer is a smooth all-around player who comfortably dictates the offensive action with the ball in his hands,...
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Freshman Duo Dominating for Undefeated Reidsville
As times have changed, the idea of giving huge minutes to a star freshman has become more and more widely accepted. Veteran pieces are very valuable and important, but seniority doesn’t necessarily override talent. Look at Reidsville and the success they’ve had behind the two youngest players on their roster. Following the legacy left by the Breon Pass is a tall task for anyone, but Dionte Neal...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from NC Freshman 40 (Part 1)
2026 6’5 Kohi Strickland (Greensboro Day): Strickland is an intriguing young prospect with his game and size. From what we saw on the court, Strickland had his hand in a bit of everything on the court, whether it was making plays for others, helping on the boards, finding his teammates well, and scoring in a variety of ways. He has a well-rounded feel to his game and believe that he is a name...
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The Carolina’s Class of 2026: CP3 Rising Stars Top 20
After months and months of travel ball, camp season is finally upon us. Although our (Phenom Hoops) camps don’t start until September, there’s no better way to kick things off than the prestigious CP3 Rising Stars Camp. It’s widely regarded as the top collection of talent among rising freshmen throughout the country. Each year, the event hosts a slew of eventual pros (with even more former NBA...
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Immediate Impact Freshmen in North Carolina’s Class of 2026
The travel ball season is finally beginning to wind down, which naturally generates a lot of buzz and excitement for the upcoming high school year. Folks are ready to see where seniors commit, what team separates themselves from the pack, and everything in-between. One of the more intriguing subplots of each season is how the freshman will ultimately fare, and this year is no different. North...
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Future looking bright for Reidsville with young prospects to watch
At the Phenom Team Camp, there were several teams that captured our eyes on the court. One team that we found fascinating to watch and excited about the future was the Rams of Reidsville. This team has several key seniors and juniors that will be helping lead the charge, but you can’t help but think of the future with this program, and with the two incoming freshmen they have coming in, this...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Day 1 at Phenom Team Camp
6’4 2026 Josiah Johnson (Fayetteville Academy) After watching a morning display of overpowering smaller defenders in the low post, rebounding at a high level, and defending with purpose, I had to inquire about Josiah Johnson. When I asked him, I was expecting to hear about a rising senior looking to solidify the college he’ll call home the next for years. This is a rising freshman in high...
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Reece’s Standouts: Phenom March Madness (Day 2)
by: Ethan Reece2024 Antione Jones (Winston Hustlers)The best and only way to describe Antione is a shot-maker. He couldn’t be stopped and was in the zone all game. His intensity and scoring mindset led him through the first half finishing everything he got in the lane, and then he found his outside shot to really heat up in the second half. He scored a game high 35 and was given the keys to the...
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Dawkins’ Phenom March Madness Standouts (Day 1)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 2026 Kenan Dixon (Team Hope 2026) He plays with a respectable level of leadership. His soft touch around the rim creates an evident threat for opposing defenders once he’s found the lane. Aside from being a purposeful scorer, Dixon shows promising decision-making abilities with the ball in his hands. Started his day with 32 points, followed up with another high-scoring affair....
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom March Madness (Part 2)
2024 Braylhan Thomas (Team Charlotte): The 6’5 prospect continues to make strides with is game, showing more of a complete game, using his size well and only getting stronger on the court. Thomas continues to show his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter but also create more for himself. He has really progressed and is showing he can be more of a consistent offensive threat...
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Phenom 150 Session II Camp Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Austin Collins #43: 5’7 ’26 Dionte Neal (Reidsville) Starting things off, we look at a player who already possesses poise well beyond his years, Dionte Neal. He’s a tough, crafty guard prospect with excellent creation skills and a dynamic scoring arsenal from all levels. Neal can effortlessly get wherever he wants off the bounce, and displays the combination of scoring...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom 150 Session 2
2023 McCaskill Rivers: Rivers was absolutely dominant from the start and rolled his way to MVP at the camp. The 6’5 forward moved incredibly well on the floor, running the court to get easy baskets, finishing well around the rim, and through contact. It seems that there weren’t many that could slow him down, as he averaged 33 points in an impressive showing; great touch with this young man. 2026...
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Phenom Player Spotlight: 2026 Dionte Neal
Though some may be hard to believe in talking about a player that is part of the 2026 class but Dionte Neal may be a special occasion. Why? This young man has simply been off the charts all summer long, being a leader on the floor and racking in the championships with multiple teams. Phenom Hoops got their first glimpse back in May during the CP3 Media Day, where he quickly captured eyes with his play.
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom Summer Showcase
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Advance, North Carolina for another exciting two-day stretch of basketball. There were over one hundred teams on display, including a few high school groups preparing for the upcoming LIVE periods, which ultimately led to quality competition. We saw various new faces, but also got updated viewings of countless prospects....
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Player Standouts from Phenom Summer Showcase
By: Heath Gulledge 2025 6’1 Iz Gill (Clutch Hartsfield) Gill is the biggest guy on the court and he plays like it too. Gill has footwork well beyond his age in the post and can really run the floor. He got a lot of his points today by out hustling guys and being the big that runs the court in transition. He impressed me with his ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. He’s one...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at the Phenom Summer Showcase
2022 Austin Ball (WV Generals): Ball played really well on Day 2, scoring the ball effectively, whether it was rising from behind the arc or his mid-range shot, as well as using his 6’5 long frame to finish over defenders with a little bounce to his game. Ball is tremendously active, making those little plays, using his hands well to keep the ball active, and has a soft touch with his...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Showcase
6’2 ’23 Grady Whitt (Go Hard) Few teams in attendance can match the balanced approach of Go Hard, and Whitt is a massive part of their overall game. The lefty is skilled and fairly crafty, able to consistently create for himself and other off the bounce. Whitt shoots the ball at an efficient rate from midrange and beyond the arc, and finishes with finesse around the basket. He’s a quality passer...
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Player Standouts from Day 1 of Phenom Summer Showcase
by: Ethan Reece 2026 Dionte Neal (CSB Elite)Dionte is a PG that can take over the game very easily. Quick and shifty with his handles, it’s hard for opponents to stay in front and keep him from getting to his spots. Controls the game well for such a young guard, rare to see such poise and patience. He made strong moves to the basket, finishing with his footwork and quickness 2025 Derek Ross (NC...
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Phenom G3 Showcase Player Spotlights
By: Sean Halloran 2026 Dionte Neal (Team CP3 15u) Neal’s high IQ screams out when you watch him play. He is someone who can do a bit of everything at the PG position. Very crafty offensively and around the rim, and constantly getting into the paint offensively. Good at breaking defenders down off the bounce and finding his open teammates for shots. Neal carries Good pace, and the ability to...
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