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HIGHLIGHTS: Bishop Boswell vs Evan Smith as Ardrey Kell Defeats South Meck HS in 704 Showdown!

Phenom Hoops headed out on a Tuesday night to check on two of the premier programs making noise in the Charlotte area as South Meck welcomed in Ardrey Kell. Great battle with great talent on the court. Bishop Boswell and Peter Moye led the charge for South Meck but was it enough to overcome Brock Rose and Evan Smith? Check it all out!

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Phenom Game Report: Ardrey Kell vs. South Meck (Boys)

We are back after the holidays, as Phenom Hoops hit the road to check in on the talent around the state.  We headed down to South Meck high school Tuesday night, as they were welcoming in Ardrey Kell.  Two premier programs in the area dueled it out, as it was a fun battle to watch.  Early in the first half, both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket; neither team was able...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Battle at the Mill

Phenom Hoops was on deck for a terrific event at Cox Mill, as they brought you the Battle at the Mill. It brought several teams from around the area all under one building, giving fans a chance to take a look at the talent throughout the state. We bring you our standouts from Saturday's games.

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Weddington vs Ardrey Kell Game Summary

Phenom Hoops travelled to Ardrey Kell to cover one of the premier high school early season matchups. Weddington is coached by Gary Ellington and led them to their first ever NCHSAA 3A state championship last season. Year in, year out, Ardrey Kell is considered one of the top teams in the area and is coached by Mike Craft. Coach Gary Ellington and Coach Mike Craft are outstanding high school...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from #CHC12 (Day 2)

2023 Samyha Suffren (Cannon): Suffren was impressive with her presence on the court.' It is easy to see why schools have been targeting her for the class of 2023.' She displayed a tremendous skill set, especially in creating for herself and she is a dynamic scorer from many levels and in an array of ways. Handles the ball well, plays at a great pace, and displays a feel and IQ for the game. She...

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Phenom Open Gym Tour: Ardrey Kell

Ardrey Kell had a special season last year, making a deep run in the playoffs before ultimately falling just short in taking home the championship.' But now the Knights are back under Coach Craft and though they may look a little different than last season, they are still a very dangerous team.' Let's dive into what we saw on the court. When you talk about Ardrey Kell, you have to start with...

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Player Standouts from Hoop State League (Wk 4: Day 2)

by: Ethan Reece 2022 Evan Smith (Team Purple)Ardrey Kell will have a lot of guys stepping up to make plays this season and their clear leader will be Evan from the PG position. This was my first time watching Evan and I was very impressed. As good a floor general as I've seen in recent months, Evan excelled in handling the pressure and controlling the pace. Can be quick but is best using his...

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POB's Best of the Best: Hoop State League (Week 4)

Phenom Hoops was back in town in Rock Hill for Week 4 action in the Hoop State League.  Teams continue to make progress and prepare for the upcoming seasons, as well as players.  There were several standouts from the event but these three players really played at a high level in Week 4.  2022 Evan Smith (Team Purple) Smith has been a known name throughout North Carolina for some...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 of Hoop State League (Week 4) (Part 1)

2022 Evan Smith (Team Purple): Really do believe this is just the start of a terrific season for Smith.  He is going to have to pick up his offensive scoring and is showing that during the Hoop State League.  He plays with such a smooth feel, is patient in his attack, and handles contact extremely well. Continues to be consistent offensively on the floor. 2022 Liam Craven (Combine...

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July Live Period Superlatives: Part Three

Best Defender: 6'0 '22 Mustapha Shah 6'4 '22 Elijah Burnett 6'3 '22 Amari Pearson Although Burnett and Pearson are legitimately phenomenal defenders, Shah's unique ability to mirror opponents through a combination of strength, quickness, and anticipation makes him an absolute terror defensively. He plays with a high motor and gets involved in the offensive action whenever necessary, but truly...

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Bendel's Best: Summer Havoc

Finally, after nearly two years, Phenom Hoops returned to host our first LIVE period event of the travel ball season. Although most college coaches (D2/D3/NAIA/JUCO) have already been allowed to travel for the last calendar year, this is only the second opportunity (aside from the NCHSAA/NCISAA session) for Division I coaches to see prospects in-person. While there were plenty of standouts...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Summer Havoc Session 2 (Day 1, Part 1)

2023 Gabriel Hernandez (Team Hardaway): The 5'10 guard really surprised and caught some eyes with his play on Day 1 of Session 2.  Some may not expect his game but this is a young man that comes and competes, has good quickness to get by defenders, scrappy on both sides of the ball, and really shows some surprising athleticism to his game that many wouldn't expect.  He should be one...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Havoc

6'4 '23 Cole Callaway (Carolina Riptide) It's easy to find balance with this Carolina Riptide squad, and Callaway consistently finds ways to stand out despite being one of the younger players on the roster. He's a lethal spot-up threat with IQ, cutting instincts, and the ability to attack closeouts as needed, which allows him to make a constant impact with or without the ball in his hands....

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Phenom Summer Havoc Team Preview: ACE Elite

July is going to be fun, especially with Phenom Hoops.' That is why we are getting just a small head-start on the teams and players that will be in attendance for the Summer Havoc.' Here, we look to preview just a few names to watch for throughout the weekend in Rock Hill, with many others stepping up their game in front of college coaches. ACE Elite Talk about a fast-rising program heading into...

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NCHSAA LIVE Period Team Previews: Ardrey Kell

After a lot of stressors throughout the last twelve to fourteen months, the grassroots basketball landscape has finally returned to normalcy. The shoe-circuits and high school LIVE periods were restored for the betterment of these young prospects who are simply fighting for an equal opportunity to advance to the collegiate ranks. Although this presents Division I programs with the chance to...

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Navy the first D1 school to offer 2022 Evan Smith

2022 Evan Smith has been a staple in North Carolina, as the guard from Ardrey Kell has been playing at a high level and continues to shine on the big stage. This is why it was an exciting week when he announced that he had received his first D1 offer from Navy. After dominating the competition at the Phenom MDC, Phenom Hoops caught up with Smith to learn more about his thoughts on the offer and...

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Leaving a lasting impression: Phenom MDC (Part 1)

As you may have read, there was talent that could be found all over the court.' We just recently released our best-of-the-best players from the event that I personally saw but there are several others that left a lasting impression on me as well.' That is why these players captured my eyes as well, really leaving a mark on the event in Rock Hill. Here is Part 1. 2022 Cedric Patterson (Team...

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Dawkins’ Championship Sunday Standouts from Phenom MC

By; DeAjai Dawkins 6'3 2022 Evan Smith (ACE Elite 17U)' Evan has performed like a high-level guard all weekend, distributing and scoring at a balanced pace. He's starting to create with less dribbles than before. This is one player that's in a prime position to lead coming into this high school season, and his recruitment will likely benefit.  6'1 2022 Jazian Gortman (PCH Nightrydas 17U)'...

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POB’s Eye Catchers: Phenom MDC (Day 2, Part 1)

2023 Hasanur Friedman (G5 Elite): Friedman is a new name to the scene for us but the guard showed tremendous ability to create for himself off the dribble. He makes incredibly decisive moves, quick reaction, and gets defenders off-balance with his crossover while also finishing around the basket.' Strong play from this young man early on Day 2. 2021 Cedric Patterson (Team United): Patterson has...

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Player Standouts at Phenom Memorial Day Classic

6'6 '22 Jeremy Dixon (Team Eat) Team Eat offered a pretty balanced attack as a team, but Dixon continually found ways to set the tone and stand out as a two-way leader for this group. He's a long, skilled, athletic wing prospect with an excellent transition presence and the ability to score the ball from all levels. Dixon makes a consistent impact on the glass, defensively, and in transition,...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Stay Positive

6'5 '24 Paul McNeil (Garner Road) There's been a lot of buzz surrounding McNeil over the last calendar year, and rightfully so, as he has the chance to be a special prospect. He's extremely advanced for his age, both physically and in terms of skill, and already understands how to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. McNeil possesses phenomenal length and fluidity, which allows him to...

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Phenom Open Gym: Aces Elite

Phenom Hoops went out in Charlotte on Thursday night to check in on the Charlotte Aces program, which brings a ton of intriguing talent that you could see at the next level. But let’s dive right into the roster and what we have seen early on this summer and at our recent practice.

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Expected Rise in Production: Four Potential Breakout Candidates

Although the travel ball season just recently got underway, there are a lot of interesting subplots swirling around the upcoming high school season. Sure, it's pretty early to be discussing this topic while the Class of 2021 is still approaching their graduation. However, basketball has basically turned into a year-round sport that stops for absolutely no one. That being said, various prospects...

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Ardrey Kell advances to the NCHSAA 4A championship

Ardrey Kell advances to the NCHSAA 4A championship  In a game that absolutely lived up its billing. North Mecklenburg and Adre Kell played at a high level for the opportunity to play for the state championship. You have two of the best high school coaches in the state. Both teams are well coached and as expected, the game came down to the final possession. It was one of the best high school...

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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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Phenom Open Run: Ardrey Kell

Phenom Hoops traveled to Fort Mill recently to check in on the Absolute Basketball Fall League, giving fans an early look at players and teams around the Charlotte area. Teams came out and looked to compete, which they did, leaving it all on the court. It also gave us and fans a chance to view players more with their high school teammates, as we break down what we saw at the event.

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POB’s Notes from NC Top 80 (Part 3)

2022 Evan Smith (Ardrey Kell): Smith had a very good camp and really think this is a player that could see an uptick in his recruitment and game this season.  He was shifty in the open floor and was showing how he can be assertive on the court. 2022 Noah Ross (Trinity Academy): Ross is going to be a player that coaches will love and really seems to be taking his game to the next...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at #PhenomChallenge (Part III)

2023 Wesley Tubbs (Charlotte Supreme): You can already see that Tubbs has the length that will catch eyes but what really stands out first is his emotion, hustle, and willingness to leave it all out there.  Such a competitor.  As far as his game goes, he is a 6'5 long, wiry prospect that can create for himself or for his teammates.  Just another big-time prospect in the 2023...

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