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Five Names Who Should Be Bigger Priorities for Division I Programs

Each year, there are always plenty of prospects who are overlooked by the appropriate-level coaches. Examples are evident from each respective class, but perhaps Ricky Council IV is the best representative in recent memory. Sure, he collected ten total offers during his high school career, but Wichita State was clearly his highest offer. He went there, asserted himself as a major piece, hit the...

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Bendel's Best: Rise Showcase

This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for our Rise Showcase. Between the two days, there were a ton of standout performers and teams worth noting for the months ahead. Circuit teams utilized this period to start planning for the upcoming session(s) while independent programs are working out the kinks in preparation for their own...

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A Closer Look: Phenom Hoops’ Rankings for North Carolina's Class of 2023

It's that time of year again. The high school season has nearly concluded and postseason play is set to begin very soon. As exciting as it is to chase and potentially win a state championship, the subsequent six months of travel ball will be the time for prospects to really shine. Whether positive or not, college coaches simply have more time and resources to properly evaluate (and offer) kids...

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Overtime Elite Prep Challenge (Monday Games)

If you missed the news, the three programs from Overtime headed to North Carolina Monday and Tuesday, to take on some of the premier programs in North Carolina (Liberty Heights, Winston-Salem Christian, and Combine Academy). Phenom Hoops was on deck Monday afternoon for all the action.

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New to Town: Week 1 Open Gym Tour

We spoke about players that could be in for a huge year during our Week 1 travels in our Open Gym Tour but it also brought us new names that will be making their mark here in North Carolina. Here, we have five players that should catch the attention of college coaches even more as well as implant their name here in North Carolina with some of the best. A few already hold offers but all should...

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North Carolina's New Names Worth Noting

The North Carolina high school basketball scene is certainly unique, given the combination of history, noteworthy programs, and enticing talent across all classes. Some folks have placed a ton of emphasis on the fact that players have opted to leave a talent-laden area for a challenge at national powerhouses like Oak Hill, IMG Academy, Montverde, and various others, but there are also plenty of...

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Phenom Open Gym Tour: Combine Academy National

Combine Academy comes in once again as one of the top teams, not only in the state but in the country, and it is easy to see why.' The depth is all there, the talent is all there, and the coaching staff is there for this program to make a TON of noise.' We said last year after the open gym that this program looked like a Top-10 team coming in and they finished that way.' Now, they look even...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom 757 Showcase (Day 2)

2023 Matai Baptiste (Vaughan): It was the first game of the day but Baptiste continues to impress and catch our eyes with his play.' It is going to be interesting to watch him now in North Carolina because I think he has a chance to really take off.' The 6'7 wing prospect has such a smooth feel on the court, knocking down shots from the perimeter with ease, creating for himself off the dribble,...

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Built for the next level: 2023 6'7 Matai Baptiste (Vaughan/ Ridley)

It can be funny how scouts can come across a player sometimes.  One of the more recent players that I came across and is relatively unknown on the court was 2023 6'7 Matai Baptiste.  Just roaming around and checking out some of the action, I happened to stumble across Vaughan Panthers Basketball 16u, a team full of talent from Canada. While walking by, it was then when I saw Baptiste...

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Player Standouts at Day Three of Phenom Summer Havoc

6'0 '22 Cole Sinclair (Durham Hurricanes) It should come as no surprise to anyone within the grassroots scene, but Sinclair continues to showcase a lot of ability as the clear leader of this group. He's a lethal shooting threat with vision and a nice change of pace, which allows him to effectively manage the game while picking his spots from all three levels. Sinclair handles the ball well and...

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

2022 Xavier McKelvy (Charlotte Royals): With college coaches sitting baseline, I fully expect more offers to come his way and he showed why in Game 1 at the Summer Havoc.  You can almost get mesmerized in his play with his frame, his smoothness, his change of pace and direction, and his athleticism.  He was scoring once again from all areas with a ton of confidence but that is nothing...

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Dawkins’ Standouts from Phenom Champion Showcase (Part 1)

By; DeAjai Dawkins 6'7 2023 Matai Baptiste (Vaughn Panthers Basketball 16U)' Arguably my most memorable prospect from this weekend, Baptiste and his Vaughn Panthers Basketball Club made the trip from Canada on a clear mission. The 6'7 faceup forward is built for the college game with a frame that will only continue to stack on muscle. Baptiste is fluid and handles the ball fairly well for his...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Champion Showcase

5'11 '23 Kennard Davis (Team Charlotte) Although Team Charlotte always seems to have a balanced approach, Davis regularly shined as a two-way floor general for this group. He's slightly undersized but still knows how to harass and overwhelm opposing guards defensively at the point of attack. Davis does a terrific job of probing the defense, touching the paint, and making smart decisions with the...

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POB's Standouts from Champion Showcase (Day 1)

2022 Bryce Alfino (Team Charlotte): On a team that is loaded with next-level talent, Alfino grabbed our attention with his impact on both sides of the court.' Defensively, he gets after it and creates a lot of havoc for opponents.' Alfino is in your face, scrappy, and has tremendous timing in creating steals.' Offensively, he showcased a smooth, confident shot from behind the arc as well.' 2022...

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