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Caldwell Academy puts on an offensive show vs. Freedom Christian
Neal Swindell Caldwell Academy: 26-35-29-7: 97Freedom Christian: 13-15-17-25: 70 Caldwell Academy: Neal Swindell 24pts, Cole Cloer 20pts, Jaylen Cross 15pts, Ayden Johnson 14pts, King Kendrick 13pts Freedom: Karsen Swinney 31pts, Cristian Sias 19pts 2026 Cole Cloer fitting right in with his new team Ranked as the top prospect in the Class of 2026, Cloer suited up for the first time with his new...
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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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Open Gym Takeaways from Caldwell Academy
Recently, we attended Caldwell Academy’s open gym to get an updated look at their individual pieces and overall team makeup. Coach Clifford is entering his third year at the helm, and this is clearly the most talented roster throughout his tenure. The core of Jaylen Cross, Cole Cloer, King Kendrick, Neal Swindell, Ayden Johnson, Mac Atkinson, and Trevor Holland give them a legitimate rotation of...
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New Group in Town: Caldwell Academy adding more firepower
Caldwell Academy is coming off a tremendous season last year, as head coach Brandon Clifford and company had the program heading in the right direction. Led by 2025 Jaylen Cross and others, Caldwell Academy was able to secure a 23-10 overall record and a 10-2 conference record. It was a team that had plenty of scoring power and several key seniors who stepped up to lead the charge....
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North Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 12
Team 12 Coach: Jim Baker #51: 5’9 ’26 Malik McCotter (Chambers) Starting things off, we look at a player who produced quite well despite being among the smallest campers on display, Malik McCotter. He’s a scrappy, high-motor point guard prospect with quickness and a solid feel for the game on both ends of the floor. McCotter excels at getting downhill, touching the paint, and finishing or...
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Top Performers from the NC Sophomore 40
The 2026 class in North Carolina has a chance to be special. It has a combination of high level talent, potential and depth. It has a chance to be one of the best classes the state has seen in years. It is still early, but as everyone continues to develop, it will be exciting to see where the players in this class end up in the coming years. On Sunday, the NC Sophomore 40 had some of the best...
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POB’s Thoughts: Best of the Best from Phenom Hoop State League (Wings)
The Phenom Hoop State Fall League has been tremendous, and we are heading into championship weekend. But there have been plenty of storylines and players that have grabbed my attention. Even though this list could go on a lot longer, here are the top players who have left their mark on me so far at the Fall League at the wing position. 2025 Tre McKinnon (Lake Norman): McKinnon had a strong...
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Phenom 1-on-1 with 2026 Cole Cloer
2026 Cole Cloer from Orange High School comes in as one of the top prospects not only in the state but also nationally ranked. Cloer is coming off a tremendous freshman season and is looking to lead the charge once again, as he has developed and elevated his game even more. Which is why schools from all over the country are already offering him. We caught up with Cloer to talk about his focus...
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POB’s Thoughts: Top Wings at Hoop State League (Through 2 Weeks)
The Hoop State League has been tremendous so far… a lot of talent, a great chance to watch these teams in action early on, and players are competing. Trust me, there are a lot of names that have been catching my eye so far, which is why I wanted to share JUST A FEW NAMES that have really stood out to me through two weeks at the Hoop State League. Check out the wings that have impressed me...
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Breaking Down Phenom Hoops’ 2026 Rankings
Each year, we reach the brief transitioning point between the travel ball and high school seasons. This small window typically falls around mid-August, allowing ample time to update rankings, go to open gyms, and mentally reset before things get revamped. Now that we’ve finalized our rankings for North Carolina’s Classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026, it feels like no better time to go through and...
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Wake Hoops: 2026 Rankings Explained Part 4 (1-5)
Before looking at our youngest class and their top 5, it’s worth looking back on the top 5 from our 2023 class and seeing how their freshman seasons played out. Collin Kuhl of Holly Springs was (semi-notoriously) a reserve player on the Hawks JV team as a freshman. Sam Martin of Apex averaged 4p, 4r, & 1b for a 3-win Cougars team. Micah Jones of Holly Springs was the starting PG for Cardinal...
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The Blow-Up: Cole Cloer Receives First High Major Offer
In high school basketball, earning an offer from any level is significant. Some kids work tirelessly for their entire childhood to reach this stage, and a scholarship simply validates the process. It’s typically uncommon to see players who haven’t (technically) begun their sophomore season already starting to collect offers—but Cole Cloer isn’t like most. On Monday, the 6-foot-7 wing received an...
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Young Core Looking to Take Next Steps at Orange
We continue to cover this past week’s Phenom high school team camp, as we had a great opportunity to get an early view of teams and what they may be bringing to the table this upcoming season. We next roll into a group that certainly has the attention of many, and many are excited to see if these young and talented prospects can take the next step in their development. Orange is coming off...
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Potter’s Prospects from Phenom Team Camp
By: Brody Potter 2024 Isaiah Otyaluk (NC GBB): A great athlete, with long arms. He has an impressive ability not many guys have, and that is to guard 1-4. He wreaks havoc on defense with long arms, and great hustle. Not only is he a great defender he can score the ball on all three levels, especially from the 3pt line; he can’t be left open. 2026 Tarris Bouie (Chambers): Bouie s a tall...
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Reece’s Standouts: Phenom Team Camp (Day 1)
2026 James Minlend (Harrisburg Hornets) Not many guys have the array of options to choose from with their attack at this age like James. The obvious appeal is in his length, as it opens up so much more of his capabilities, particularly with his controlled extension around the rim. Built like a longer wing but running the show and making the majority of management decisions, James has a favorable...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Team Camp
6’7 ’24 Maurio Hanson (Chambers) Although it should be apparent to anyone who follows this team, Maurio Hanson looks more than prepared to assert himself as the undisputed leader for Chambers. Folks already know about his polish as a strong, physical low-post player (which was evident here), but the big man also found ways to stand out as a playmaker in this showing. He got to his left whenever...
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Bendel’s Best: Memorial Day Classic
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center for our annual Memorial Day Classic. The event featured a ton of noteworthy teams and players, and quality competition could be found at every turn. As usual, this article will highlight a group of five personal favorites from the three-day stretch… 6’7 ’26 Cole Cloer (Team CP3) It’s typically uncommon to...
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Stars of Tomorrow: Phenom MDC
The talent that was at the Phenom Memorial Day Classic was incredible, and that is putting it lightly. Talent of all levels, high-level competition, and a terrific atmosphere made this event one for the books. And though we will be highlighting players a lot more throughout the week, there were two young prospects that I was blown away by with what I saw and felt like I needed to...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Day 2 from Phenom MDC (Part 2)
2025 Jonah Lawrence (Team Curry): Lawrence could be one of those breakout players that you hear about more this summer and especially this upcoming high school season. There is a lot to like about his game; his shot-making ability, his one-dribble pull-up, his size for his position, and he is showing more of his ability to get into the paint and create as well. Consistent scorer each time...
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National Prospects Emerging in North Carolina’s Class of 2026
Each year, national scouting services work to find and evaluate the next wave of young, up-and-coming high school prospects. Ranking kids as freshmen usually has no real basis, since there’s no conclusive way to determine all the variables that go into the process. Between mentality, work ethic, physical growth, and countless other dynamics, plenty of factors should be considered. That being...
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom March Madness
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for another exciting three-day stretch of basketball. Between the competition, atmosphere, and overall talent, it was easy to be engaged in the action. There were a ton of notable standouts across the event, and this article will take a closer look at five personal favorites… 6’7 ’26...
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Player Standouts at Phenom March Madness
6’3 ’24 Jaylon Bumpass (Team Legend) Given how he’s set the tone in each of their games, it would be difficult to ignore everything Jaylon Bumpass has brought to the table. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with an excellent combination of IQ, athleticism, and overall polish. Bumpass operates as a primary creator for this group, showing an understanding of how to get others involved while...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom March Madness (Day 2, Part 1)
2027 Eian Bailey (Team EAT): Bailey had an excellent start to the day for Team Eat, as he was an absolute force in leading the charge. When you walk about his game, you can help but see how physical he can be and the motor that he plays with. Time after time, he was able to outwork his opponents down around the basket, finishing well, or being an effective presence on the boards. He is a name 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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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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Cole Cloer Showcasing Special Ability as a Freshman
Being a freshman in high school basketball is an exciting journey filled with a heavy learning curve and tempered expectations for each individual. Some guys are required to develop whereas others are capable of contributing right away. Take someone like Cole Cloer, for example, and we see what it looks like for a freshman to lead the charge immediately upon entering campus. It should come as no...
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Cooper’s Developments: HoopState League Championship Day 1
By; Cooper Hart Jordan Durham – ’24 Wing – The Burlington School Jordan has really bought into his role as a swiss army knife on offense and a high-level point-of-attack defender on defense. His shot selection and decision-making have improved each week that he’s been here. His height, length, and athleticism combination make him a versatile defender by default, and with his...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: HoopState League (Week 3, East)
2026 Cole Cloer (Durham Hurricanes): Cloer has been a favorite of mine since the summer and he was off the charts today with what he showed. Early on, you must like his size and his feel for the game, as he was making spectacular decisions and passes to set up his teammates, created well and found ways to score around defenders, displayed good athleticism and body control, as well as being...
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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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Bendel’s Best: Stay Positive
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Sports Indoor Facility for our annual Stay Positive Classic. The two-day event featured a variety of entertaining teams and players, and allowed for numerous takeaways. Rosters are starting to get more solidified, players are finding their individual comfort zone, and teams appear to be (generally) improving each week. The month of May...
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