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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 Cole...
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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...
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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 instincts and timing...
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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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Player Standouts at Phenom Stay Positive
5’6 ’27 Corey Kinard (Strong Center) Though he was among the youngest players on display, it was easy to be impressed with Kinard throughout this viewing. His production is predictably appealing, but the intangibles are arguably what make him such an enticing long-term prospect. Kinard is very smart and patient with the ability to consistently create for himself and others. He displays a...
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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...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1: Part 2)
by: Ethan Reece 2026s Jaquan Clay and Cole Cloer (Carolina Rockets)Can’t mention one of these guys without the other. They both are big and athletic forwards that have hit the early growth spurts, blessed with the natural ability to score. Even for young 2026s, they were men amongst boys as they flew around in their press getting steals and breaking out in transition. While eventually others...
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Noah’s Hoopers from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1, Part 1)
Iverson King By: Noah Hooper 5’7 2025 Darnerian Gibson (Carolina Rockets 14U) When you talk about having a floor general on your team, Gibson fits that description perfectly as he was simply a leader out on the court this morning. The way he was able to get downhill and finish at the rim was great as he used his smart instincts to attack open driving lanes and closeouts. He also did a great job...
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