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Lake Norman Guards: Tough as Nails
When looking around the state of North Carolina, Lake Norman has to be a program on everyone’s minds as potential title contenders with what they bring to the table this year. People know about 2025 Tre McKinnon and 2025 Trent Steinour, but there are guards that will be huge pieces to the team’s success. 2026 Nick Arnold and 2025 Josh Yates will be pivotal parts to Lake Norman’s success,...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Stay Positive (Part Two)
6’5 ’26 Cameron Thompson (Team Charlotte) After a strong showing throughout the weekend, it should come as no surprise to see Thompson’s name listed here. He’s always made a lasting impression through his defense, rebounding, and general athleticism. However, it’s clear that Thompson is making strides as an offensive cog. He highlighted improvements as a ball-handler, passer, and all-around...
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“Battle of the Lakes,” Lake Norman vs. Mooresville
“Battle of the Lakes,†Lake Norman vs. Mooresville, a matchup that promises to keep the audience on their toes. Phenom traveled to Mooresville, North Carolina, to cover the electrifying matchup between Greater Metro 4A rivals Lake Norman High School and Mooresville High School. Separated by six miles, Lake Norman entered the contest with a formidable 15-1 (4-0) record, while Mooresville...
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Bringing Value to the Court: Phenom Holiday Classic (Part 1)
2024 Felipe Patino (WS Christian): Programs and coaches are always looking for shooters and Patino can provide that instantly. He continues to come off the bench for WS Christian and can be an instant offense with his ability to get to his spots and his confidence from behind the arc. Doesn’t force much and plays within the offense, but can be a difference-maker if shots are falling. 2025...
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North Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 10
Team 10 Coach: Armad Moore #61: 5’11 ’26 Nick Arnold (Lake Norman) Starting things off, we look at a player who is easily among the top two-way floor generals in the state, Nick Arnold. He’s a smart, tough point guard prospect that displays a calm demeanor and incredible leadership by example on both ends of the floor. Arnold plays at his own pace and doesn’t allow opponents to speed him up. He...
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POB’s Thoughts: Top Guards 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 guards that have impressed me...
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Phenom Open Gym: Lake Norman
Phenom Hoops traveled to Mooresville, North Carolina to cover the opening day of public high school open gym/workouts. For Head Coach Grant Hodges, the future looks extremely bright. Last season, Lake Norman finished with a 19-8 record and went an impressive 11-1 in the brutally tough Greater Metro 4 Conference. While Lake Norman loses All-Conference senior Cole Callaway (Newberry), they return...
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Phenom Hoops Player Profile: Nick Arnold
Height: 5’10 Class: 2026 School: Lake Norman Travel Team: Team Charlotte What Was Recently Said: Although there are a lot of quality pieces within this Team Charlotte roster, Arnold consistently stands out through his ability to set the tone on both ends of the floor. He’s a menacing defender who simply knows how to harass opposing ball-handlers into miscues and errant turnovers....
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Looking for a Big Sophomore Season
2026 Rassell Young (Mallard Creek): Young has had a big summer, as offers have been rolling in and there is no doubt about it, he has made a name for himself in a big way. Last year, he averaged 10ppg for Mallard Creek but this young man could be in for a season in which he could almost double that production. And this is a team that may need that from him to find success. After losing several...
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The Lake Show: Lake Norman Absolutely Loaded
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Rise in Advance, North Carolina for our annual Team Camp. This event always serves as a kickstart to June, as players go back to their respective high schools and prepare for the upcoming Live periods. There’s usually a fair number of takeaways but it’s also easy to get carried away or overexcited by the sheer change of pace from travel ball....
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Five Notable Young Prospects from Phenom MDC
6’9 ’26 Cody Peck (CC Elite) There are plenty of high-upside prospects in the state of North Carolina, and it feels like Peck is deserving of more buzz. His physical appeal is obvious from a mere glance, but his skillset and ability to impact the game should also be turning heads. Peck is a long, fluid big man with an incredible blend of IQ, skill, athleticism, and timing. Despite his lack of...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Day 2 at Phenom MDC (Part 1)
2024 Jozohn Price (Charlotte Aces): It was good to see Price back in action, as it has been a while since seeing him in action. But when you watch his game, you have to like the intrigue of what he brings to the court. He has the size, he moves well, shows strong flashes of being a strong presence in the paint, and can make plays in a variety of other areas. He will be interesting to watch more...
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Leaving an Impression: Phenom Grassroots TOC
2026 Nick Arnold (Team Charlotte): Walking away from the event, Arnold was one that left a lasting impression on our scouts with his stellar play throughout. The 2026 point guard, who is one we have watched countless times, has seemed to take his game to another level; he looked stronger, more assertive as a guard, and is taking his offensive game to another level. He was assertive, got...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Grassroots TOC (Part 1)
2025 KJ Younger (Team HOPE): Younger has been a name that continues to pop up for me and I’m eager to see what his summer could be like; he could be in for a breakout-type season. Younger though continues to showcase what he has always done, being that physical presence in scoring through defenders but also showing a well-rounded skillset. He is able to really impact the game in a variety of...
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Reece’s Standouts: Queen City Showcase (Day 2)
by: Ethan Reece 2026s Carter Motsinger and Zach Goins (Foothills) It’s hard to find one, much less two point guards that fit the bill in a team’s stylistic approach. Carter and Zach are both pass first, patient playmakers that have great awareness as off ball cutters to create looks that boost the effect of their team scheme. Carter has a more foundational offensive side with footwork and...
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Phenom Hoops Freshman Forty Evaluations: Team 9
Team 9 Coach: DeAngelo Spruill #51: 5’7 Ezekiel Kelly (Hickory Ridge) Starting things off, we look at a player who knows how to properly dictate the action with the ball in his hands, Ezekiel Kelly. He’s a smart, shifty point guard prospect with excellent quickness and a balanced offensive approach. Kelly handles the ball well, sets up others at a steady rate, and applies scoring pressure...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from NC Freshman 40 (Part 4)
2026 6’3 Darius McGlashen (Winston Salem Christian): Another new name to look at in North Carolina and we got a feeling, he is going to be a name that will pop up a lot more after this season and down the road. McGlashen was one of the top scorers at the camp, showing that he just had a knack for finding ways to put the ball in the basket. Scoring out in transition, finishing at the rim,...
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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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Top July Performers in North Carolina’s Class of 2026
The month of July is finally concluding, which should provide these young players with an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from days of nonstop basketball. Given the significance of the actual month, we decided to take a closer look at some of the top standouts from each class. Obviously, we can only speak on what we have seen, so the names listed will be based on their performances at...
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Reece’s Standouts: Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2023 Micah Jones (Strong Center)Don’t let his size fool you, Micah is the toughest assignment to draw on both ends of the floor. As a point guard, he takes care of all his duties at a high level and then some. Offensively, he exposes any defensive liability whether isolated or as a team with his blistering speed, elite court vision and decision making, and knowledgeable prowess...
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Player Standouts at Coach Rick’s TOC
6’6 ’24 Jayden Pretty (Carolina Pressure) Although there were numerous contributors for this squad, Pretty was arguably their biggest difference-maker. He’s a big, strong-bodied post prospect with a nice combination of skill, length, and toughness. Pretty showed the ability to score around the basket or space the floor, and made his presence felt as a rebounder on either side of the ball. He...
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Bendel’s Best: Underclassmen at Summer Havoc
Over the last five days, Phenom Hoops was stationed in Fort Mill, South Carolina for our annual Summer Havoc Live. There were two sessions, both loaded with talent and noteworthy matchups, which made for a highly entertaining week of basketball. College coaches were constantly filtering throughout the multiple venues, and numerous offers were extended to players. We’ve already taken a closer...
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Player Standouts at Summer Havoc Live
6’1 ’23 Isaiah Ramazani (NC Spartans Bell) There are a variety of college prospects on NC Spartans Bell, and Ramazani is quite appealing as a productive two-way leader. He’s a scrappy, high-motor guard with quickness, toughness, and an understanding of how to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Ramazani is an active defender, willing rebounder, and fairly well-rounded offensive...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom G3 Showcase (Morning, Day 2)
2026 Nick Arnold (Carolina Riptide): When you watch Arnold operate on the court, you have to automatically think that he is an older, more experienced prospect. But when you come to find out that he is part of the 2026 class, Arnold is quite impressive and makes you excited about his future. Such a poised, polished point guard that sees the floor, makes the right reads, gets everyone involved,...
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Phenom G3 Showcase: Day 2 Morning Standouts
By: Malcolm Morgan 2026 Nikolas Arnold (Riptide) Has been putting on a clinic today! This kid can play… he gets to the rim at will, great footwork, stays under control, and is a shot-maker. It didn’t look like anything was going to speed him up. He plays with confidence and has a calm composure while he does it. Has a high-level IQ for the game and is a checkmark for coaches in need of a...
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Put on your watch list: 2026 Nickolas Arnold (Carolina Riptide)
Player: Nickolas ArnoldClass: 2026Height: 5’9Position: Point GuardAAU: Carolina Riptide 2024 Blue There were several players that caught our eyes with their play, but one young prospect really grabbed the attention of many scouts at the event and should be a name to put on your watch list down the road as he develops. 2026 5’9 Nick Arnold is a young point guard, one that plays well beyond his...
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Reece’s Standouts: Phenom Spring Tip-Off (Day 2)
by: Ethan Reece2025 Jerquarius Stanback (NLPB)Length is something every coach wants and Jerquarius has so much of it to utilize. It impacts the game even more at his age, and he takes full advantage of it. Everything in the lane is his, defensively and offensively. His reach really helps him finish from all over and around guys. Showed awareness moving through the lane amongst others and finding...
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