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Player Standouts at Gate City Classic (Part One)
6’4 ’25 Will James (Holly Springs) The Toledo commit was nothing short of impressive throughout the weekend. With scoring performances of 40, 34, and 33 points, James was virtually unstoppable in getting what he wanted. Most people naturally assume the point totals translate to an excessive shot volume, but that’s not really the case in this situation. Although James isn’t shy about asserting...
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Biggest Stockrisers from Phenom Hoops Latest 2025 NC Rankings
It is a big week for Phenom Hoops as we continue to release our newest rankings here in North Carolina, as we started off with the Class of 2025. This is a class that has plenty of talent of all levels, as several names saw a significant uptick with what they have shown as of late. We dive in a little on a few players that saw a big uptick in our latest rankings. 2025 Rankings:...
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Preparing to Take Flight: Will James Headed to Toledo
On Saturday, Will James announced his commitment to Toledo University. This was a proud time for all his supporters and a devastating moment for all the schools who crossed their fingers in hopes of securing the 6-foot-4 guard. It’s been a long, taxing journey for James, but his mentality and approach never wavered. The first three years of his high school career consisted of solid team success...
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Elevating their Game: 2025 NC Stockrisers
The Class of 2025 here in North Carolina is certainly interesting and is developing quite nicely, but there are a few guys that have stuck out in my head so far this season with their play. They have elevated their play and, in my eyes, have seen their stock rise since the start of the season. Again, this is purely in the eyes of the writer and has nothing to do with rankings. But here are a few...
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North Carolina Top 80 Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Austin Collins Game Film: Team 3 vs Team 4Team 2 vs Team 4Team 1 vs Team 4NC Top 80 Semi-Final (1/4 vs 5/8) #13: 6’1 ’25 Johnniyus Sharpe (Reidsville) Starting things off, we look at a player who stood out as one of the most dynamic performers on display, Johnniyus Sharpe. He’s a smart, athletic guard prospect with quickness, toughness, and polish as a creator. Offensively, Sharpe...
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Expected High School Breakout Prospects in North Carolina
6’6 ’24 Tyler Showalter (Butler/BSA Supreme) Showalter’s inevitable breakout should probably be somewhat obvious to those who have watched BSA Supreme this spring. After a junior season with averages of 10.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.0 BPG, it feels like his numbers should increase across the board. Showalter should be a focal point, especially after the departure of various key...
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Player Standouts at Phenom G3 Showcase
6’7 ’26 Trey Thompson (Tennessee Impact) There were so many impressive pieces for Tennessee Impact, which certainly includes Thompson and his highly advanced identity. Though young, he already clearly understands how to outperform his assignment and dominate a game in various different ways. Thompson is an excellent post-up option with a notable blend of IQ, touch, and footwork. He finishes with...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom G3 (Day 1)
2024 Mason Mitchell (Team United Elite): Mitchell really played well on Day 1, showing just exactly what he can do, how he can produce, and his overall impact on the floor. He filled it up and really brings a strong presence on both ends of the floor, as well as doing the dirty work. He scored and finished well, showcased his bounce in this game, rebounded the ball well, and was engaged...
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom Rise Showcase
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for another entertaining three-day stretch of basketball. There was a slew of highly anticipated matchups on display with teams looking to work out the kinks and hit their stride going into the summer season. Though various standouts emerged, we will take a closer look at five personal...
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Reece’s Standouts: Phenom Rise Showcase (Day 2)
by: Ethan Reece 2026 Mack Walters (CC Elite) There’s a lot of reasons why Mack has exponential upside and the primary factor is in how hard he plays. You can’t coach effort and that’s something Mack is bringing a surplus of. He’s athletic with the motor and instincts to get after every pass or loose ball that comes his way, along with a sound scoring prowess that’s laying a solid foundation...
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North Carolina Phenom 150 Camp Evaluations (Session II): Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Stan Carpenter #6: 5’5 ’25 Kaden Bradley (Rocky River) Starting things off, we look at a player who offered a pretty scrappy, productive presence despite being the smallest camper on this team, Kaden Bradley. He’s a tough, heady, high-motor guard prospect with a fairly well-rounded skillset and unselfish approach to the game. Bradley is a capable initiator, but finds a lot of...
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Phenom Open Gym: Holly Springs High School
Phenom Hoops travelled to Holly Spring, North Carolina to cover Holly Springs High School. Coach L.J. Hepp has plenty to be excited about with a team that finished 23-5 last season and should be one of the early favorites in the NCHSAA 4A. To put it mildly, Holly Springs and Myers Park could be the two early favorites to compete for the coveted 4A state championship. Coach Hepp has a unique...
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Reece’s Standouts: Lamelo Ball Invitational (Day 3)
by: Ethan Reece 2026 Josh Hines (CC Elite)The leadership qualities Hines is showing at a young age are astounding and ultimately make him appear varsity ready because of his profound maturity. There’s no replacement to the versatility he provides as an avid defender, sizable rebounder across positions, and adaptable offensive piece. He is a strong driver but doesn’t need to dominate the...
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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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