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2025 Jaylen Cross continues to stay humble throughout the process
By: Nailah Thomas 2025 Jaylen Cross simply loves the game of basketball, as he continues to show and play throughout the summer. Playing with Team D. Will at the Phenom Summer Grind, he simply put on a show; whether it was his 70-point output or his 33-point showing vs. the Durham Hurricanes, Cross’ love of the game just can be seen. The start of the game was pretty slow for Team D. Will...
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Tony’s Hidden Treasures: Phenom Summer Grind
2024 5’10 Jordan Alston (Durham Hurricanes) This kid seems to be as tough as they come. Constantly attacking the rim, looking for contact. Has a strong build and isn’t afraid to use it. Over the weekend he was one of the most aggressive guards I saw. Someone to keep an eye on if you’re looking for a guard that’s tough and willing to attack the paint consistently. 2024 6’1 Mylon...
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Jaylen Cross Goes for 70, Dominates at Summer Grind
Special moments often occur when least expected. Think about Cleveland’s comeback in the 2016 Finals, Tracy McGrady going for 13 points in 35 seconds, and countless other upsets, Cinderella runs, and notable performances. Sure, every kid wants to enjoy unprecedented individual feats, but very few have the ability to actually do so. Which is why Jaylen Cross going for 70 points was...
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Player Standouts at Day Two Phenom Summer Grind
6’7 ’25 Jackson Fannon (Carolina Riptide) It was easy to be impressed with the Carolina Riptide as a group, but Fannon definitely deserves acknowledgement for his individual play. At 6-foot-7, he’s a phenomenal shooting threat from beyond the arc. Fannon is capable of playing around the basket, making the extra pass, and rebounding the ball on both ends of the floor. He has clear upside as a...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Summer Grind
2027 Seth Woodard (Dillard Elite): Woodard has a very good showing on Day 2, as he helped big time for his team to a victory. His sheer presence down in the paint, his activity on the boards on both sides, creating second-chance opportunities, and finishing with touch is what helped his team in a HUGE way to a victory. 2027 Jack Gruendel (Upward Stars Carolina): Gruendel is one that played well...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Summer Grind
6’1 ’25 Bryson Mickey (NC Spartans) Certain players bring a unique level of excitement when they take the court, and Mickey has rapidly become one of those guys. What he lacks in explosion, he makes up for with IQ, pace, playmaking, and polished three-level scoring. Mickey is legitimately brilliant at dissecting opposing defenses and making the correct read with the ball in his hands. He’s a...
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Reece’s Standouts: Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1)
2026 Noah Dobyns (NC Spartans) Potential is one of the most exciting things to look at in young prospects, and it’s very difficult not to think about the clear long-term upside ahead for Noah. He has an unmatched skillset for his length at this age, really comfortable operating with the ball in his hands but has a patient tendency in using his fakes and pivots off the catch to find good shots...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom Summer Grind (Part 2)
2026 Carter Bullock (Team Jumpstart): Bullock is one that I would continue to monitor for sure. He has the size that you like at 6’4 at his position, has shown consistently that he can fill it up and be a playmaker on the court, does a great job in showing his range and confident release behind the arc, but also be effective in other areas of the floor. Very good shooter from multiple levels....
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom Summer Grind (Part 1)
2029 Bryson Faulkwarner (Team United): Faulkwarner had a tremendous weekend last week and did so again here at the Summer Grind. Really good feel for the game at his age and can be a tough matchup with his ability to step out and knock down shots, as well as use his size to be a force around the basket. One to certainly watch as he grows up and develops. 2029 Maddox McNeil (Team Rise): McNeil...
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Bendel’s Best: Summer Grind
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina to conclude the month of July with our annual Summer Grind. While the vast majority of programs are utilizing this period to rest and recover, there were still plenty of guys who couldn’t resist another weekend of competition. Although not with their normal teams, there was still a...
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Phenom Spotlight: 2024 6’9 Erich Harding (Westminster Catawba)
Player: Erich HardingClass: 2024Height: 6’9School: Westminster Catawba Each event, it seems that we come away with a name to really start monitoring more, and one young prospect that attracted my eyes was 2024 Erich Harding from Westminster Catawba. Harding brings a really good frame and skillset to the table, and it seems that he continues to take the next steps as a player. Our very own...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Summer Grind
Another event is in the books and even though the LIVE period has ended, that doesn't mean the competition and talent stopped. There were so many players that played extremely well but these were the guys that stood out in my eyes of the ones that I viewed in Rock Hill.
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Summer Grind Championship: 17u Division
Charlotte Guards vs. NLPB RR It was the final game of the event, as the 17u Division brought two strong teams together to duke it out on the court. A ton of talent was on display but it was the Charlotte Guards that looked to come out and make a statement quickly, jumping out to a double-digit halftime lead led by Chance Morrow and Logan Blair. They continued to expand their lead up...
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Summer Grind Championship: 16u Division
Showtime Elite vs. York County Legends We keep rolling through an awesome weekend and handing out some hardware to teams, as we had another intense battle between two talented groups. Showtime Elite and York County Legends went at it all throughout, trading blows and honestly never letting either one run away with the game. Alusine Borrie was really strong and active in the first...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 2)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 2022 5’11 Cedrek Mangum (Charlotte Guards) Cedrek has proven his toughness to me time and time again this weekend, establishing himself as a reliable scoring guard at his height. Magnum was effective from beyond the arc, knocking down the three-ball consistently and forcing the defense to focus on him. 6’0 2023 Derek Bradley Jr. (Gamechangers/Westminster Catawba) Coming to...
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Noah’s Hoopers from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 2)
By: Noah Hooper 5’9 2023 Jake Baker (Riptide 2023 SC) Playing a key role on a very well-coached Riptide team, Baker showed me flashes of being able to play at the next level this morning. The first thing Baker showed me is that he has the ability to play off two feet and stop on a dime as he caught my eye with a nice finish through contact in transition. He also shot the ball at a reliable clip...
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Summer Grind Championship: 15u Division
Hoop Wall Street vs. Triad Hornets These championship games have been off the charts at the Summer Grind and it seemed to be the same between Hoop Wall Street and Triad Hornets. Triad though came out strong, looking to make a statement, and that they did, going up 34-20 at halftime. Cameron Flippen got it started while Sofiyah Ounarou chipped in as well for the Hornets, while Iverson King led...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Grind
5’9 ’23 Jake Baker (Carolina Riptide) Although the Riptide consistently stands out as one of the more balanced squads on display, Baker absolutely erupted for a scoring explosion in this contest. He always finds opportunities through his quality defense and willingness to make hustle plays, but seemed to convert anything he attempted. Baker hit spot-up jumpers, attacked closeouts, and finished...
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Summer Grind Championship: 14u Division
SWV Hustle vs. CSB Elite 2026 The championship matchups continued here at the Summer Grind, as the 14u division got underway. Two young but very talented teams squared off to take home some recognition. It was a high-scoring affair in the first half, with both teams trading baskets. But it was CSB’s guard play that helped lead the way to a 39-32 halftime lead. It continued to...
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Summer Grind Championship: 12u/13u Division
Carolina Impact vs. Carolina Rockets National 2026 It was the start of championship Sunday in Rock Hill for the Phenom Summer Grind, as we got a chance to showcase some of the young talent on the arena floor. Playing on the big stage, these young, rising prospects gave us a good one, as they competed all throughout. Carolina Impact came out strong to jump out to an early lead by it...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1, Part 2)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 6’5 2023 Brock Rose (Team Synergy/Ardrey Kell) Brock Rose has consistently proven himself to be one of the more talented scorers in almost every single event I’ve ever watched him play in. I heavily take that into account when speaking about him to others. He’s someone who I believe could easily lead a varsity program in scoring, but plays on a team full of talent. I believe...
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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 2)
By: Noah Hooper 5’8 2024 Nick Diaz (Elite 1 15U) When you see Nick’s size and slim frame, it’s easy to overlook him, but if you pay close attention to his game, it’s really a lot to like about him as he scored in bunches today and completely took over his team’s game this afternoon. The wiry guard was very active on defense as he played passing lanes very well and did it with a high motor....
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1, Part 3)
2023 Trey Green (Team EAT): Green came through Rock Hill and once again showed why he is a hot target for so many schools and that should only continue to grow. Green’s game is absolutely mesmerizing at times, as he plays with such great pace, quick handles, change of direction, and has a high-major feel for how to operate on the floor. He is and has been one of my favorite players...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 6’3 2022 Stephon Richards (CC Heat/Moravian Prep) One 2021 Charlotte-area guard that has truly felt the COVID’s negative impact on their recruitment is 6’3 Stephon Richards. Stephon is a combo guard truly built for the next level, with exceptional downhill abilities that he uses to his advantage. He’s shown 3-level scoring capabilities today, and I find it truly hard to...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1:Part 1)
By: Ethan Reece 2021 6’4 Reginald Smith (Charlotte Aces)Reginald came out and posed as both a leader and glue guy for his squad. The team moved the ball well, allowing him the spacing to attack, which is when he’s at his best. Between his control of the ball, length/frame, and quick first step he was able to get to the basket all game while also posing a reliable spot-up threat. I know it’s...
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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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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1, Part 2)
Will Jenkins 2022 Will Jenkins (Team EAT): Jenkins simply plays with a fire in his game. He always plays hard, is a vocal leader, and absolutely love how he gets after it on the defensive end. He is an in-your-face, scrappy, hard-nosed defender that likes to be a pest for an opponent. Offensively, Jenkins is strong with the ball in creating space while finding his teammates. He...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Summer Grind (Day 1, Part 1)
JJ Moore 2024 Mony Day (Charlotte Dragons): Though young and playing up, Day has a superb start to his day. He played with terrific pace and feel, being patient on the floor, picking his spots, and showing a nice understanding of his scoring ability. He stayed aggressive, penetrating the lane, showing touch on his floater or not shying away from contact and getting to the line. 2023 Owen Elliott...
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Summer Grind Player Reports
Mid-State Magic Sports 17U Trey Cousins 6’4 I was really impressed with the overall game of Trey. He was just fantastic this weekend. Everyone in the gym knew he was getting the ball and he was still scoring in bunches. He can score on all three levels and doesn’t need a lot of space to get his shot off. I was also impressed with how he plays the game mentally. No matter how many shots he missed...
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