EVENT NEWS
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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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Live With Brandon Blakney ft 2019 Patrick Kelly
Brandon caught up with 6’8 2019 Patrick Kelly of Team Loaded NC after a very impressive showing at Phenom Summer Grind. Kelly is committed to join Coach Chambers and Penn State next year and he could be a cornerstone for the Nittany Lions to build upon. On the floor Kelly is a big wing, he has a sweet stroke from deep that will open space up, at 6’8 Kelly has ball skills, and Kelly...
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Diving In with: Darasjot Hothi
2019 Darasjot Hothi pulled out an impressive weekend with the Bull City Silver backs and through three games this group held strong. Hothi provides toughness on both ends, offensively Hothi is scrappy he will attack the glass and collect clean up buckets, Hothi is a willing shooter but he doesn’t overextend the action, defensively Hothi is versatile with quick feet and active hands. Hothi...
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Phenom’s Summer Grind – Top 10 Performers
1. 6’10” 2020 Isaiah Todd Team Loaded NC 17s Todd is an immense talent, his upside is out of this world and he gets better each time out on the floor. What Todd really showed in this event is his defensive presence. He was a terror blocking shots and defending the passing lanes. He is fun to watch, worth the price of admission as he will turn heads each time on the floor. 2. 6’4” 2022 Freddie...
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom Summer Grind
The stage was set for Saturday in Greensboro, North Carolina for some quality basketball at Proehlific Park. A variety of the finest local teams came out to compete while getting a nice tune-up for the upcoming LIVE period. We will look into the prospects who stood out the most from this weekend. 6’7 ’19 Max Farthing (Word of God) The best player throughout our Summer Grind was Max Farthing, and...
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Evening Standouts at Phenom’s Summer Grind
6’2 ’21 Thomas McIntosh (Team Jumpstart) The big man displayed an exceptionally high IQ to pair with his unique skillset. He’s somewhat undersized for the position, but McIntosh has incredible feel and instincts in the paint. He finished everything in the paint and made everyone around him noticeably better. 5’11 ’21 Xavier Woods (Team Jumpstart) Though somewhat undersized, the point guard was a...
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Mid-Day Standouts at Phenom Summer Grind
6’1 ’19 Themus Fulks (PSB-Winston) The main perimeter option on this team was Fulks, a combo-guard who is wired to score on all three levels. He’s fairly quick and has the necessary IQ to make plays in tight spaces. Fulks has pretty strong vision, despite being more of a “scoring guard,” and shows a willingness to create for others. When PSB was in need of a leader, Fulks was the player who...
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Morning Standouts at Phenom Summer Grind
5’10 ’22 Cameron Oates (Team CP3) The most intriguing prospect of the first game was Oates, a quick-twitch point guard with the ability to pass and score exceptionally well. Offensively, he scores from all three levels and makes intelligent decisions with the ball. Oates has terrific upside on both ends of the floor, but already showcases a quality foundation. 5’11 ’22 James Wilkins (Team CP3)...
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Phenom’s Summer Grind — Early Morning Standouts
5’11” 2022 James Wilkins CP3 14s Wilkins has always been a noted scorer, and he showed that in this one. Great off the bounce both in the mid range and attacking the rim. In this one he showed excellent vision, really threading the needle in the half court. Very intrigued with his development moving forward. 6’8” 2019 Justin McKoy Team Loaded NC McKoy is one of the more skilled players around,...
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Phenom’s Summer Grind Storylines We’re Watching
July is almost here, and the Live Period is right around the corner. Travel ball programs have been idol over the last month as many players have been traveling around to team camps with their high schools. Now they are back, trying to shake the rust off. We will host a sold-out field of teams with some top prospects in tow. This Saturday, June 30 at Proehlific Park in Greensboro, NC will be the...
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