DAVID ROSE MDC EVENT RECAPS

Proven Prospects for College Programs to Snag: Class of 2024 (Part 2)

2024 6’5 Xavier Johnson (Fayetteville Academy): Johnson has been a critical piece for Fayetteville Academy, as he brings a nice blend of size and continues to flourish as a consistent scorer from multiple levels. His skill set and athleticism allow him to make plays and be a presence on both ends, impact the game outside of scoring, and bring versatility to the court. He plays hard on both ends,...

read more

North Carolina Top 80 Evaluations: Team 5

Team 5 Coach: Travis Holcomb-Faye #5: 5'11 '24 Makel Smith (Morehead) Starting things off, we look at a player who simply knows how to provide a steady, adaptable presence to a team, Makel Smith. He's a smart, skilled floor general with nice balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Smith plays with pace and understands how to control the tempo with the ball in his hands. He creates...

read more

Unsigned Seniors to Watch For More: NC Top 80

2024 6'5 Xavier Johnson (Fayetteville Academy): If there was a senior to watch out for more, Johnson would be one that I would highly look at this season. 'The 6'5 prospect continues to flourish as he is an athletic guard who simply knows how to score effectively from multiple levels, makes a presence on both ends, rebounds well for his position, and has a versatile skillset on the court. Look...

read more

Cooper's Notes: HoopState League East Week 1

By: Cooper Hart 6'5' '24 D'Marquez Rochelle (BSM Waka Flocka) Rochelle was impressive all Sunday, controlling the game with his defensive versatility, rebounding ability, and shot-making prowess. He has a long frame with good strength that he used to get to his spots at will. He scored the ball within the flow of offense, attacking closeouts wells, hitting catch-and-shoot jumpers, and finishing...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Team Camp (Day 1, Part 2)

2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian): Not sure what else there is to say about Newman's game that already hasn't been said; he is a young point guard that simply understands the game at a high level.' Love his IQ and feel, he is tremendous in running the offense but also showing more of his ability to be an incredible offensive weapon. Has really flourished as a player and should be getting a...

read more

Phenom Hoops LIVE Recap: Breaking down more Upward Stars Columbia 2025 Savage

Just because the LIVE period is over in April, doesn't mean that Phenom Hoops is stopping their coverage, as we are bringing you a ton of post-event coverage as well throughout the coming weeks.  Let's dive into a few players and teams that we saw at the event, as we shed light on players that performed well throughout. Upward Stars Columbia 2025 Savage 2025 6'1 Xavier Johnson ' Johnson had...

read more

Phenom Hoops LIVE Recap: Breaking Down more of Team Wall

Just because the LIVE period is over in April, doesn't mean that Phenom Hoops is stopping their coverage, as we are bringing you a ton of post-event coverage as well throughout the coming weeks.  Let's dive into a few players and teams that we saw at the event, as we shed light on players that performed well throughout.  Team Wall It was great to see our friends again with Team Wall, a...

read more

Hoops & Dreams Top Performances

Here is a list of the top performers from the Hoops & Dream Showcase presented by Lucas Moore Realty. Please note these top performers are in alphabetical order by school. Fayetteville Academy6’5 2024 Xavier Johnson: 31 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 steals on Friday. 19 points, 1 rebound & 1 assist on Saturday. 6’4 2026 Jossiah Johnson: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist...

read more

Player Standouts at Hoops and Dreams Showcase

6'7 '24 Isaiah Otyaluk (NC GBB) It's easy to see the appeal with a blossoming prospect like Otyaluk, who possesses a ton of ability and long-term upside. He's a long, wiry wing/forward prospect with great size, athleticism, and an enticing level of skill (especially for his position). His insane length is an obvious asset, and he actually understands how to use it as a finisher,...

read more

Cooper’s HoopState League East Division Awards Semifinalists

By; Cooper Hart After two weekends of the HoopState League East, I've created a list of names that are in contention for awards. The list will be cut down after pool play finishes, and winners will be announced after the finals on the 23rd. There will be a Most Outstanding Player, 3 all-east teams, and 2 all-defense teams. Most Outstanding Player Semifinalists Colt Langdon ('25) ' 6'8' Wing '...

read more

Under the Radar Names from Week 2 of Hoop State League East

6’1 2023 Jake Hart (Strong Center)Jake Hart finished the day with, what was in my opinion, the performance of the day, finishing with 24 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds and 6 steals. Hart is known for his tough-nosed, team-first approach. Throughout the day, he filled the stat sheet up in every possible way. He is a high IQ guard who sets the tone on both ends of the floor and really looks...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Team Camp (Day 1, Part 1)

2024 Xavier Johnson (Fayetteville Academy): Johnson came out strong to start his weekend at the Phenom Team Camp, using his 6'5 frame well, being active on the floor, creating second-chance opportunities for his team, attacking the glass, and getting downhill to make plays. Loved the energy and motor that he set for his team. 2023 Will Gray (East Forsyth): Gray continues to be a staple here in...

read more

Open Gym Report: Cape Fear High School

Alphonza Kee is entering his fourth season as the Head Coach at Cape Fear High School. Coach Kee has spent several years at the collegiate level, most notably as the Head Coach at Fayetteville State from 2009-2016 where he earned the CIAA Coach of the Year Award in 2014. He is bringing that same coaching style to his team at Cape Fear. For Coach Kee, it’s more than just about basketball....

read more

Pittsburgh duo ready to make a big splash this season (ACC Media Day)

Subscribe and Watch… Sophomore’s Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowens sit down at ACC Media Day to discuss the upcoming season, the focus and improvement they both have made heading into the season, and much more. They also dive into the talent around the region as well as we go 1-on-1 with Trey McGowens and his friendly battles this summer with his younger...

read more

South Carolina Jr. Phenom 150 Camp Evaluations: Team 4

Team 4 Coach: Jordan Washington   #17: 5'3 '24 Jamarie Brown (Effingham) Starting things off, we look at a player that has made some very nice strides in his progression, Jamarie Brown. He's a smart, unselfish guard prospect with a well-rounded skillset and excellent shooting prowess. Brown defends nicely and is capable of operating in a variety of different roles and expanding his...

read more

VISAA Division I State Tournament Final Four (3/1/19 ' 3/2/19)

  The 2018-19 season for Virginia private school basketball officially wrapped up this past weekend in Chesterfield, VA, as the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) held its Final Four of the state tournament at Virginia State University. During the last two seasons, I've been able to check out this event as a spectator (during spring breaks in college), but found more...

read more

Brothers Xavier & Darius Johnson Beat Nationally Ranked Paul VI in Playoffs

Xavier is committed to George Mason, brother Darius is a sophomore stud, ready to break out. Episcopal is playing in the VISAA state championships today, after defeating a nationally ranked Paul VI team in the semi-finals. The brothers are tough, they are winners, and they are players who you to have an eye on Here are the raw highlights of their semi-finals win over Paul VI…...

read more

VISAA 2019 Boys State Tournament, First Round: Norfolk Academy @ Episcopal HS (2/26/19)

  Colleges in Attendance: George Mason University The VISAA state tournament officially began yesterday evening with a handful of first-round games taking place across the state. Honestly, it took me a while to choose which contest to attend; a total of twelve VISAA games, between the divisions of I, II, and III, all occurred on Tuesday. Eventually, I decided on making my way up north to...

read more

‘Sleepy Thompson Basketball Tournament’ (12/6 – 12/8/18) Recap

  Every year around this time, in early December, the upper campus of St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (SSSAS) knows to expect both some new and familiar faces arriving for a weekend stay in the Alexandria, VA area. This completely has to do with SSSAS hosting their annual 'Sleepy Thompson Basketball Tournament,' one of the most prestigious high school hoops events in the Northern VA...

read more