DAVID ROSE MDC EVENT RECAPS

2024 Paul McNeil (Richmond) comes out swinging to start senior season

The season is officially underway for all teams here in North Carolina, as Phenom Hoops got the opportunity to watch one of the premier seniors here in NC with 2024 Paul McNeil who is committed to NC State.  Richmond, who is a team that is looking to make yet another run at a title, tipped off their season in a big way at the Hoops & Dreams Showcase, and McNeil didn't disappoint. McNeil...

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POB’s Eye Catchers: Day 2 at Phenom MDC (Part 3)

2026 Chris Gomez (CP3 Select): A young prospect that has intrigue with his game, Gomez has good early size, is a confident scorer, and has a strong feel/understanding of the game.' He is a smooth-operating prospect that makes plays off the bounce, a smooth finisher in getting to the basket, and is active all over the court.' Gomez is a name that I would jot down and look at more down the road....

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom March Madness (Day 2, Part 2)

2025 Davion Ingram (Richmond Jammers): Ingram is a new name that grabbed our attention. He is a long prospect that was really able to make a strong presence defensively as well as offensively. Ingram was relentless in getting into his defender, moving his feet, and having good instincts in picking his opponents. But he also used his size to get to the rim and finish as well. 2025 Eli Griffin...

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Phenom Game Report: Pinecrest at Richmond

Final: Richmond 82 ' Pinecrest 55 Pinecrest: 7 ' 10 ' 16 ' 22 : 55Richmond: 17 ' 21 ' 28 ' 16 : 82 Phenom Hoops was on deck for what looked like an intriguing matchup between Pinecrest and Richmond, getting a chance to watch 2024 Paul McNeil and company in action going up against a scrappy Pinecrest team.  McNeil came out strong early in the first half, imposing his will against Pinecrest...

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Sunday Morning News with Phenom Hoops (1.8.23)

Two of NC's best simply go off Friday night It was a great day of high school basketball around the state of North Carolina, as there is nothing like it on Friday night.' But two stories really captured our eyes from this weekend, as two of the top players in the state of North Carolina had career nights.' First off, with our own Rick Lewis standing front and center watching, 2024 Isaiah Evans...

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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...

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Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams Showcase: Richmond Ready to Dominate

Anyone plugged into the grassroots basketball scene should already be well aware of Paul McNeil's sudden return to North Carolina and Richmond High School. The news sent shockwaves throughout the state, as last year's Gatorade Player of the Year had been enjoying a pretty strong start to his season at Prolific Prep. Regardless, McNeil comes back to join a Raiders squad that is even better than...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom MDC

6'0 '25 Beau Harvey (Rod Howard Select) Despite Rod Howard Select being narrowly edged out, everyone watching should've been impressed with Harvey. Whether scoring, playmaking, forcing turnovers, or battling for extra opportunities, he was making a play on seemingly every single possession. Harvey handles the ball with poise, sets up others at a strong rate, and contains his position well...

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

2023 Randall Pettus (Charlotte Aces): Pettus has had himself a solid outing on Day 1 at the Phenom MDC.' In Game 2 though, was really impressed with his ability to create with the dribble and get to his spots, rising up with confidence and showing his mid-range game. A guard with good athleticism and touch on his shot. 2024 Paul McNeil (Richmond Jammers): Though it was a tough Game 2 for the...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom G3 Showcase (Day 2, Afternoon)

2025 Sadiq White (Team United): The progression that we have seen over the last year with White has been impressive and has to get you even more excited about the future for this young prospect.  He has great size at 6'7, runs the floor extremely well, is fluid and finish at the rim, can guard and play multiple positions, and his offensive game continues to expand as well as his confidence...

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A Closer Look: Phenom Hoops' Rankings for North Carolina's Class of 2024

(1) 6'6 Paul McNeil (Richmond) Even for those who don't closely follow high school basketball, McNeil should already be a well-known name throughout the country. After winning North Carolina's Gatorade POY award, he became just the second men's player of the millennium to receive the honor two full seasons removed from his graduation year (joining Jaden Bradley). He posted insane per-game...

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INTERVIEW: 2024 Paul McNeil Jr. Talks Top 25 Breakout Season for Richmond + Offers & Schools!

Phenom Hoops caught up with 2024 Paul McNeil Jr. this past weekend at the Phenom Opening as he competed with the Richmond Jammers. McNeil showed off a scoring display that led his team to the semi-finals of the Gold Bracket. He caught up with Phenom and talked about this past season along with expectations for AAU season along with the offers that came in this past year.

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Dawkins’ Standouts from Day 1 of Hoop State League (Championship Weekend)

By: DeAjai Dawkins 5'11 2022 Kyron Weil (Believe Prep)' Kyron earned my unwavering respect after his final game against Word of God. Weil, with that single game, showed me a level of toughness, composure, ball-handling, and team-orientation that proved his competence to me. I believe this is a lead guard that  coaches would fawn over. Relentless attacker that gets into the lane and...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Hoop State League (Championship Weekend)

2025 Miles Leaks (Panthers): When you watch a freshman prospect like Leaks, you have to look for the flashes in his potential.  Leaks showed that on several occasions, showing that he understands the game, plays under control and at a terrific pace, and that he possesses the IQ.  He plays his game, gets to his spots to score, and doesn't force anything, playing well within the...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Fall Finale/ HoopState League

2024 Paul McNeil (Richmond Jammers): McNeil is already regarded as one of the top prospects not only in the state but in the country and it is easy to see why at his age.' We are talking about a 6'6 prospect that can be a huge threat from deep, knocking down tough jumpers from all levels, a player that can create for himself and can operate from all positions on the floor.' What is scary to...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Summer Finale (Day 1, Part 3)

2022 Jordan Crawford (DCT Elite): Crawford continues to play at a high level and we think it is only a matter of time until college coaches start coming more his way.' His ability to score on multiple levels is impressive, knocking down threes with consistency but also creating off the dribble, penetrating the lanes, and getting to the rim.' H really can fill it up quickly and did so on Day 1....

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2024 6'5 Paul McNeil already earning the attention of high major programs

If you haven't quite dived into the talent pool in the class of 2024 for North Carolina, one player that you will want to quickly learn about is 2024 6'5 Paul McNeil from Richmond Senior high school.  Why is that' This kid is simply special and it can be easily seen once you watch him on the court.  McNeil has taken huge steps and elevated his game over the last year or so to now put...

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Coach Rick's TOC: Bright future for young prospects

The Coach Rick's TOC was off the charts with talent. One thing is for sure is that the future around the region looks to be bright, as there were several young prospects that really captured our eyes and should be household names. Check out a few young players that will be ones you will want to know.

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 3)

Paul McNeil 2023 Cam Oates (Garner Road): Now part of the 2023 class, Oates is an intriguing guard to keep tabs on with how he plays and how his game is maturing offensively.  He still brings a toughness to the floor and is scrappy on both ends.  But Oates is showing that he can really step up and be a consistent offensive threat from all areas. On Day 3, his perimeter game was...

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Sean’s Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 3, Part 1)

By: Sean Halloran 2025 Chris Rivens (Team EAT 2025 National) Rivens was impressive today, showing off his natural athleticism once he was in transition. He gave everybody a glimpse of what he is capable of once he develops into his body, and grows as a basketball player. He already has the intangibles to be a great guard at the next level. With a good frame and natural athleticism, his potential...

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Player Standouts at Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)

JaKobe Hood By: Heath Gulledge 2024 6'1 Justin Skelton (Columbia Hoopers Elite 15u) Skelton showed an impressive ability to score the ball from beyond the arc in the 8:00 am game this morning. He came out of the gate letting it fly and it was paying off for him. I like his ability to stretch the floor and make the defense respect his shot. He uses his skill from beyond the arc to draw the...

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POB's Eye Catchers from Coach Rick's TOC (Day 1, Part 3)

2024 Paul McNeil (Garner Road): There has been a lot of talk around McNeil and his game but it is easy to see why he is regarded as one of the top players in his class for 2024.  He put on an absolute show to start his weekend, using his 6'5 frame to his advantage, finishing over defenders, showing tremendous body control, and has an excellent perimeter feel for the game.  The young...

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POB’s Rising Stars of Tomorrow: Phenom Stay Positive

At the Phenom Stay Positive, it was a great opportunity to view some of the younger prospects in the Class of 2024 and 2025 in the region and there were certainly plenty of standouts. So, we look back at a few names that really impressed us over the weekend and ones that you should start monitoring NOW, as they could be the next rising stars around the area.

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Bendel's Best: Stay Positive Classic

This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to North Carolina for our first debut at the newly built Rise Indoor Facility in Advance for our Stay Positive Classic. In lieu of everything opening back up, that area is going to see a massive increase in basketball traffic heading into the upcoming LIVE periods. There was an abundance of talented teams and individuals on display between the two-day...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Stay Positive

6'5 '24 Paul McNeil (Garner Road) There's been a lot of buzz surrounding McNeil over the last calendar year, and rightfully so, as he has the chance to be a special prospect. He's extremely advanced for his age, both physically and in terms of skill, and already understands how to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. McNeil possesses phenomenal length and fluidity, which allows him to...

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HIGHLIGHTS: Pinecrest Keeps Chipping Away & COMES BACK at Richmond HS!

Phenom Hoops went out to the southern part of North Carolina to check in on Richmond Senior HS, as they took on Pinecrest. It was a terrific battle with Richmond taking the early lead and holding it throughout most of the game. Pinecrest though chipped away late and eventually took the lead with seconds remaining to earn a gritty lead. There was a ton of talent on the court, so check out all the...

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Phenom Game Report: Pinecrest vs. Richmond Senior

Phenom Hoops traveled down south in the state of North Carolina on Wednesday night, to check in on the action between Richmond and Pinecrest, two teams having a successful season but at times, don't get the recognition they deserve.  Early on, it looked like Richmond wanted to come out and make a statement, clinging to an early 10-0 lead behind a few early three-pointers but Pinecrest...

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