DAVID ROSE MDC EVENT RECAPS

Introduction to the Grassroots Program Series

Now in February, we’ve reached the final stretch of the high school basketball season. State champions will be crowned in the coming weeks and travel ball will start shortly thereafter. Given the number of new “circuits” who are “sponsored by shoe companies,” it feels like there’s no better time to shed light on the legitimacy behind the grassroots scene and unveil a series on independent...

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Player Standouts from Blue Checks/Cold Hearts

Cold Hearts: 7’1 ’24 John Bol It’s easy to see the intrigue with someone like Bol, who already possesses an incredibly tantalizing frame and matching skillset. He possesses a unique combination of length, mobility, and overall instincts, which allows him to consistently cause problems for opponents. Bol patrols the court exceptionally well as a defender, consistently eliminating space and...

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Phenom Hoops Middle School Camp Evaluations: Team 6

Team 6 Coach: Roland Whitley #30: 5’4 ’28 Max Leroux (Okatie) Starting things off, we look at a player who showcased a fairly steady, balanced identity, Max Leroux. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect with a high motor, well-rounded skillset, and unselfish approach to the game. Whether attacking the basket, spotting-up from beyond the arc, or asserting himself in the midrange, Leroux found ways to...

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Phenom Hoops Middle School Camp Evaluations: Team 5

Team 5 Coach: Dre Simmons #28: 5’4 ’29 Jalen Webb (Youngsville) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a consistent impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Jalen Webb. He’s a young, smart, unselfish guard prospect who does a terrific job of dictating the action and setting up others. Webb regularly stood out for his coachability and willingness to adapt to team needs....

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Phenom Hoops Middle School Camp Evaluations: Team 2

Team 2 Coach: Cooper Hart #22: 5’2 ’28 Jeremiah Purdie (Raleigh) Starting things off, we look at a player who possesses a strong understanding of how to run team, Jeremiah Purdie. He’s a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with a tight handle and crafty playmaking sense. Purdie plays with excellent pace while constantly surveying the floor and creating scoring opportunities for himself and...

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Phenom Hoops Middle School Camp Evaluations: Team 1

Team 1 Coach: Ethan Reece #17: 5’0 ’29 Austin Kelly (Blythewood) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a consistent impact despite his lack of size, Austin Kelly. He’s a wiry, unselfish guard prospect who possesses a high motor and solid understanding of how to make plays with the ball in his hands. Kelly is a capable penetrating threat who handles the ball well and sets up others at...

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Five Freshmen Producing at a High Level

Few sports at the amateur level offer as much intrigue as high school basketball. There’s simply so much to watch and monitor, especially in a talent-laden state like North Carolina. Whether it’s following individual growth, uncovering new prospects, or seeing what teams will separate themselves from the pack, the landscape is full of excitement. Now that we’ve reached the halfway point of the...

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Garner MLK Showcase Standouts (Monday)

2025 Chance Gladden (Ravenscroft): Gladden has been having a tremendous season and has been putting up some impressive performances. He continued to flourish in a tough battle at the Garner MLK Showcase, Gladden continues to flourish and be the go-to leader as a scoring option. Gladden was able to make plays and penetrate the defense, score well around defenders, get inside the basket, put...

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HoopHall Classic Standouts – January 15

2025 Nikolas Khamenia (Harvard-Westlake): The 2025 prospect was tough all game long on his way to scoring 21 points and racking up eight rebounds in the battle.  He really showcased his competitive nature and energy, as well as knocking down tough shots, always looking to make plays, battling in the paint, and being able to create for himself. Really opened more eyes of his versatility on...

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Player Standouts at Carmel MLK Showcase (Part Two)

6’4 ’27 King Gibson (The Burlington School) The noteworthy freshman continues to turn heads while getting steadily more comfortable and assertive. Gibson is a long, athletic wing with great size, feel, and a useful amount of skill. In this contest, he displayed an excellent understanding of when to defer versus when to take control. Gibson knocked down jumpers, attacked off the bounce, and made...

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Player Standouts at Carmel MLK Showcase (Part One)

6’5 ’25 Reece Starnes (Butler) The strong-bodied big man was critical to Butler’s success. Starnes scored within the flow of the action, consistently running the floor and positioning himself to take advantage of second-chance opportunities. However, his pure dominance as a rebounder is what made him a true nightmare for opponents. Starnes utilizes his body well, displays great activity on the...

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POB’s Best of the Best: Carmel MLK Showcase

2025 Reece Starnes (Butler): Starnes started the event off in a big way, as he was imposing with his overall presence. The 2025 big man was all over the boards, racking up double-digit boards in the first half and ultimately ended with 22 rebounds total. He was incredible both offensively and defensively, battling through opponents and contact. Offensively he was able to use his frame to score...

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Carmel MLK Showcase Scores and Stats

Game 1 Butler 67 – Hunter Huss 54 Stats:Butler: Tyler Showalter 25pts, 8rebs / Reece Starnes 16pts, 22rebs / Eli Grier 8ptsHuss: Zamarius Gladden 22pst, 7rebs / Satchelle Pettis 15pts, 5rebs, 4asts, 3stls Game 2 Hickory 51 – Wesleyan Christian 49 Stats:Hickory: Izaiah Littlejohn 14pts, 7rebs, 5asts / Jordan Lineberger 11pts, 5rebs, 3asts, 4stls Wesleyan: Zacch Wiggins 16pts, 5rebs /...

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Kevin’s Players to Know (1.12.24)

By: Kevin Moses Connor Amundsen Twitter: @ConnorAmundsenHeight: 5’10 Class of 2024School: Clovis North High School, CA Amundsen is an electric young stud that is quick and crafty with sick handles and nasty blowby speed. A ruthless sniper. Connor had himself a nice run this week while breaking a milestone and joining the 1000-point club. Fearless and fierce doing just about anything he...

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Kevin’s Players to Know (1.11.24)

Ashton Romney Twiter: @ashromney_26 Height: 6’5Class of 2024School: Walden Grove High School, AZ Romney was hungry and played like a man possessed. Not just another tournament for Ashton as he played like he had something to prove. Not only did he dazzle us with great offense but he was a defensive gem. Can’t fully enjoy just how strong his play was as no one recorded full stats for...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: Cox Mill

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: Carmel Christian

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: Cannon School

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: Chambers

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: Northside Christian

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: The Burlington School

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: Wesleyan Christian

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Team Previews for Carmel MLK Showcase: Hunter Huss

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will host our annual Carmel MLK Showcase at Carmel Christian School. The event features five matchups featuring ten noteworthy programs from North Carolina. Despite being a one-day event, there should be a ton of excitement for the programs on display. Between the mix of local talent, state contenders, and prospects in general, it should make for a high-level day of...

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Why Dillon Jones is Worthy of First-Round Consideration

The transition into the new year always serves as a perfect time to start taking a closer look at draft boards and determining whose stock could climb. Each season, someone seems to emerge in an unforeseen manner. The weaker the draft, the more likely teams are going to swing for the fences or make safe, reliable choices. Although it’s gotten slightly more buzz over the last few months,...

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How Incorrect Height Can Affect Your Recruitment

There are several factors that impact an individual’s recruitment. Whether grades, attitude, basketball IQ, or countless other things, these variables can be the difference between receiving offers and being brushed aside. However, few specifics turn coaches off more than incorrect heights. The masses might ask, “why does this matter so much?” Well, it’s the same as a 30% three-point shooter...

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La Porte Invitational Standouts and Stats (Thursday) (Day 1)

Game 1 Long Island Lutheran 82 – La Lumiere 65 Stats:Luhi: VJ Edgecombe 21pts, 11rebs, 8asts, 3stls / Kayden Mingo 20pts, 5rebs, 7asts / Nigel James 18ptsLaLu: Jerry Easter II 18pts, 5rebs/ Melvin Bell 10pts / Steve Solano 10pts Standouts: 2025 Jerry Easter (La Lumiere): Every time I get a chance to watch this young man, I come away impressed with his ability to be an instant scoring...

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Lady Standouts at Gate City Classic

5’9 2024 Azahreya Drayton-Gill (Smith) Given everything she’s shown over the years, it should come as no surprise to see Drayton-Gill continuing to stand out as a productive leader for this group. She’s a smart, versatile wing/forward prospect with the motor, toughness, and well-rounded skillset to dominate a game. Drayton-Gill is a terrific rebounder for her size/position and is very...

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Bendel’s Best: Gate City Classic (Part Two)

6’3 ’24 Gage Lattimore (Smith) It doesn’t take long when watching the Golden Eagles to notice Lattimore’s significance and overall involvement as a leader. Widely known for his lethal three-point shooting, the 6-foot-3 guard does legitimately everything for this group. Sure, he still applies constant pressure as a marksman from beyond the arc, but his defense, rebounding, playmaking, and steady...

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LJ Smith’s Historic Freshman Campaign

Each high school season, few things are more exciting than watching the next wave of young prospects emerge. Over the recent years, there have been noteworthy phenoms such as Jarin Stevenson, Coby White, Wendell Moore, Robert Dillingham, and countless others who have warranted a ton of buzz as freshmen. It’s not always easy to predict who’s going to set the world ablaze, but it...

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NC GBB is Full of Next-Level Pieces

Each season, the calendar turns to a new year and the grassroots landscape is reflooded with available senior prospects. Even after travel ball and several months of the high school season, there are still plenty of college-level players who have little to no traction within their recruitment. This isn’t a new trend, but the increased emphasis of the transfer portal has inevitably hurt guys...

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