HOOPS AND DREAMS EVENT RECAPS

POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Queen City Showcase

2023 Isaiah Sy (Combine): Sy is an intriguing prospect with his 6'7 frame and ability to make plays from a variety of levels. He showed consistently his ability to pull-up from a variety of levels, stretching the defense and showing his confidence in his release, but also was able to use his mobility and size to attack the basket and make plays as well. 2027 Donyeh Baird (Team Loyal): It was...

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Player Standouts at Phenom Queen City Showcase

6'1 '24 Zyan Hager (D1 Stars) Numerous guys stood out for the D1 Stars, including Hager and the clear leadership he brought to this group. He's a smart, steady guard with an excellent balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Hager controlled the tempo, played with pace, and consistently created for himself and others. He finished through contact, made smart decisions, and hit jumpers...

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Reece's Standouts: Queen City Showcase (Day 1)

by: Ethan Reece 2027 Donyeh Baird (Team Loyal) Donyeh is quickly making a name for himself as one of the hardest-playing guys in NC. It doesn't matter what you need him to do, he's going to go all out with it and excel by outworking his opponent. He's a great tone-setter, dynamic scorer, and reliable presence in controlling the pace and glass with his unique versatility. It's hard not to like...

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A Closer Look: Team CP3 14U

5'8 Sherod McCormick This roster has a ton of noteworthy pieces, and Sherod McCormick does so many vital things as their primary floor general. He's somewhat undersized but simply knows how to control the game through a blend of IQ, pace, and poise. McCormick does a great job of touching the paint and setting up others, but can also finish or hit an array of floaters/runners. He displays...

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Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams Showcase: Quality Education is Legit

Accumulation of talent has become the biggest priority for a vast majority of high school programs over the last few years. Sure, every coach aims to put out the best possible on-court product but the rapid increase in private/independent school popularity has turned the landscape into mayhem. Too many coaches are determined to build the most talented teams instead of hunting for cohesion and...

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Phenom Hoops Freshman Forty Evaluations: Team 14

Team 14 Coach: Dre Simmons/Rod Williams #56: 5'9 Judah King (Cannon) Starting things off, we look at a player who simply knows how to run a team and set the tone on both ends of the floor, Judah King. He's a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with vision, scoring ability, and toughness on defense. King plays with great pace and makes the right plays with consistency. Next in his...

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Phenom Spotlight: 2026 Donyeh Baird

By; Coach Mills There are many players in the world of sports whose work ethic and attention to detail set them apart from others. In most cases, it improves their health, longevity, and of course their skills. There have been several players like this such as Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning, and Tiger Woods. Well, let me introduce you to a Small Town Gem named Donyeh Baird, class of 2026, who sets...

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Reece's Standouts: Phenom Hardwood Classic (Day 1)

by: Ethan Reece 2026 Donyeh Baird (Team Loyal)There are several guys in the 2026 class I'm finding to be seamlessly positionless and Donyeh is one of them. Even while being the biggest guy on the team, he carries a heavy percentage of their ball-handling duties being able to initiate things from the perimeter and operate as a truly big guard that makes mismatches. He's consistently been at the...

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Dawkins’ Standouts from Day 1 at #PhenomMDC

By: DeAjai Dawkins 2025 Tristan Thompson (Upward Stars 15u 3SSB)' Thompson is a solid rebounder, arguably the best on this roster, with good hands and balance. I was impressed with the way he secures boards with both hands and is difficult to rip once the ball is in his grasps. He'll likely be responsible for a number of putbacks throughout his basketball career. Michael Williams Jr. (Future...

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