NEXT LEVEL GIRLS SHOWCASE EVENT RECAPS

Day 2 Standouts from George Lynch Invitational

2025 Dylan Deluca (United Faith): Deluca's play in the second half was impressive for United Faith on Day 2.' He was making all types of hustle plays, competing on the boards, creating second-chance opportunities, and creating scoring plays from several areas of the court.' His play really helped big for his team in the second half. 2024 Joe Rhyne (Gaston Christian): For Gaston Christian to get...

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North Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 9

Team 9 Coach: Evan Neisler #47: 5'7 '26 Dionte Neal (Reidsville) Starting things off, we look at a player who is easily among the most dynamic guards in the state, regardless of class, Dionte Neal. He's an undersized, incredibly smart, skilled floor general with lethal quickness and open-floor speed. Neal is a high-level creator and overall playmaker who utilizes his craftiness to effortlessly...

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Top Performers from the NC Sophomore 40

The 2026 class in North Carolina has a chance to be special. It has a combination of high level talent, potential and depth. It has a chance to be one of the best classes the state has seen in years. It is still early, but as everyone continues to develop, it will be exciting to see where the players in this class end up in the coming years. On Sunday, the NC Sophomore 40 had some of the best...

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Four Players Who Are Ready to Make the Leap

Every year, we see guys from all levels of basketball make 'the leap.' This term simply refers to when a talented player begins to harness the next steps of being a star player or high-level prospect. In the most recent NBA season, someone like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be a perfect example. He was already incredible, but still managed to ascend to another level and transition into being one...

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Loaded with Talent: Chambers Trending as a Title Favorite

The high school season is right around the corner, which means it's time to take a deeper look at various programs throughout the state. Our fall league hosted many of North Carolina's top teams (both in the public and private school ranks) and watched closely to see who separated themselves from the pack. Obviously, the complete list would include numerous others, but it's difficult to ignore...

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Player Standouts at Hoopstate Fall League Championship

6'5 '26 Markus Kerr (Cougars) Although the Cougars were missing one of their key pieces, it simply gave Kerr an opportunity to shine as a focal point. He's a skilled, athletic guard with an all-around skillset and the ability to dominate opponents on both ends of the floor. Kerr is a reliable creator, both for himself and others, and mixes it up from all three levels offensively. He's a quality...

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POB's Thoughts: Best of the Best from Phenom Hoop State League (SG)

The Phenom Hoop State Fall League has been tremendous, and we are heading into championship weekend. But there have been plenty of storylines and players that have grabbed my attention. Even though this list could go on a lot longer, here are the top players who have left their mark on me so far at the Fall League at the shooting guard position. 2024 Langston Boyd (Cox Mill): Boyd had a very...

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POB's Thoughts: Top Wings at Hoop State League (Through 2 Weeks)

The Hoop State League has been tremendous so far' a lot of talent, a great chance to watch these teams in action early on, and players are competing. Trust me, there are a lot of names that have been catching my eye so far, which is why I wanted to share JUST A FEW NAMES that have really stood out to me through two weeks at the Hoop State League. Check out the wings that have impressed me so far...

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Does Chambers have the best sophomore duo in NC'

We are still a few months away from the state of high school basketball here in North Carolina, so we are looking around at different topics to look at throughout the state.' One topic that was brought up and to think about is the young sophomore duo at Chambers, and if they could be the best young duo in North Carolina. Again, this is just for talk, and we know there are plenty of young duos to...

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Phenom Open Gym: Chambers is in the title hunt

Phenom Hoops travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina to cover open gym at Chambers High School. Coach Brian Frasier has done a magnificent job over the years at Chambers. Playing in one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the state, Coach Frasier is strictly about providing the biggest challenges his team can face, hopefully to prepare them for a state title run and this year is no...

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Five Notable Young Prospects from Phenom Team Camp

6'4 '26 Markus Kerr (Chambers) The newest addition to the Cougars should immediately double as one of the best players on the roster. Though young, Kerr has already proven himself as a meaningful piece for a contender during his first high school season. He's a smart, skilled, athletic guard that possesses great size, toughness, and overall polish. Kerr scores from all levels and displays...

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

2026 Markus Kerr (Chambers): A new addition to the group at Chambers, it seems like the young man was able to fit right in and give this group yet another weapon at their disposal. Kerr though fits the part, as he was able to showcase his ability to create and make plays on his own, break down defenders and find his shot, but also flow within the offense.' It looks to be yet another strong...

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A Closer Look: North Carolina's Class of 2026

6'6 Cole Cloer (Orange) Between the team’s success and his individual production, it's easy to see why Cole Cloer is already one of the top players in North Carolina's Class of 2026. At 6-foot-6, he already has the IQ, size, and skillset to legitimately dominate a game. Cloer is a smooth all-around player who comfortably dictates the offensive action with the ball in his hands,...

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Phenom Hoops Freshman Forty Evaluations: Team 13

Team 13 Coach: Joe Adams/David Broome #55: 5'8 Malik McCotter (Chambers) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a nice impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Malik McCotter. He's a quick, scrappy guard prospect with a useful penetration sense and the ability to finish at a solid rate. McCotter is a capable on-ball defender who utilizes his quickness to keep...

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POB's Eye Catchers from NC Freshman 40 (Part 2)

2026 6'4 Markus Kerr (West Charlotte): Kerr is going to be a name that you hear more and more down the road. He should get some meaningful minutes this season with his talent and skill set, as the 6'4 prospect is a smooth operator on the court.' Kerr can score from multiple levels, stretch the floor, use his length to score over defenders and with touch, and competes on the defensive end. You...

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Reece's Standouts: Hoop State League (Week 2: West Division)

By; Ethan Reece 2023 Carlos Luis (Combine Regional)What impressed me with Carlos' play was his effectiveness to get where he wanted and use his size to play at his own pace. He has the blend of inside out play that matches the style of today's game, being able to operate on the block with quality footwork and pose a threat outside with his shot or comfortable ability to put his shoulder down and...

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What we Learned from Week 1 at Hoop State Fall League: Guard play at West Charlotte will be fun to watch

It was great to get back on the court for the start of the Hoop State Fall League, giving us at Phenom Hoops a chance to view teams early on and check out what programs will be bringing to the court this season.' One team that should have everyone's attention this year will be West Charlotte after the year they had.' West Charlotte lost some key guys from last year but when we watched their...

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Immediate Impact Freshmen in North Carolina's Class of 2026

The travel ball season is finally beginning to wind down, which naturally generates a lot of buzz and excitement for the upcoming high school year. Folks are ready to see where seniors commit, what team separates themselves from the pack, and everything in-between. One of the more intriguing subplots of each season is how the freshman will ultimately fare, and this year is no different. North...

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