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North Carolina Top 80 Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Chris Kuhn Game Film:Team 1 vs Team 2Team 2 vs Team 4Team 2 vs Team 3NC Top 80 Semi-Final (2v3 vs 6/8) #2: 5’10 ’24 Isaiah Sanders (High Point Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who provided this team with a polished, balanced identity, Isaiah Sanders. He’s a smart, crafty guard prospect with an adaptable approach and the ability to produce from either backcourt...
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North Carolina Top 80 Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Tre Smith Game Film:Team 1 vs Team 2Team 1 vs Team 3Team 1 vs Team 4NC Top 80 Semi-Final (1/4 vs 5/8) #3: 5’11 ’25 Derek Ross Jr. (Jordan) Starting things off, we look at a player who is arguably the most dynamic floor general in the state, Derek Ross Jr. He’s a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with incredible quickness and open-floor speed. Ross utilizes his tight handle and...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 7
Team 7 Coach: Tyler Lewis Game Film:Team 7 vs Team 8Team 5 vs Team 7Team 6 vs Team 7 #10: 5’6 ’28 Gracie Shore (Advance) Starting things off, we look at a player who performed exceptionally well as one of the youngest campers on display, Gracie Shore. She’s a young, steady, skilled guard prospect with a high motor and willingness to do whatever possible to provide her team with an edge. Shore is...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 6
Team 6 Coach: Gerroid Doughty Game Film:Team 5 vs Team 6Team 6 vs Team 8Team 6 vs Team 7Team 3 vs Team 6Team 4 vs Team 6 (championship) #2: 5’2 ’27 Nasheyla Mason (Kinston) Starting things off, we look at a player who made an excellent impact despite being one of the smallest campers on display, Nasheyla Mason. She’s a tough, rugged, very well-rounded lead guard prospect who sets the tone on...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 5
Team 5 Coach: Reggie Dillard Game Film: Team 5 vs. Team 6Team 5 vs. Team 7Team 5 vs. Team 8 #1: 5’1 ’28 Demi Thomas (Fuquay-Varina) Starting things off, we look at a player who competed extremely well despite her size and age, Demi Thomas. She’s a young, scrappy guard prospect with a high motor and clear willingness to do whatever possible to provide her team with an edge. Thomas is still...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Wyndale Homes Game Film:Team 3 vs. Team 4Team 2 vs. Team 4Team 1 vs. Team 4Team 4 vs. Team 8Team 4 vs. Team 6 #8: 5’4 ’26 Ameya Brown (Terry Sanford) Starting things off, we look at a player who consistently found ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Ameya Brown. She’s a smart, rugged, high-motor lead guard prospect with excellent defensive prowess and a polished...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 3
Team 3 Coach: Chris Goodman Game Film:Team 3 vs Team 4Team 1 vs Team 3Team 2 vs Team 3Team 3 vs Team 6 #7: 5’4 ’26 Stephanie Mobley (Victory Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who stood out through her ability to run a team, Stephanie Mobley. She’s a smart, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with a tight handle and sharp playmaking sense. Mobley can score from all levels, but...
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Phenom Game Report: Oak Hill vs. Hargarve
Oak Hill: 46 – 49: 95Hargrave: 34 – 39: 75 Standouts: 2024 Christian Anderson (Oak Hill): He was the head of the snake and should be for much of the season, as he continues to show that he is a playmaker on the court. Going to be always regarded as the best shooter on the floor no matter what, Anderson also plays with tremendous pace, reads the floor, finds the openings in the...
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WV Prep Showcase: Names to Know
By: Kevin Moses Player: Dawson LunsfordTwitter: @dawson_lunsfordHeight: 6’3, 175Class of 2024School: George Washington High School Lunsford is an out and 3-and-D gem with a high motor and can find open spots in the gaps for great looks and is an efficient high percentage scorer. Defenders can take their eyes off him or lose him for one minute. One of the fiercest cutters I have seen...
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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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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Austin Collins Game Film:Team 1 vs Team 2Team 2 vs Team 4Team 2 vs Team 3 #4: 5’3 ’25 Jayla Hicks (NC GBB) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a consistent impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Jayla Hicks. She’s a smart, scrappy guard prospect with a high motor and unselfish approach to the game. Hicks is a solid ball-handler who utilizes her...
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Kevin’s Names You Should Know (Oct. 18)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Jesse LedbetterTwitter: @_JesseLedbetterHeight: 6’1, 175Class of 2024School: Southmoore High School Ledbetter was explosive when I saw him in OKC. This electric young stud put on a high-energy shooting clinic. Any space and it is lights out for any defender. A clutch performer always is ready to step into the big moment, but what makes him a real problem is he can...
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Kevin’s Thoughts: WV Prep Showcase Standouts
By: Kevin Moses Player: Bryar BailesTwitter: @Bryarbailes2Height: 5’10, 165lbsClass of 2024School: Midland Trail High School Bailes was awesome to watch. With an extremely high motor, this gem was fierce and as scrappy as they come. Bailes is tough and gritty, playing like he is 10ft tall. Fearless and constantly on the attack, no matter who he faced, he was a problem. He can really score...
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Notable Standouts at North Carolina Freshman 40
6’3 Seth Harris (Caldwell Academy) As evidenced during camp, Harris has clearly put forth a lot of time and effort in developing his overall game over the last few months. He already possesses a nice blend of IQ, skill, and athleticism for his age. Harris is a reliable shooting threat who understands how to attack closeouts, defer to others, and operate within the team structure. He’s an engaged...
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Notable Standouts at Lady Top 80
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Rise Sports Facility in Bermuda Run to host our second annual Lady Top 80. The camp featured a slew of high-level prospects with a healthy mix of players from each high school class (even including a few eighth-graders). Beyond the sheer amount of talent on display, it’s always a unique, enjoyable experience to watch these young ladies compete in...
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Upward Stars Combine: Players to keep an eye on (Part 2)
The Upward Stars Combine was a sensational event, and we at Phenom Hoops want to thank all the staff there for allowing us to check out the talent. Many players from North and South Carolina were on deck, and we got a great refreshing view of players as well as learn about a few new names as well. 2025 Lamont Britt Jr (Gray Collegiate): Britt is an interesting player with his strong, football...
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Upward Stars Combine: Players to keep an eye on (Part 1)
The Upward Stars Combine was a sensational event, and we at Phenom Hoops want to thank all the staff there for allowing us to check out the talent. Many players from North and South Carolina were on deck, and we got a great refreshing view of players as well as learn about a few new names as well. 2025 Zeke Marshall (Westside): Marshall is an interesting prospect with his long length and...
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Caden Bell and CJ Alston: The Top Unsigned Backcourt Duo in North Carolina'
Each year, there are various players whose recruitment doesn’t necessarily match their ability. This theme has become even more common since the uptick in transfers, coaching changes, and extra years of eligibility at the college level. However, it’s still frustrating to see scholarship-level kids perform and see no real traction from college coaches. Take Caden Bell and CJ Alston for example....
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Upward Stars Combine: Bigs That Impressed
The Upward Stars Combine was a sensational event, and we at Phenom Hoops want to thank all the staff there for allowing us to check out the talent. Many players from North and South Carolina were on deck, and we got a great refreshing view of players as well as learned about a few new names. 2026 Elton Smith (Cardinal Newman): Smith is a proven big so far, and continues to be a strong...
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Joe Rhyne Worthy of Attention from College Coaches
Every year around this time, it feels like there are a lot of college-level players who aren’t being appropriately recruited. While each college coach has their own plan and way of conducting business, it’s unclear if waiting until the eleventh hour to pursue these kids is truly advantageous for any of the parties involved. Take someone like Joe Rhyne, for example. He’s played for shoe-circuit...
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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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Upward Stars Combine: Guards That Impressed (Part 2)
The Upward Stars Combine was a sensational event, and we at Phenom Hoops want to thank all the staff there for allowing us to check out the talent. Many players from North and South Carolina were on deck, and we got a great refreshing view of players as well as learn about a few new names as well. 2025 Reggie Mack (Ridge View): Mack flourishes as a leader on the court, as he competes and plays...
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Upward Stars Combine: Guards that impressed (Part 1)
The Upward Stars Combine was a sensational event, and we at Phenom Hoops want to certainly thank all the staff there for allowing us to come check out the talent. Many players from North and South Carolina were on deck, as we got a great refreshing view of players as well as learned about a few new names as well. 2026 Caden Coleman (Hillcrest): Coleman was a name that I was intrigued in...
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Schedule Release from Phenom Hoops: Carmel Tip-Off Classic
The time has come for Phenom Hoops to start introducing and announcing all the teams that will be in the Carmel Tip-Off Classic, as we are releasing the entire schedule. The Carmel Tip-Off Classic has been known as one of the best events to kick off the season, and we have some ELITE matchups and storylines heading into this year’s field. We will be talking more about what we will be...
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Will East Meck Emerge as a Playoff Sleeper'
Each year, North Carolina’s high school basketball landscape undergoes countless transfers, coaching changes, and general shifts in its structure. Although there’s a healthy number of programs that seemingly win 25-30 games every season, far more teams go through struggles and fluctuations of success. Consider East Mecklenburg, for example. After the departures of their three leading-scorers,...
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East Meck Wins Silver Division at HoopState Fall League
This past weekend, all the teams from our East and West Fall Leagues came together for the final two days of competition to determine champions for each division. In the gold bracket, Central Cabarrus (yet again) claimed victory. However, the silver bracket offered a lot of intrigue and excitement in its own regard. The Charlotte Eagles (East Meck) and Papa Pete’s Patriots (Apex Friendship)...
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Upward Stars Combine: New Names to Learn
The Upward Stars Combine was a sensational event, and we at Phenom Hoops want to certainly thank all the staff there for allowing us to come check out the talent. Many players from North and South Carolina were on deck, as we got a great refreshing view of players as well as learned about a few new names as well. Here are some names that are new on our radar that you could be hearing a lot...
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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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Why You Should Attend Phenom Hoops’ Camps
It probably goes without saying, but the grassroots basketball landscape has changed a lot over recent years. This is evidenced through a variety of different forms, especially regarding the way general competition has dwindled. That being said, it’s somewhat understandable. Basketball becoming a year-round game has caused a clear ripple effect at all levels of the sport. Playing so many games...
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Reviewing the Tape: Pangos All South Frosh/Soph Camp (Part 1)
Courtesy: PangosAACamp Phenom Hoops is expanding its coverage, as we are reviewing the film from the Pangos All-South Frosh/Soph Camp, bringing some of the best talent around the region all under one building. We continue diving through each team, finding players to watch out for. Here is one of several parts of players that captured our eyes when going back into the film. 2027 6’7...
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