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Deserving of More Attention: Quenton Flood
Right now, there is an impressive amount of talent flowing through the state of South Carolina and, specifically, within the Class of 2021. There are players that already hold high-major offers, others trending upward, and some that are completely under the radar. However, the unique makeup of the talent is something worth noting. John Butler is obviously an uncommon specimen, given the fact...
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Getting to Know: 2022 6’8 Judah Egbo (Jamestown HS)
Phenom Hoops introduced you to one player to watch at Jamestown high school in Virginia, but certainly don't forget about the big man down low. 2022 6’8 Judah Egbo brings a unique feel to the floor and could just be starting his big journey in making a name for himself.
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Why the NAIA is an option to build your game
Special Guest: Jeremy Wright NAIA schools are often overlooked and given the cold shoulder by athletes for bigger name schools. However, to any player or parent reading this, I hope you look into all of your choices before making the decision of committing to the school with the biggest name, and look for the school that gives you the best opportunity to grow and develop. The NAIA is outside of...
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Deserving of More Attention: Cohen Gaskins
The basketball scene in South Carolina has been widely overlooked and underappreciated for (at least) the last five years. Neither Ja Morant nor Zion Williamson single-handedly changed this notion, but they certainly opened eyes to the idea that legitimate prospects could emerge from this state. Morant’s situation was a little more common as an under-the-radar guard who continually got better...
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Books and Basketball: 2021 Malachi Reeves (River Bluff HS, SC)
Although his season was cut short by injury, Reeves still was extremely productive when on the court. A 6’3 guard, he showed that he can score on multiple levels and really be a threat from behind the arc, shooting 40 percent from three.
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COACH’S CORNER: Hickory Grove’s Jim Rhodes From KANSAS to NC; His Journey + Season Outlook!
Head coach Jim Rhodes from Hickory Grove Christian sits down with Rick Lewis for another coach's chat. Growing up in Kansas, Rhodes played D2 ball for Fort Hays State and ended up the all-time 3-point percentage leader in a tremendous career. From there, he came to NC and started as the JV coach at Independence before becoming the head coach at Hickory Grove. We dive into his rich history as well as breaking down some of his players, including star AJ Smith. We also get his opinions on a few matters, including the 3-point line and others.
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Deserving of More Attention: Keeyan Itejere
Each year in North Carolina, we see at least one prospect come out of nowhere and really burst onto the scene. The most recent example is Keeyan Itejere, who surfaced about this time last summer and began rapidly trending upward. Our first viewing came during travel ball season with the UC27 Dreamchasers. There were multiple next-level prospects on that team, but Itejere was clearly on another...
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Recruitment hitting another level quickly for 2021 6’8 Legend Geeter
Legend Geeter, a 6’8 wing/forward from River Rouge high school, has seen an uptick in his recruitment as of late, especially with two of his latest offers.
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Is Something Special Brewing at Lancaster?
In looking at the young talent spread across South Carolina, it became increasingly obvious that Lancaster should start trending upward as much as any program in the state. They’ve had some struggles over the past few years but should have optimism about the foreseeable future, especially given their young, talented roster. They have a pair of productive, reliable senior veterans in Omazeon...
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Books and Basketball: 2021 Myles Jenkins (River Bluff HS, SC)
Jenkins had a tremendous season at River Bluff high school, averaging 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, helping him earn multiple accomplishments this past season.
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Combination of speed, quickness, and strength: 2022 Christian Winborne
Christian is an elite athlete with an impressive combination of speed, quickness, and strength. He’s a three-level scorer who impacts games not only with his tremendous scoring potential but also as a facilitator and on the defensive end.
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Is Jordyn Surratt Ready to Take the Next Step?
Anyone who has followed South Carolina high school basketball over the last five years should be well aware of Dorman and their nonstop success. However, things are guaranteed to change with Myles Tate (Butler) and PJ Hall (Clemson) set to depart. It’s difficult to even imagine a team without Tate at this point, given that he’s been a key varsity contributor since his freshman season and...
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COACH’S CORNER: Bishop’s Josh Thompson Speaks on Coaching HS, Running an AAU Program + USA Camp!
Rick Lewis sits down once again with another rising coach in the ranks North Carolina, this time sitting down with Bishop McGuinness Josh Thompson. Starting his coaching career in 2004, he has secured over 275 wins, won multiple state championships, served as the court coach for USA basketball youth development camp, and is also the NC Spartans founder and program director. He dives into it all, his program's culture around books and basketball, and much more.
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Books and Basketball: 2021 6’2 Knoah Carver
Carver was off the charts for Charlotte Country Day School, as he led the charge averaging 18.9 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and shot 46 percent from the field.
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Is Christian Reeves Approaching a Breakout Season?
In the basketball world, sample size is a true, worthwhile indicator to understand the ins and outs of a given prospect. The concept should be fairly easy to grasp: the more viewings, statistics, and information on a player should naturally allow for a stronger understanding of who they are now and what they could potentially become in the future. Our purpose of this article is to take a closer...
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Bryce Harris Brings Versatility and a High Motor
6’5 2021 Bryce Harris (Greensboro Day) Brings Versatility and a High Motor Last year, Bryce Harris enjoyed an outstanding season at Greensboro Day. Playing for legendary coach Freddy Johnson, Harris saw his stock rise throughout the course of the season. He went from get mid-major offers from the likes of Lafayette, Howard, Rice, NC A&T, Elon to UNC-Wilmington. Recently, Harris picked...
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Is Mason Padgett Assembling the Next Powerhouse?
It’s been stated before, but the high school basketball scene has transformed into something comparable to NBA free agency. On one hand, the kneejerk reaction is to pose an argument for why/how transferring or reclassifying could have a positive effect on said player. The other side of the token typically points to the lack of loyalty, structure, or overall negative effects that could...
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2023 6’4 Michael Ojo (Atlantic Shores Christian) loves to compete
Michael is a fantastic athlete, high energy, and enthusiastic player who just loves to compete!
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Previewing the Triad High School Basketball Landscape: North Davidson
It’s been stated before, but the high school basketball scene has transformed into something comparable to NBA free agency. On one hand, the kneejerk reaction is to pose an argument for why/how transferring or reclassifying could have a positive effect on said player. The other side of the token typically points to the lack of loyalty, structure, or overall negative effects that could...
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Early look at the 2020-21 Duke Blue Devils roster
Once again, the Blue Devils will have a new look with new names on the court this upcoming season. Bringing some key pieces back but also adding another impressive Top-5 recruiting class, Duke should yet again start in the Top-25 rankings. It will be interesting to see how this team meshes early on. Lets get an early look at the roster for the Blue Devils here.
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2021 Jayvon Mercer took a huge leap this past season at East Wake
It was time to shine this season for Jayvon Mercer, as the junior took advantage of the opportunity in front of him. Without a senior on the roster this past season and multiple players graduating the year before, 2021 6’5 Javon Mercer took charge to lead his team at East Wake to a 16-10 record, and big things could be on the horizon for this young man.
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COACH’S CORNER: Rocky River’s Donald Kirby Speaks on NEW ROLL + Goals/Expectations For the Season!
Phenom Hoops welcomes in the new head coach at Rocky River, as coach Donald Kirby will take over the basketball program. We dive into his past, talking about his playing days in Virginia, his time at West Meck, and the lessons from his time at Carmel Christian under Coach Badgett. He also dives into what his goals and expectations are at Rocky River, as they bring some intriguing talent to the table. We welcome him into the coaching world in NC and coach will certainly be looking to make his mark in the state.
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Is Isaiah Ray Preparing to Take the Next Step?
Phenom Hoops has seen hundreds upon thousands of players come through our doors over the years, which naturally allows us to see all types of different situations and circumstances. Take an unusual path for example, like Isaiah Ray, who has been a noteworthy name throughout the last two years. Originally at Dudley High School, Ray saw very limited playing opportunities prior to his junior...
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More schools quickly jumping on board for 2021 Alden Applewhite
However, more seem to be jumping in, as Applewhite has added three new offers in the month of May. St. John’s, Iowa State, and Xavier have all recently offered the rising senior.
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Getting to Know: 2023 6’2 Hayden Llewellyn (Jellico HS, TN)
Playing in 32 games, leading the 2023 class of Tennessee in scoring, and ranking second in the entire state in scoring, 6’2 Hayden Llewellyn sure made a name for himself quickly.
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Previewing the Triad High School Basketball Landscape: Mount Tabor
It’s been stated before, but the high school basketball scene has transformed into something comparable to NBA free agency. On one hand, the kneejerk reaction is to pose an argument for why/how transferring or reclassifying could have a positive effect on said player. The other side of the token typically points to the lack of loyalty, structure, or overall negative effects that could...
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Previewing the Triad High School Basketball Landscape: Thomasville
It’s been stated before, but the high school basketball scene has transformed into something comparable to NBA free agency. On one hand, the kneejerk reaction is to pose an argument for why/how transferring or reclassifying could have a positive effect on said player. The other side of the token typically points to the lack of loyalty, structure, or overall negative effects that could...
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Phenom Hoops Player Watch: 2022 6’3 Brycen Blaine (LC Bird)
Brycen can flat out shoot the basketball and is efficient both from the mid-range and beyond the arc with catch and shoot jumpers.
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Versatility is the name of the game for 2021 6’6 Nygie Stroman
Now a rising senior, 2021 6’6 Nygie Troman turned what many would say is an impressive season at Richmond high school, averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds and helping secure a 20-win season. It was one that he feels was pretty good but also one that motivates him just as much.
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COACH’S CORNER: Wilson Prep’s Anthony Atkinson Talks EPIC College Run + Travels Around the World!
Phenom Hoops brings you a special guest with Wilson Prep head coach Anthony Atkinson. What were some of his major reasons to return home to coach and what are some of your goals and expectations for this team and program? He also takes a look back at playing at his career at Campbell and Barton, along with 12 years with the Globe Trotters. He brings you it all as we continue to travel around the region to talk to coaches and their story.
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