EVENT NEWS
To filter articles by a specific event, use the dropdown below.
Highly Intriguing: Aden Jeffries
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or have stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the later...
read more
Why College Coaches Should Pursue Trent Clark
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or have stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the late...
read more
Why 2028 Micah Gunter should be looked at more as a national prospect
Player: Micah GunterClass: 2028Height: 6’3School: Greensboro Day The Class of 2028 is really starting to take shape here in North Carolina, as we have had a chance to view a lot of rising stars that will be talked about extensively in the coming years. With national rankings being released now for the class, there is one guard that I believe should be earning more attention on the national...
read more
Young Stars Look to Capture Ultimate Prize this Season at Queen’s Grant
Queen’s Grant was a familiar face last year with Phenom Hoops, and they certainly showed why they were one of the top teams in the state. Finishing the season last year with a 27-8 overall record before falling last in the playoffs to Corvian, Queen’s Grant looks to be back once again and in the hunt for the ultimate prize… a state title. Coach Joe Badgett is back and leading the way, as...
read more
North Carolina Prospects at CP3 Rising Stars Camp (2028 & 2029)
2028 6’1 Rob Beasley (Hibriten) 5’10 Josh Caldwell (West Forsyth) 6’5 Hunter Gerould (Carmel Christian) 6’4 Ian Gesner (Cushing Academy) 6’4 Kingston Hardie (West Forsyth) 6’6 Ian Hazard (Green Hope) 6’7 Camden Hill (Panther Creek) 6’4 Trevor Holland (Caldwell Academy) 6’3 TJ Holmes (Winston-Salem Christian) 6’4 Nouri Karkouki (Panther Creek) 5’8 O’Brian Lowery Jr. (South Point) 6’0 Sherod...
read more
Elhadji Diallo Returns to Combine Academy
In an era where it feels like so many high-level prospects are looking to exit the state, the return of Elhadji Diallo to Combine Academy is a refreshing change of pace. For those who aren’t familiar, he was a young, blossoming prospect on multiple veteran-laden teams for the Goats. Diallo possessed an enticing physical profile and obvious intrigue as a long-term prospect prior to his departure....
read more
Legitimate Offensive Weapon: Karsten Swinney
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the later...
read more
Blaze Johnson (2028) Proving to Be a Rising Talent to Track
Player: Blaze JohnsonClass: 2028Height: 6’3Program: Overtime Elite Rewinding back just a few weeks ago, our scouts at Phenom Hoops had a great opportunity to watch some big-time talent on the court at the Seros Invitational in Bermuda Run (NC). Players from around the country came to compete, including several big-time prospects for Atlanta Xpress. One player that happened to suit up for Xpress...
read more
Displaying Potential and Intrigue: 2027 Noah Dobyns
Player: Noah DobynsClass: 2027Height: 6’8School: Wesleyan Christian The Class of 2027 here in North Carolina has been shaping up nicely and certainly interesting with new names, the rising of prospects, and development overall. We continue to dive into players in the class, as we look at 2027 6’8 Noah Dobyns from Wesleyan Christian. Dobyns is one of those players that you are watching closely to...
read more
With Returning Talent, Can Hunter Huss Take the Next Step and Contend for a State Title?
Hunter Huss has been growing into a strong program over the last few years. After going 5-18 overall in 2021-2022, this is a program that has been able to build into something worthy of attention, especially once again heading into the season. Last year, finishing 20-9 overall, Huss was an extremely fun team to watch, as the guard play was spectacular. They moved the ball, had weapons all...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings (Part Three)
6’4 Blake Smith (Salisbury) While most people will know him as the younger brother of Myles, Smith will definitely blaze his own path this season. After being a standout this summer with Carolina Riptide, he has a ton of momentum heading into the high school year. Smith is a long, wiry, versatile wing who can impact all facets of the game. At 6-foot-4, he has the size, skill, and athleticism to...
read more
Several Phenom Hoops Players on Rivals Initial 2028 National Rankings
The initial Rivals 2028 rankings have officially dropped, and it’s no surprise to see several familiar faces from the Phenom Hoops platform featured on the list. From standout performances at our events to building early reputations as future stars, these players have already made strong impressions and continue to solidify themselves as names to know in the coming years. Phenom Hoops is proud...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings (Part Two)
6’5 Dylan Bradley (Providence Day) Given some roster turnover at Providence Day, there should be ample opportunity for Bradley to showcase his abilities. He’s a big, strong guard with a sturdy frame and nice scoring polish. Bradley is able to consistently get downhill and finish, but is more than capable of filling it up from the perimeter. His shooting mechanics are somewhat unorthodox, yet...
read more
Trending Upward: Cresset Christian Ready to Turn Heads
Opportunity is undeniably important. Each year, we see various coaches and players take a leap of faith, embrace a new situation, and parlay it into success. While glory is far from guaranteed, those who put in the work and correctly approach the process tend to yield positive results. As the high school season nears closer, we will be taking a closer look at some up-and-coming programs...
read more
First of Many: 2028 Prospect Carter Smith Picks Up Syracuse Offer
Player: Carter SmithClass: 2028Height: 6’4School: Penn Charter Taking a look and learning more about players in the Class of 2028, we now check in and learn more about a rising guard up north in 2028 6’4 Carter Smith. Playing at Penn Charter, Smith recently made some waves with an impressive first offer from Syracuse. A bouncy prospect with a lot of promise, Smith had a strong overall...
read more
Familiar Faces Making Visits Over the Weekend: Latest Recruiting News
The recruiting trail continues to heat up, and this past weekend brought plenty of excitement with new offers, key visits, and emerging storylines that will shape the months ahead. From prospects picking up early high-major attention to others making impressions on campuses across the country, the buzz around the gym was undeniable. As programs look to lock in their future stars, several players...
read more
Future Impact Player: Why 2027’s James Minlend Deserves Attention
With the summer ending and we start looking into the upcoming high school season, Phenom Hoops is also looking at players that college coaches need to take a bit more seriously. And one player that came to mind is 2027 6’6 James Minlend from Concord Academy. Minlend is a classic prospect that you can see has talent for the game, but also a ton of potential still to come. Standing at 6’6 and now...
read more
VCU lands big-time talent in 2026 6’9 Collin Ross
It was a good Labor Day weekend for VCU, as the Rams learned that they had landed a rising premier talent in 2026 6’9 Collin Ross from Spire Academy. Ross took an official visit this past weekend to VCU, and it must have done the trick, as he announced his commitment on Monday afternoon. Ross has been a player on the rise, garnering praise from many outlets for his ability to be a strong...
read more
Albany Snags a Steal in 2026 G Tyler Jones
Each and every time Phenom Hoops gets to report or see a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player. Here is the latest commitment. Player: Tyler JonesClass: 2026Committed to: Albany What Has Been Said by Phenom Hoops: “Jones...
read more
Big Night for North Carolina Basketball with Bill Belichick’s UNC Debut
All eyes will be on North Carolina come Monday night, as the football team kicks off the season in what could be one of the biggest storylines of college football. Bill Belichick, possibly the greatest coach ever, will be making his debut for the Tar Heels on Monday night in Chapel Hill, and national eyes from around the world will be watching. However, though it is a big night for the program...
read more
UNC-Asheville continues to roll with commitment from 2026 Logan Johnson
Each and every time Phenom Hoops gets to report or see a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player. Here is the latest commitment. Player: Logan JohnsonClass: 2026Committed to: UNC-Asheville What Has Been Said by Phenom...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part Three)
6’5 Jim Gatehouse (South Meck) There are so many players who have trended up throughout the recent months, but Gatehouse has arguably generated as much buzz as anyone. He’s long, skilled, and explosive with excellent positional size. Gatehouse is a versatile piece whose size, creation ability, and scoring prowess from all levels make him a matchup problem for opponents. He’s a lethal shooter...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part Two)
6’0 Lincoln Raper (Concord Academy) Although he should’ve been higher initially, Raper takes a massive leap forward after simply being one of the best, most consistent floor generals in the state. He controls the action in an extremely poised, intelligent manner with phenomenal balance between scoring and playmaking. Raper breaks down opponents and touches the paint with regularity, where he’s...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part One)
6’5 Dacen Petty (Christ School) Given so many talented pieces on the Christ School roster, it can be somewhat easy for folks to overlook Petty. However, his incredibly steady, well-rounded presence makes him an asset on legitimately any team. Petty is a long, fluid athlete who shines as a natural glue-guy on both ends of the floor. He’s a useful, malleable offensive piece with the ability to do...
read more
2028 6’6 DJ Okoth Talks Recent Offer from Tennessee, Recruitment Early On
Player: DJ OkothClass: 2028Height: 6’6School: Barlett Starting to look more into the Class of 2028 around the nation, we recently were able to catch up with a premier prospect in the country in 2028 6’6 DJ Okoth from Barlett High School. Certainly a prospect that has been catching the eyes of many early on, Okoth recently added another big offer to his strong list already from Tennessee, giving...
read more
Rising Seniors to Watch: Impressive Senior Campaigns Ahead (Part 4)
As the 2025–26 season approaches, several rising seniors are set to elevate their games and put themselves firmly on the radar of college coaches. These prospects bring skill, toughness, and the intangibles that translate well to the next level. Yohance Connor – Combine Academy Connor is an electrifying prospect whose ability to impact the game from all levels makes him a constant threat. He...
read more
Big Weekend for Miami with Big-Time Prospects Coming into Town
Although the football season is about to begin, it appears that Miami will also have a big weekend in basketball, as two of the top prospects in the country are set to visit the Canes. 2026 Dylan Mingo and 2026 Deron Rippey Jr., two Top 10 prospects in the country, have announced that they will be on campus this weekend, getting a chance to check out the new staff down there. This is a...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings
6’5 Thomas Vickery (Myers Park) Anyone who has followed Vickery throughout the summer should already know about his burst onto the scene with Upward Stars. Now, he should seamlessly transition into being one of the most productive high school players in North Carolina. Vickery will be the clear focal point for a talented Myers Park team that features several college players. His combination of...
read more
Who Are the Top Prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2028?
Rankings are always an interesting discussion point. We know it’s an opinion-based practice heavily predicated on what the viewer values in a player. Some people value a pure scorer more than a true point guard, and assuming the players are of equal level, they could both form legitimate arguments. As we approach the halfway point of the travel ball season, there’s no better time to take a...
read more
2028 6’8 Khalil Luster Garnering Attention Early On; Earns First Offer
Player: Khalil LusterClass: 2028Height: 6’8School: Red Bay HS It is funny how things work these days… just over a week ago, Phenom Hoops introduced and talked about a rising big man down in Alabama in 2028 6’8 Khalil Luster, who had a HUGE freshman season at Red Bay HS. It didn’t take long, as a week later, he earned his first D1 offer from Alabama A&M. Last week, we had this to say about...
read more