EVENT NEWS
To filter articles by a specific event, use the dropdown below.
Player Standouts at Phenom Tornado Classic (Part Two)
6’1 ’28 Cohen Edwards (Lake Norman) Given his natural ability to produce within the flow of the action, it’s easy to be impressed with Edwards’ steady, efficient game. He’s a great athlete with a high motor and terrific nose for the ball, which allows him to consistently find ways to get involved on both ends of the floor. Edwards can knock down open jumpers but truly excels when getting...
read more
Alexander Central Hitting Its Stride
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Hickory High School in the heart of Hickory, North Carolina, for an entertaining slate of games. The Tornado Classic featured a variety of intriguing teams and individuals with several storylines worth monitoring. Among those storylines is the way Alexander Central has made strides under Coach Grant Hodges. Currently sitting at 7-5 with the bulk of...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Tornado Classic (Part One)
6’0 ’26 Kendall Lanier (Hargrave) Some guys simply know how to run a team, and that certainly applies to Lanier. He understands how to lead by example while providing a strong blend of penetration, playmaking, and perimeter shooting. Lanier dictates the action with IQ, poise, and pace as the main creator. He offers terrific balance between scoring and playmaking, showing the ability to...
read more
Bendel’s Best: Phenom Tornado Classic
6’7 ’28 Isaac Smith (Hargrave) In a gym full of college-level pieces, Isaac Smith was arguably the top player and prospect on display. Taking a step back to consider the strides he’s made (both physically and in terms of skill) over the last six to twelve months, and it’s clear that he’s trending as a national-level talent. Smith passes the immediate look-test with his incredible length, wiry...
read more
POB’s Standouts from Phenom Tornado Classic
2028 Isaac Smith (Hargrave) Smith, who is regarded as a premier prospect in his class, continues to shine with his impact, his skillset, and potential as a prospect. As a 6’7 prospect, he impacts the game in a variety of ways, scoring well around the basket, being active on the glass, and bringing versatility both offensively and defensively. He looks to only continue his trajectory as a...
read more
Phenom Tornado Classic – Scores and Stats
FinalHargrave 69 – Alexander Central 64 Har: Isaac Smith 19pts, Kendall Lanier 14pts, Larrey Warren Jr. 11ptsAC: Noah VanBeurden 23pts, Jaheim Redmond 13pts, Kade Flowers 12pts Lake Norman 67 – Piedmont 56 LN: Cohen Edwards 22pts, Doc Caldwell 14pts, Kyle Gruber 13ptsPied: Bennett Church 14pts, Caleb Laszlo 12pts, Will Staton 12pts Carmel Christian 80 – Harding 40 CC: Logan...
read more
West Meck Continues to Progress
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Showcase Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Among those teams is West...
read more
West Charlotte Ascending to New Heights
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Showcase Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Among those teams is West...
read more
East Meck Surging Behind Veteran Leadership
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Showcase Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Among those teams is East...
read more
Player Standouts at Mike Gminski Classic (Part Two)
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Showcase Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Given the abundance of...
read more
Player Standouts at Mike Gminski Classic (Part One)
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Classic Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Given the abundance of...
read more
Bendel’s Best: Mike Gminski Showcase
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Showcase Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Given the abundance of...
read more
Top Storylines for Mike Gminiski Showcase: Young Talent Floods the Court
This upcoming weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel to Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina for another exciting holiday event. Between the individual talent and collection of noteworthy teams, there are a lot of subplots and storylines worth monitoring across the three days. Let’s take a closer look… Young Talent Floods the Court Although the event is filled with several intriguing...
read more
Top Storylines for Mike Gminiski Showcase: East versus West
This upcoming weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel to Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina for another exciting holiday event. Between the individual talent and collection of noteworthy teams, there are a lot of subplots and storylines worth monitoring across the three days. Let’s take a closer look… East versus West It’s no secret that Mecklenburg County is home to some of the most...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Lincolnton Shootout: Part Three
6’6 ’26 Lajalin Overton (Mallard Creek) It doesn’t take long to see that Lajalin Overton has made a seamless return to the Mavericks. He’s a big, strong, athletic forward/post player with a sturdy frame and the ability to make his presence felt around the basket on both ends of the floor. Overton finishes effectively above the rim and through contact, but can also knock down the midrange jumper...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Lincolnton Shoutout (Part Two)
6’3 ’27 Sean Nix (Cannon) Given his consistent production as the clear focal point for Cannon, it should come as no surprise to see Sean Nix continuing to stand out. He’s a strong, skilled, well-rounded guard with size and polish. Nix is a versatile offensive piece who can create, set up others, and score the ball at a quality rate from all levels. He attacks the basket and knocks down perimeter...
read more
Phenom Lincolnton Shootout – Impact Performances That Set the Tone
Phenom Lincolnton Shootout featured a strong mix of production, toughness, and high-level feel, with several players separating themselves through consistent impact on both ends of the floor. From go-to scorers to energy providers and glue guys, these standouts made their presence felt throughout the action. 2026 6’2 Braylon Taylor (Salisbury) Taylor continues to thrive as a dynamic,...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Lincolnton Shoutout
6’0 ’26 Kam Lawson (Oak Hill) There are a ton of talented pieces within the Oak Hill roster, including Kam Lawson and his high-level ability to run a team. He’s an incredibly smart, unselfish floor general with phenomenal pace, vision, and playmaking instincts. Lawson possesses a tight handle and quick first step, which allows him to effortlessly break down opponents and touch the paint...
read more
Sad Sam’s Shootout Notes
Greetings HS hoops junkies from across the Santa-awaiting Piedmont! The Sadster is here to give out his superlative players from each team in the Lincolnton Shootout this past weekend at Lincolnton HS. There were some good matchups but the headliner was the homecoming of former Lincolnton Wolf, LJ Smith, who plays for Oak Hill Academy’s national squad. He gave Providence...
read more
K’Majay Jenkins Producing at a High Level
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. The Overtime League has...
read more
Don’t Forget About Elhadji Diallo
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. Combine Academy has...
read more
Protecting the Rim at a High Level: Chris Silver
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. It’s always been stated...
read more
Controlling the Glass: Kingsley Donaldson
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. Since our Hoops and...
read more
Nonstop Buckets: Karsten Swinney
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. Freedom Christian...
read more
Top Storylines for Lincolnton Shootout: The Return: LJ Smith and Oak Hill Preparing to Make Noise
This weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel out to Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for another loaded event. The seven-game slate features a lot of intriguing matchups, both team and individual, and a slew of talented prospects. As we rapidly approach the new year, each game becomes that much more important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top storylines… Inevitably the...
read more
Top Storylines for Lincolnton Shootout: Can Calvary Day Continue to Roll?
This weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel out to Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for another loaded event. The seven-game slate features a lot of intriguing matchups, both team and individual, and a slew of talented prospects. As we rapidly approach the new year, each game becomes that much more important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top storylines… Going into the...
read more
Top Storylines for Lincolnton Shootout: Game of the Week? Chambers Takes on Davidson Day
This weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel out to Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for another loaded event. The seven-game slate features a lot of intriguing matchups, both team and individual, and a slew of talented prospects. As we rapidly approach the new year, each game becomes that much more important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top storylines… It shouldn’t...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Tourney Town (Part Two)
5’11 ’26 Ayden Johnson (Caldwell Academy) The Eagles entered this contest needing a strong showing from Ayden Johnson, and he certainly delivered. He’s a quick, skilled, shot-making guard with the ability to fill it up in a variety of ways. Johnson broke down opponents to touch the paint and access his midrange pull-up, but also knocked down jumpers at his usual high percentage from beyond the...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Tourney Town (Part One)
6’3 ’26 Jyi Dawkins (Ben L. Smith) After having one of the best high school performances in recent memory, it would be difficult to say anything other than positives about Jyi Dawkins. He legitimately dominated all facets of the game. Whether controlling the glass, converting momentum-shifting buckets, or making hustle plays, Dawkins was always there. He’s an amazing leader who sets the tone...
read more
Phenom 828 Showcase: Scores and Standouts
FinalStuart Cramer 57 – East Lincoln 43 (Girls) SC: Oshauana Holland 36pts, Unique McDowell 8pts, Amasia McDowell 8ptsEL: Brooklyn Miller 13pts, Reagan Baldwin 10pts, Lane Pethel 8pts Top Player Standout: 2026 Oshauna Holland Holland was tremendous throughout, and you can see why she is committed to the ACC, going to Wake Forest. Holland was excellent at creating off the bounce and making...
read more