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Player Standouts at Phenom Winter Nationals (Part Two)
2032 Xaviar James (1 of 1 Elite) There are a lot of enticing prospects on 1 of 1 Elite, including James and his impressive all-around game. He’s young but already possesses a highly polished skillset a strong combination of IQ, ball-handling, and scoring prowess to operate as an offensive focal point. James possesses superior size and athleticism relative to his peers, and understands how to use...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Winter Nationals (Part One)
5’9 ’29 Zion Lawson (Team CP3) To put it bluntly: Lawson was my favorite player from this event. Rarely will you find a middle school player with his combination of IQ, pace, and ability to set the tone on both ends of the floor. Lawson utilizes his tight handle and blindingly quick first step to touch the paint and highlight impressive vision off the dribble. He knifes through the lane and...
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Phenom Prep Showcase Player Profile: 2025 Caden Giles (Flight 22)
Player: Caden Giles Class: 2025 Height: 6’10 School: Flight 22 We’ve watched Giles closely for several years, recently stating, “He’s a long, mobile post prospect with a great combination of IQ, touch, and inside-out scoring ability. Giles finishes well around the basket and above the rim, but also knocks down shots at a quality rate from midrange and beyond the arc. He contains his assignment...
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Lab U Should Be a Target for College Coaches
As we approach our upcoming Post Grad Nationals, we are entering the final stages for 2025 prospects to get recruited by college coaches. Many college-level kids are being overlooked through no fault of their own. The NCAA has essentially established a system to keep kids in college longer and collect even more money through various avenues. However, there’s still time for coaches to find late...
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Bull City Prep Has an Abundance of Next-Level Talent
Given how things have shifted within the recruiting landscape, it’s become more difficult than ever to earn scholarships. Unfortunately, this naturally affects kids of all levels. Teams like Bull City Prep should still appeal to college coaches. They have a nice blend of depth and talent at all positions, and guys who could play at multiple levels. In preparation for our upcoming Post Grad...
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1A NCISAA State Championship Preview: Victory Christian versus Crossroads Christian
This weekend, private schools will play their final game of the postseason. The matchups have been decided as each of the state championship games will be held in Charlotte. We will take a closer look at each of the four games set to take place, starting with the 1A contest between Victory Christian and Crossroads Christian. The folks in charge of private school seeding did a terrific job since...
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2A NCISAA State Championship Preview: Caldwell Academy versus The Burlington School
This weekend, private schools will play their final game of the postseason. The matchups have been decided as each of the state championship games will be held in Charlotte. We will take a closer look at each of the four games set to take place, starting with the 2A contest between Caldwell Academy and The Burlington School. Arguably no one is playing better basketball than the Eagles right now,...
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NCISAA Semifinal Preview: Caldwell Academy vs. Wayne Country Day
Tonight, Caldwell Academy faces off against Wayne Country Day. The winner will go onward and face the winner of The Burlington School versus Harrells Chrisitan. Regardless of the outcome, it’s been a terrific season for each of the four programs remaining. The Burlington School had one of the most difficult schedules amongst North Carolina programs; Harrells Christian enjoyed their best season...
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NCISAA Semifinal Preview: The Burlington School vs. Harrells Christian
Tonight, Phenom Hoops will be in attendance for the NCISAA semifinal matchup between The Burlington School and Harrells Christian. The winner will go onward and face the winner of Caldwell Academy versus Wayne Country Day. Regardless of the outcome, it’s been a terrific season for each of the four programs remaining. The Burlington School had one of the most difficult schedules amongst North...
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Jaleel Smith’s Incredibly Productive Freshman Campaign
Every year, the newest crop of incoming freshmen hit the high school scene and begin to make a name for themselves. While most players typically aren’t ready to lead a team or carry a heavy burden, there are numerous exceptions. North Carolina’s Class of 2028 is certainly loaded with a variety of intriguing prospects—many of whom have already established impressive production. Although he...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Prep Showcase (Part Two)
6’2 ’25 Babacar Ly (S3 Academy) Although S3 Academy had multiple standouts from the weekend, Babacar Ly immediately captured attention with his dynamic identity. He’s a long, athletic, well-rounded guard with sharp quickness and impressive open-floor speed. Ly scored the ball with relative ease and was a constant problem for opponents in transition. He’s a tough defender who anticipates well to...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Prep Showcase (Part One)
6’10 ’25 Caden Giles (Flight 22) There were plenty of notable big men on display, and Caden Giles was as impressive as any of them. His length, mobility, and general instincts make him a problem for opponents on both ends of the floor. Giles is phenomenal at protecting the rim and altering or blocking shots without fouling. He walls up incredibly well while possessing enough strength to absorb...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Underrated Showcase
6’3 ’29 Nick Cannon (Garner Road) Arguably the breakout prospect of the event, Nick Cannon had folks buzzing throughout the weekend. He possesses a favorable blend of size, feel, and well-rounded ability, which allows him to consistently impact all facets of the game. Cannon scored on all levels and appeared comfortable dictating the offense as an initiator. He rebounds well for his position and...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from #PhenomUnderrated Showcase
2029 Colin Kratzner (Team 336): Already standing at 6’3 early on, Kratzner has a very intriguing overall skillset that he offers on the court. He is comfortable and brings value on several levels, showing his ability to operate and use his size well inside but is just as comfortable in stepping outside, being a threat from the perimeter, and knocking down shots with a fluid release. Really...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Derek Ross Jr.
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned prospects in the senior class. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels (with several others exploring the JUCO path). That number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class....
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Johnniyus Sharpe
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned prospects in the senior class. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels (with several others exploring the JUCO path). That number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class....
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Standouts from Grimsley vs. Southwest Guilford
Southwest Guilford: 6’0 ’27 Brayden Gatling It’s pretty easy to recognize the leadership Gatling brings to this group. He dictated the action in a steady, reliable manner while consistently probing the defense, making smart reads, and scoring as needed. Gatling didn’t hit shots at his usual percentage but still did well to generate clean looks and attack the basket at a high rate. He offered a...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Miki Gacic
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned prospects in the senior class. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels (with several others exploring the JUCO path). That number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class....
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Christian Ananaba
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned prospects in the senior class. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels (with several others exploring the JUCO path). That number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class....
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Sabree Scott
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned prospects in the senior class. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels (with several others exploring the JUCO path). That number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class....
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Malcolm Wilson Shining as Top Rim-Protector in College Basketball
Courtesy of Queens Athletics If it’s been said once, it’s been said a million times: big men develop slower than others. Many instances exist when a tall kid is simply forced into the sport due to their physical advantages. However, those who love the game and consistently work to improve typically succeed in basketball. The most recent addition to the list of late bloomers who ultimately panned...
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Previewing NCISAA Playoffs: 4A Bracket
All Brackets: https://www.ncisaa.org/playoff-brackets/?sport=13¤tyear=1 It’s that time of the year again. Private school basketball has concluded its regular season schedule and will begin postseason play this Tuesday. With the first round only days away, it feels like the ideal time to take a closer look at each classification and highlight some of the potential title winners. It’s...
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2026 6’3 Promis N’landu (Fort Erie) looking to be a premier PG to watch
Player: Promis N’landuClass: 2026Height: 6’3School: Fort Erie International Academy Phenom Hoops was able to tune in and watch some of the action this past weekend at the National Prep School Invitational, bringing some terrific talent to the national stage. Plenty of players made themselves a name at the event, and one player that sits near the top of that list was 2026 6’3 Promis N’landu at...
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Previewing NCISAA Playoffs: 3A Bracket
All Brackets: https://www.ncisaa.org/playoff-brackets/?sport=13¤tyear=1 It’s that time of the year again. Private school basketball has concluded its regular season schedule and will begin postseason play this Tuesday. With the first round only days away, it feels like the ideal time to take a closer look at each classification and highlight some of the potential title winners. It’s...
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Previewing NCISAA Playoffs: 2A Bracket
All Brackets: https://www.ncisaa.org/playoff-brackets/?sport=13¤tyear=1 It’s that time of the year again. Private school basketball has concluded its regular season schedule and will begin postseason play this Tuesday. With the first round only days away, it feels like the ideal time to take a closer look at each classification and highlight some of the potential title winners. It’s...
read more
Previewing NCISAA Playoffs: 1A Bracket
All Brackets: https://www.ncisaa.org/playoff-brackets/?sport=13¤tyear=1 It’s that time of the year again. Private school basketball has concluded its regular season schedule and will begin postseason play this Tuesday. With the first round only days away, it feels like the ideal time to take a closer look at each classification and highlight some of the potential title winners. It’s...
read more
Phenom Hoops Middle School Elite Camp Evaluations: Team 17
Team 17 Coach: Trenton Hancock #13: 5’3 ’30 Gavin Edwards (Rogers) First up, Gavin Edwards is a 5-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2030. Despite being the smallest and youngest camper on this team, he found ways to make his presence felt within the flow of the action. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player....
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at #NPSI
2026 Marco Varani (Future Prep) Varani is a player that I would really look at more, as the 6’8 long wing prospect really impressed with his shot-making ability. Confident release, deep range, and has the ability to knock down shots off the catch but also create his own shot off the dribble. Multi-level scorer with a terrific jumper, as he was knocking down shots from a variety of areas in...
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Phenom Hoops Middle School Elite Camp Evaluations: Team 16
Team 16 Coach: Whit Holcomb-Faye #7: 5’7 ’29 Van Brabham (Greensboro Day) First up, Van Brabham is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. He’s a tough, scrappy, unselfish guard with a great blend of feel, scrappiness, and shooting prowess. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player. Coach Holcomb-Faye on...
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Phenom Hoops Middle School Elite Camp Evaluations: Team 15
Team 15 Coach: Jay Lawson #28: 5’4 ’29 Dominick Dunn (The Burlington School) First up, Dominick Dunn is a 5-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2029. Despite being the smallest camper on this team, he stood out through his toughness and rugged defensive presence. The next step in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more complete...
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