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Lance Barnes Worthy of Increased Attention from College Coaches
There is so much talent across the current basketball landscape. Each year, we see guys getting overlooked in favor of older, more experienced players, regardless if the abilities are equal. Although Division I offers are certainly more difficult to earn these days, plenty of high school players are still receiving scholarships. However, it’s somewhat perplexing that Lance Barnes (Legacy Early...
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Freshmen to Know Entering the High School Season (Part Two)
6’5 Antwan Scott Jr. (New Bern) Although we haven’t seen a ton of Scott, anyone within the grassroots scene should be informed about him. He’s arguably the top prospect in the eastern part of North Carolina. Scott earns a lot of buzz through his positional size, incredible explosiveness, and ability to wreak havoc on both ends of the floor. He excels in transition but shows the ability to do...
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Statesville Set to Make Noise This Season
As we approach the high school season, there are countless exciting and intriguing subplots to follow. Whether it’s the departure of countless upperclassmen, the emergence of young prospects, or the fairly open landscape, folks should have plenty to track. Following the start of our fall league, several of these stories have already begun to unfold. Despite not being widely talked about,...
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Freshmen to Know Entering the High School Season
6’7 Kaedyn Cole (Grace Christian) Arguably the most physically advanced player in North Carolina’s Class of 2029, Cole already poses real problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. He possesses terrific length, mobility, and overall feel for the game. Cole is a quality athlete who finishes very well around the basket, showing the ability to play through contact or well above the rim. His...
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Diving Into Phenom Hoops’ 2028 Rankings
Updating rankings can be one of the most stressful events in the yearly high school calendar. Though it should be fairly common knowledge, there is no “correct” order or proper way of ranking these players. While subjectivity naturally plays a role, objectivity typically leads the way when determining who belongs where. Between statistics, accolades, team success, and long-term projection,...
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Diving Into Phenom Hoops’ 2027 Rankings
Updating rankings can be one of the most stressful events in the yearly high school calendar. Though it should be fairly common knowledge, there is no “correct” order or proper way of ranking these players. While subjectivity naturally plays a role, objectivity typically leads the way when determining who belongs where. Between statistics, accolades, team success, and long-term projection,...
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Diving Into Phenom Hoops’ 2026 Rankings
Updating rankings can be one of the most stressful events in the yearly high school calendar. Though it should be fairly common knowledge, there is no “correct” order or proper way of ranking these players. While subjectivity naturally plays a role, objectivity typically leads the way when determining who belongs where. Between statistics, accolades, team success, and long-term projection,...
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Player Standouts at HoopState Fall League West
6’6 ’28 Kmajay Jenkins (Moravian Prep) After recently transferring to Moravian Prep and reclassifying to 2028, the nationally regarded Jenkins continues to boost his stock. Although they were split into multiple teams, he stood out as the clear leader and focal point of his group. Jenkins is an incredibly long, explosive, physically imposing athlete with the ability to cause a ton of problems...
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Player Standouts at HoopState Fall League East (Part Two)
6’3 ’28 Knox Frey (Papa Pete’s) Given everything he showcased, Frey should certainly be a key piece for this group. He’s a smooth shooter and quality athlete who provides a useful presence with or without the ball in his hands. Frey scored the ball from multiple levels while highlighting spot-up ability, defensive instincts, and rebounding prowess. As he continues to tighten things up, he will...
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Player Standouts at HoopState Fall League East (Part One)
5’11 ’26 Jadon Green (Papa Pete’s) Between his individual production and team success, Green was clearly one of the top performers on display. He’s a smart, heady lead guard who excels at getting downhill and making plays as a penetrator. Green utilizes his tight handle and quick first step to consistently break down opponents off the dribble. He hit jumpers from distance, pulled up from...
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What Makes Phenom Hoops’ Freshman 40 Camp Important?
Arguably the most fun, entertaining part of each new high school season is the individual camps featuring high-level players and matchups. The North Carolina Top 80 has been a staple of the Phenom Hoops brand for over a decade, and it’s only continued to expand over the years. In addition to our annual South Carolina Top 80 (and previous camps in Virginia and Indiana), the newer Freshman 40 and...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Southern Durham Secures Notable Transfer in KJ Terry
Last night, unexpected shockwaves were sent through North Carolina public-school basketball as KJ Terry announced his decision to transfer to Southern Durham. Previously at South Granville, he was headed to Crossroads Christian before changing course and joining the Spartans. After finishing as the NCHSAA 3A runner-up last season and graduating Jackson Keith (among other key seniors), the road...
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Is Caldwell Academy Becoming Underrated?
It’s amazing how quickly things change in the high school basketball scene. Player movement is somewhat expected, as it’s more common than ever before, but it now directly correlates with teams capable of contending for state championships. Each year, various teams increase their likelihood to win it all simply by bolstering their roster…this is nothing new. However, it feels like folks are...
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Rookies Who Could Outperform Draft Position (First Round)
#6- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards) It’s probably a little overzealous to say that a top-six draft pick could outperform his draft position, as they’re already expected to be quite useful. However, Johnson looks like a steal for the Wizards. During two games of summer league, he more than solidified his status as an elite all-around shooting threat, and the numbers back this sentiment. He’ll...
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Carson Crew Ready to Turn Heads
As the high school season rapidly approaches, there’s no better time to start taking a closer look at programs throughout the state. Given the restructuring of the public-school classifications, things will look quite different for the first time in a while. The NCHSAA has expanded from four classifications to eight, subsequently doubling the number of champions and contenders across the board....
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Expected Breakout Seasons for 2028 Prospects
6’6 Mekhi Allen (Queens Grant) Despite already being widely regarded as a top prospect in North Carolina’s Class of 2028 (and rightfully so), it feels like Allen is poised to take the next step in his progression. The 6-foot-6 wing is coming off an impressive travel ball season where he found a lot of success playing up an age group for 4:44 Athletics. Allen was already a double-digit scorer as...
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Trio of Underrated Pieces Worthy of Offers
6’8 ’27 Dylan Twitty (Christ School) After announcing his decision to transfer to Christ School and reclassify, one would’ve thought Twitty’s recruitment would’ve already taken a major leap. Regardless, he’ll be a key piece for arguably the top program in North Carolina. Twitty is an elite rebounder whose physicality, nonstop motor, and nose for the ball make him a clear asset. He excels at...
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Is Hunter Gerould the X-Factor for Carmel Christian?
Now that we’ve finally reached the conclusion of travel ball and are starting to look forward to the high school season, there are numerous subplots and storylines worthy of attention. Among these topics is how Carmel Christian has a completely new look after several notable additions and departures. Folks should remember the incredible success guys like Kam Taylor, Bryce Slay, and various...
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Don’t Forget About Karon Watlington
Now that we’ve finally reached the conclusion of travel ball and are starting to look forward to the high school season, there are numerous subplots and storylines worthy of attention. Among these topics is how The Burlington School retooled its roster in such an efficient manner. We’ve already had multiple opportunities to see the new-look group, and they definitely impressed. Guys like Charles...
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Fully Reloaded: Forsyth Country Day Ready to Contend
The summer season of high school basketball has widely turned into the free agency period for many programs throughout North Carolina. These transfers are often due to a variety of legitimate reasons, like reclassifying or coaching changes, and they inevitably alter the landscape as a direct result. Consider Forsyth Country Day as an example. They already had a foundation of five key returning...
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