PHENOM CHALLENGE EVENT RECAPS
Could Donovan Clingan be the perfect fit for the Charlotte Hornets?
This is going to be an interesting upcoming NBA Draft, as there are plenty of opinions on players and team needs. Though this year’s draft has a lot of question marks surrounding the talent coming out, there is no doubt that there will be some surprises on teams who hit on players and surprising players to make their mark on the league. So maybe, this is a draft that brings a unique...
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All Eyes On: 2026 6’8 Trey Thompson and 2026 6’6 Alex Leeth (Tennessee Impact)
The Tennessee Impact program is one that I believe college coaches should be looking at hard. Throughout, they offer prospects that can help future programs of all levels and we had a chance to see that this weekend. The Tennessee Impact 2026 is one that we are eager to see, and though this is a team that has plenty of talent, 2026 6’8 Trey Thompson and 202 6’6 Alex Leeth are two...
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D1 Priorities: Class of 2025 in South Carolina
2025 Jordan Watford (Lancaster) It was nearly two years ago when we said 2025 Jordan Watford was one to monitor. That hasn’t changed and we are more on the train now that he is a player D1 programs should prioritize. The thing with Watford’s game is that you know what you are going to get when he steps on the court. Watford has a unique blend of size, length, and versatility, more than many...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: NC Attack 17u
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event...
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Lightning in a Bottle: 2026 Ella Rasnakeake
Ella RasnakeakeTwitter- @EllaR2008 /Instagram: @ellarasnakeHeight: 5’8 ,120Class of 2026 School: Council High School, VA Rasnakeake is a triple-threat scoring option but loves to bring the rain from downtown. Ella has a high IQ to control the game and play at her own pace. Notably, Ella is a team-first player and gets her points in the flow of the team flow. Ella’s strength is her...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: Palmetto 76ers / A’ja Wilson Elite 16u
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event...
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Mid-State Magic brings recruitable players to the court at #PhenomRiseShowcase
We had a ton of talent on the courts at the #PhenomRiseShowcase, and one program that continues to bring under-the-radar talent for college coaches is Mid-State Magic. They put on a show, showcased tremendous athleticism, and should be a program to look out for all summer long. Make sure you subscribe to our #PhenomHoops YouTube Channel Today! (Click...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’2 ’24 KJ Burke
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Queen City (Part 3)
2025 Landon Lyerly (Carolina Charge) Lyerly has really started the summer off strong on the Phenom landscape, as the big man is making opponents pay in an array of ways. For a player of his size, he moves well, can go through defenders down in the paint, and continues to open eyes with his ability to make plays outside and on the perimeter. Really shows tremendous footwork and hands, finishing...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Queen City (Part 2)
2025 Jordan Patterson (NLPB) Patterson continues to be a strong and effective creator as a guard for his team. He plays with constant energy, embraces and attacks off the dribble to get downhill, and brings good athleticism to the table as a 6’3 guard. Patterson is one that can defend multiple players, rebounds the ball well, and is one that can make plays for himself and others. 2025...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: WTSA 17u
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: Team Rise – Lady Rise
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: Reign Academy 17u
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Queen City (Part 1)
2028 Darrien Smith (Team United 2028 Johnson) Smith was an intriguing younger prospect with his size and ability to be an effective scorer. He was able to score effectively, make plays around the basket, bring versatility, has a good frame and athleticism in his game, and excelled in getting downhill. 2029 Babar Johnson (Upward Stars Columbia) Johnson was one that excelled in a variety of ways,...
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NC Spartans Neisler Continues to Roll
This past weekend, NC Spartans Neisler claimed the 16U Championship at our annual Gate City Showcase. They’ve been nothing short of impressive to start the summer season, and that only continued here. Beyond the phenomenal coaching and chemistry, it’s worth noting that they found success despite only having six players available. Let’s take a look at their six… 6’2 ’26 Aidan O’Gara Although each...
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Where did you get these refs? 2024
No matter the venue or age group, there is one common theme among youth travel basketball. Year after year, tournament after tournament, the biggest complaint at every youth sporting event is, “Where did you get these refs?” After spending 32 years in youth travel basketball, some things never seem to change. Fans, coaches, and players rarely think their team got a fair “shake” after...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: Palmetto Pressure 2029
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: Palmetto 76ers 2029
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event...
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1of1 Elite Shows Out at #PhenomRiseShowcase – Highlights
1of1 Elite came to Bermuda Run (NC) to put on a show, displaying tremendous length and skill throughout the #PhenomRiseShowcase. Check out all the highlights from the weekend, and make sure you have these players on your radar! Make sure to subscribe to our #PhenomHoops Channel. (CLICK...
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Phenom Lady Rumble Preview: Carolina Aces 17U
It is going to be a tremendous weekend of basketball with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as we have our Phenom Lady Rumble coming up here in the Rock Hill (SC) area. This is an event that continues to build each and every year, and this year we have some tremendous talent coming to the courts that we want to share early on with you. Phenom Lady RumbleApril 13-14, 2024Event Page:...
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Unsigned Seniors To Look At More: Phenom Queen City
2024 Brendan Bailey (NLPB): Bailey is a senior to check out for sure if you need a late addition. He has the physical attributes that will allow him to find early success at the next level and be able to compete, but he has also expanded and added more to his game. With his mixture of size, strength, and skillset, he can matchup at several positions and find success in being a scoring factor but...
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New Names to Learn: Phenom Queen City
2027 Christan Jones (Village Warriors): Jones was a player that was new to us, but he left a lasting impression on us, as the guard was simply putting on a show every time he stepped on the court. No matter what, Jones was able to score at will including putting on a 40-point showing. Whether it was off the dribble, creating and finishing over defenders in the lane, knocking down shots in...
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Hidden Gem: Is James Scott an ACC center to really keep an eye on in the coming years?
There is certainly plenty of news going around the college basketball landscape these days, especially when it comes to the transfer portal. Every day, new names go on the list and others come off, as players will be suiting up for new programs in the coming years. One player that Phenom Hoops is knowledgeable about and eager to watch develop at his new school is freshman 6’11 James Scott. ...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Gate City (Part Two)
6’2 ’25 CJ Jackson (Truth Elite) Although the entire Truth Elite roster is worthy of attention from college coaches, Jackson clearly stands out as their leader. At 6-foot-2, he’s almost a completely positionless player. Jackson is legitimately capable of running the offense while controlling the glass and defending any opponent on the court. He possesses an impressive blend of strength,...
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Crowned Champions: Queen City and Gate City
Phenom Queen City: 17U: Tennessee Impact16U: WCBA 202615U: Upward Stars CSRA 15u – Shine14U: CP3BA Select Russell13U: Pasadena Stars – 7th Red12U: Chosen One11U: CSA Phenom Gate City: 17U Blue: Big Shots NC Elite17U Orange: Truth Elite16U Blue: NC Spartans Neisler16U Orange: Kernersville Bulls15U: Team Curry East Sommers14U: Team United GSO13U: Carolina Elite12U: SW1SH Elite11U: Team...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Gate City (Part One)
6’1 ’28 Nick Brooks (MAF Elite) The only underclassmen on this list, Brooks was undeniably impressive as a focal point for a dominant MAF Elite group. He possesses an excellent combination of length, skill, and athleticism with the necessary IQ and toughness to consistently overwhelm opponents. Brooks applied constant, yet efficient scoring pressure from all levels while still showing a...
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South Carolina has intriguing young talent to watch out for
Being in South Carolina for the Phenom Queen City, we were excited to check out a few teams and players from the state and we got a great opportunity to check out some of the upcoming talent that you will be wanting to learn more about sooner rather than later. 2028 Noah Smith (Upward Stars): We had our good friend 2028 Noah Smith back in the building, with our last time learning about him at...
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Tennessee Impact offers recruitable bigs
Tennessee Impact was back with Phenom Hoops and we were excited to see what they were able to bring to the court. A few names we were familiar with but also a few new names to learn about, this is a program that brought recruitable prospects all throughout. One thing that we did notice was Tennessee Impact 2025 and 2026 have strong forwards that college coaches NEED to know about, as they can...
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WCBA Duo Continuing to Develop
WCBA 2026 has been a staple summer after summer, and this was a team that was able to walk away on top at the Phenom Queen City. Throughout the event, this is a team that played well together but you couldn’t help but notice the impact and effect that 2027 Nate Jones and 2026 Aidan Rousseau had on his team. Both were tremendous throughout the event, bringing production consistently throughout...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Phenom Queen City (Day 1)
2028 6’4 Kiedis Smith (Upward Stars Columbia Red): A new name to check out in South Carolina for sure, as Smith was tremendous in his overall scoring ability and effectiveness for his team. Smith already presents great size, fluid feel, the ability to score from multiple areas on the court, and a tough matchup for any defense. He was able to knock down shots from behind the arc and in...
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