PHENOM CHALLENGE EVENT RECAPS

DeAjai’s Sunday Standouts at #PhenomChallenge

By: DeAjai Dawkins Sunday is my favorite day in an AAU tournament’s schedule. The last day of a tournament is the most crucial. This is where players are most fatigued, fighting for last-minute evaluations, and most importantly last-minute wins. Here are a few players who stuck out on Gladiator Day. 2023 De’Mahjae Clark (2021 Garner Road WV) De’Mahjae Clark stuck out all weekend, but his Sunday...

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Special K’s Hoops Take: Phenom Challenge Day 3 Early Standouts

6’9 Jai Smith of Tea Marie 16U has been phenomenal this weekend. Shows that he is a HM Division 1 talent. Very long, athletic, and superfluid on the court. Tenacious rebounder who attacks the boards every possession. Uses his length to be a great rim protector for his team. Shows the ability to attack from the wings and get out in transition. Killer mindset, looks to dunk on you every single...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 3 at #PhenomChallenge

2021 6’5 Graham Calton (PSB Elite 17u Lowery): Calton continues to show that he can produce on multiple levels for his team. The strong, sturdy prospect can battle down low and always seems to get his hands on the ball. Usually defended by bigger opponents, Calton also shows a smooth perimeter feel to his game. 2021 6’6 Jalen McDonald (Team EAT 17u): He is simply a show and people...

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#PhenomChallenge Standouts (Court 7-8) (Day 3)

By: Kyree Bethel 2023 6’8 Samuel Martin (Strong Center) This kid have a very bright future. He has a long wing span and defends around the basket very well. His presence is known in the paint. Very fundamentally sound, he understands how to play the game. Samuel understand when to roll to the basket and when to pop in pick and roll situations. 19pts 10rebounds 2024 6’2 Alec Olander...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at #PhenomChallenge (Part III)

2023 Wesley Tubbs (Charlotte Supreme): You can already see that Tubbs has the length that will catch eyes but what really stands out first is his emotion, hustle, and willingness to leave it all out there.  Such a competitor.  As far as his game goes, he is a 6’5 long, wiry prospect that can create for himself or for his teammates.  Just another big-time prospect in the 2023...

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Evening Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Challenge

6’8 ’21 Ben Burnham (Team Charlotte) There’s an obvious amount of talent within the Team Charlotte organization, and Burnham has arguably been their most consistent performer of the early season. He’s a long, wiry forward with quality athleticism and an excellent nose for the ball. Burnham plays with a nonstop motor and understands how to overwhelm opponents with his activity level. He’s a...

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Brandon’s Big Time Ballers Phenom Challenge 1.0 (P.2)

What’s up to all my hoops heads, it’s your guy Brandon Blakney and I’m live from Rock Hill, SC, for some travel ball action! The Phenom Challenge kicked off this weekend and the talent hasn’t disappointed early! This group of standouts is a diverse group of five that college coaches at multiple levels will want to take a look at!

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Special K’s Hoops Take: Phenom Challenge Day 2 Late Standouts

6’6 Benjamin Burnham of Team Charlotte 17U is always in the right spot on the floor. Is a very active player with a high motor. Does all the little things and really plays hard. Scores from multiple levels on the court and is very efficient. Rebounds the ball well and has the ability to guard multiple positions; great shot blocker for his size. Very low maintenance player with a high IQ who is...

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POB’s Eye Catchers on Day 2 at #PhenomChallenge (Part II)

2021 6’2 Lashae Johnson (Charlotte Royals 2021): Johnson was extremely aggressive on the floor, running the floor, constantly getting out and pushing the pace, but also showed his ability to knock down jumpers, hitting four 3-pointers for the Charlotte Royals. 2021 6’0 Cole Sinclair (Durham Hurricanes): A point guard that simply competes. He is known very well for his outside shooting but you...

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Early Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Challenge

6’10 ’22 Corneilous Williams (TLBA) The TLBA roster is loaded with talented prospects, but arguably none more notable than Williams. He’s long, athletic, and plays with a nonstop motor on both ends of the floor. Williams is an incredible rebounder with sharp timing as a rim-protector. Although most of his offensive ability shines around the basket, Williams also highlighted a useful perimeter...

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Special K’s Hoops Take: Phenom Challenge Day 2 Early Standouts

6’10 Corneilous Williams of TLBA 2022 17U is a workhorse. Extremely high motor and runs the floor hard. Very active on the boards on both sides of the ball. Long, active defender who blocks shots at a high level. Scores relentlessly around the basket and use his athleticism to play above the rim. Finished the first game with 25 points and 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. 5’9 Kadyn Dawkins of Cobras...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at #PhenomChallenge (Part I)

2022 7’0 Christian Reeves (Charlotte NETS-Jones 2020): The youngest player on the team but there is a lot of promise to Reeves’ game. Yes, he has the height at 7’0 but you have to also like his growing skillset in the post. He can square up to the basket but also show touch by going over his shoulder to score. Also, a big-time difference-maker down low in the paint. 2022 6’0 Walker Andrews (VA...

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Brandon’s Big Time Ballers Phenom Challenge 1.0

What’s up all my hoops heads, it’s your guy Brandon Blakney and I’m live from Rock Hill, SC, for some travel ball action! The Phenom Challenge kicked off this weekend and the talent hasn’t disappointed early! My first group of standouts is a diverse group of five that college coaches at multiple levels may want to get to know!

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Evening Standouts at Day One of Phenom Challenge

6’5 ’21 Dessie Canty (Upward Stars Watson) Despite some ups and downs as a team, Canty found a way to make an impact on this contest while standing out as their most enticing long-term prospect. He’s long, wiry, skilled, and plays with a nice blend of smoothness and physicality. Canty displays a great feel for the game and can create for himself or others with relative ease.  6’3 ’21...

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Early Standouts at Day One of Phenom Challenge

6’4 ’21 Zach Gibson (PSB Winston Robinson) Prior to going down with injury, Gibson was arguably the best player on the floor during PSB Robinson’s early dominance. Though somewhat gangly and undersized, Gibson makes a ton of plays through his toughness and nonstop motor. He’s a great rebounder that understands how to utilize his length and athleticism to disrupt the action around the...

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Phenom Challenge Team List

AGETEAM STATEU12CBCSCU12CHARLOTTE DRAGONS – SHANENCU12Team FLY 2026NCU12Team Fly Select 2026NCU12TEAM HOPE 2026 ELITENCU12Team Loaded NC 2026NCU13CHARLOTTE DRAGONSNCU13CLT1 2025 National – BruceNCU13CLT1-NationalNCU13Kings Elite 2025NCU13TEAM HOPE 2025 ELITENCU13TGB WildcatsNCU13Upward Stars Columbia 7th GradeSCU13WarriorsMillerNCU14Carolina gaters 2024NCU14Carolina Rising...

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