PHENOM’S MLK SHOWCASE EVENT RECAPS

Phenom Hoops Freshman Forty Evaluations: Team 9

Team 9 Coach: DeAngelo Spruill #51: 5'7 Ezekiel Kelly (Hickory Ridge) Starting things off, we look at a player who knows how to properly dictate the action with the ball in his hands, Ezekiel Kelly. He's a smart, shifty point guard prospect with excellent quickness and a balanced offensive approach. Kelly handles the ball well, sets up others at a steady rate, and applies scoring pressure...

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Immediate Impact Freshmen in North Carolina's Class of 2026 (Part Two)

The travel ball season is finally beginning to wind down, which naturally generates a lot of buzz and excitement for the upcoming high school year. Folks are ready to see where seniors commit, what team separates themselves from the pack, and everything in-between. One of the more intriguing subplots of each season is how the freshman will ultimately fare, and this year is no different. North...

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Top July Performers in North Carolina's Class of 2026

The month of July is finally concluding, which should provide these young players with an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from days of nonstop basketball. Given the significance of the actual month, we decided to take a closer look at some of the top standouts from each class. Obviously, we can only speak on what we have seen, so the names listed will be based on their performances at...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Summer Havoc (Catawba Ridge, Part 2)

2023 Evan Ashe (Juice All-Stars): Ashe came up big for his team in the second half, scoring 19 of his 23 points. He continues to show how explosive he can be on the floor, getting to the rim and finishing strong, embracing contact, and getting to the line. Ashe continues to be one that is flying a little under the radar but with his athleticism and ability to get downhill, he can be tough to...

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Unsigned Seniors to Watch at Phenom Grassroots TOC (Part Two)

The time has finally come for the highly anticipated April Live Periods. With the recruiting landscape in complete shambles, there's still an abundance of unsigned, college-level seniors fighting for their chance to advance to the collegiate ranks. We've seen all of these prospects, and written about each of them previously. That being said, we decided to construct an article with a small blurb...

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Rise Showcase: A Trio of Unsigned Seniors Worth Noting

6'3 KC Shaw (Carolina Riptide) It's easy to see the next-level ability with Shaw, so his lack of recruitment remains somewhat perplexing. He's a wiry, well-rounded guard with a nice blend of IQ, skill, and athleticism. Shaw has shown the ability to dictate an offense as the focal point or find opportunities within a role, but is successful and productive in both settings. He's an efficient...

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Phenom Game Report: Sun Valley at Porter Ridge (Boys)

Down in the Charlotte area, Sun Valley hit the road to take on a very intriguing and talented Porter Ridge.' Both teams have had a solid season, so this certainly looked to be a fun matchup to watch.' Both teams came out well, with Porter Ridge taking the lead behind their leader 2022 Isaiah Williams.' Porter Ridge also wanted to get the ball out of 2024 Tyree White's hand, who has been...

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Phenom 150 Session I Camp Evaluations: Team 4

Team 4 Coach: Tyler Lewis  #103: 5'3 '27 Leighton Little (Raleigh) Starting things off, we look at a player who competed very well despite being one of the youngest campers on display, Leighton Little. He's a young, wiry guard prospect with an unselfish mentality and reliable spot-up presence from beyond the arc. Little possesses vision, ball-handling ability, and a pretty active motor...

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POB’s Young Players To Watch: Phenom Halloween Havoc

The Phenom Halloween Havoc was another terrific event, checking in on a few players that we have seen before and to see how they have been developing but also giving us some new, young names. Here are four young players that could be ones to monitor down the road, as they really showcased their talent on the big stage in Rock Hill. 2026 William Stevens (Triple Threat Academy): This is another...

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Player Standouts from Phenom Halloween Havoc (Day 2)

by: Ethan Reece 2026 Amari Melton (Triple Threat)My second viewing of Amari only confirmed what I saw from him last month. The big guard takes what he wants and shows no indication that the defense phases him at all. He consistently finishes contested drives and uses his body well as he operates as the main ball handler. Any chance he got in the open court was a bucket for his team, so dangerous...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Halloween Havoc

6'4 '26 Isaiah Williams (CC Elite) The appeal should be fairly obvious with someone like Williams, who possesses incredible physical tools at such a young age. While he is taller than most at this point, it's his actual length and actual wingspan that makes such a strong impression throughout the course of a game. Williams finishes, rebounds, and block shots, but also highlights some...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Halloween Havoc (Day 1)

2022 Landon King (Charlotte Guards): King continues to fly under the radar but caught a few more eyes with his 33-point performance to start the day. King continues to show his aggressive nature and ability to score, especially attacking and getting to the basket.  He plays within the offense but can really take his game to another level when he is locked in offensively and scoring in an...

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Phenom Open Gym Tour: Porter Ridge

Phenom Hoops continues to make it a point to check out teams around the region, as we had a busy Thursday afternoon on the road.  One stop we made was also Porter Ridge high school, as the Pirates are looking to replace a senior-led team from last year with a few new names and players looking to step up.  Let us dive into the roster a little bit more. When you talk about leaders for...

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Dawkins’ Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 1)

By: DeAjai Dawkins 6'3 2022 Jaden Lingo (TSF 17U/Druid Hills)' Jaden is a scoring combo guard with an athletic frame that could continue to develop in girth. Lingo has penetrated the lane well this afternoon, scoring from all 3 levels at a consistent rate. His dominant scoring display in game one caught the attention of many. Game two saw a setback from his team as a whole, competing against a...

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Phenom Summer Havoc Team Preview: Charlotte Hoyas

July is going to be fun, especially with Phenom Hoops.  That is why we are getting just a small head-start on the teams and players that will be in attendance for the Summer Havoc.  Here, we look to preview just a few names to watch for throughout the weekend in Rock Hill, with many others stepping up their game in front of college coaches. Charlotte Hoyas The Charlotte Hoyas have been...

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The Independent Route: A Charlotte Hoyas Story

Though intangible, chemistry is often times the major separator between 'good' teams and 'great' ones. Chemistry outperforms talent on a regular basis. However, the Charlotte Hoyas are an example of what happens when talent combines with chemistry. Their on-court success over the last year has led to the Hoyas being one of the premier independent travel ball programs across North Carolina....

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Player Standouts at Phenom Challenge

5'11 '22 Evan Presnell (Carolina Riptide) Although the Carolina Riptide always seem to shine through their balance, but Presnell definitely stood out among their top performers in their first contest of the day. He's a smart, tough, heady point guard prospect with excellent creation skills and the ability to set up others, access his lethal pull-up jumper, or finish strong through contact....

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Phenom Media Day: Charlotte Hoyas

Phenom Hoops continues to hit the road for a few media days, allowing us to get a closer glimpse of some intriguing travel ball teams around the area. On Thursday night, we went out to the Concord area to check in on the Charlotte Hoyas, a program that has some good talent to watch.

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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 7

Team 7 Coach: John Combs #0: 5'9 '23 Deuce Hudson (Darlington) Starting things off, we look at a player that knows how to set the tone with his smart, savvy approach, Deuce Hudson. He's a heady, well-rounded point guard prospect with a smooth offensive arsenal and toughness defensively. Hudson gets downhill, touches the paint, and sets up others with ease while actively harnessing available...

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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 7

Team 7 Coach: Bobby Williams #0: 5'11 '22 Cam Oates (Trinity Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player that simply knows how to effectively run a team on both ends of the floor, Cam Oates. He's a smart, sharp, unselfish point guard prospect with a natural playmaking sense and the ability to attack the basket or assert himself as a perimeter shooter. Oates possesses craftiness and...

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Phenom 150 Camp Evaluations: Team 15

Team 15 Coach: Brian Allen #0: 5'8 '22 Nathaniel Kornegay (Creedmoor) Starting things off, we look at a player that showed the ability to make a strong impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Nathaniel Kornegay. He's a tough, unselfish guard prospect with quickness and a great penetration sense, which allows him to touch the paint with regularity. Next in his development...

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Phenom All-American Camp Evaluations: Team 20

Team 20Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist'list=PLJSuI1FGChQaoiynjd_Hd7T1X2Z4LPibL Coach: Yusuf English #0: 5'5 '24 MJ Armstrong (Rock Hill) Starting things off, we look at a player that contributed well despite being the smallest camper on this team, MJ Armstrong. He's a young, wiry guard prospect with a nice perimeter jumper and solid vision as a playmaker. Armstrong operates...

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Brandon’s Big Time Ballers: Day 2 #PhenomAllAmerican

6’6 2022 Yashiya Crespin – Crespin is a big physical guard, he's a natural leader and he's got next-level vision. Crespin makes good decisions with the rock, and he's a pass-first lead guard that understands the tendencies of the guys around him. Crespin is physically and mentally tough, he's battled through adversity with some injuries, but looks completely healthy now. Crespin will...

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Special K's Hoops Take: Late Standouts Day1

6'4 Kobe Jones 2021 is extremely athletic and long. He is a walking highlight that is a threat to perform a highlight play every time on the court. Uses his length and quickness to play the passing lanes, get out in transition, and throw down some eye catching dunks. He attacks the paint relentlessly and finishes at the rim all game long. He has a knack for creating contact and absolutely lives...

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'Get to Know' Isaiah Williams

We've seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a 'Getting to Know' series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...

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Bendel's Best: Phenom LIVE (Underrated Gems)

This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled back to the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina for another weekend of grassroots basketball. We saw a lot of familiar faces in addition to the numerous new programs on display. There were plenty of standouts on display, and this article will take a closer look at some personal favorites from the two-day event, each of which are deserving of...

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Roster Breakdown for Queen City Showcase: Charlotte Hoyas

Rock Hill will be loaded with talent and Phenom Hoops wants to not only get everyone ready for an exciting event but also make sure we provide exposure for teams and players all throughout. We start previewing teams and players that coaches and fans will want to check out at the event.

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North Carolina Phenom 150 Session I Camp Evaluations: Team 7

Team 7 Coach: Jordan Washington #62: 5'9 '23 Khamani Wertz (Providence Day) Starting things off, we look at a player that possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Khamani Wertz. He's a young, smart, slightly undersized guard prospect with a terrific three-point stroke and blossoming offensive skillset. Wertz can reliably handle and pass the ball but typically works...

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NC Phenom 150 2022 All Tournament Team

Class Height No. Name City State High School 2022 6'4' 125 Isaiah J Williams Indian Trail NC Porter Ridge High School 2022 6’1″ 83 Jackson Helms Summerfield NC Northern Guilford High School 2022 5'11' 82 A.J. Cook Waxhaw NC Weddington High School 2022 6'4' 130 Nolan Hodge Greensboro NC Northern Guilford High School 2022 6'2' 113 Kyle Frazier Weddington NC Weddington High School 2022...

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#PhenomDavidRoseMDC: Miles Early Saturday Standouts

6'4 2022 Isaiah Williams: CSB Elite 2022 Williams is a hard nosed, big body post player that does a great job attacking on the low block.' He possesses excellent touch around the rim using excellent fundamental footwork to create space for himself down there.' As he continues to develop physically and athletically, expect Williams to become a really productive player at the high school level in...

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