PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
Brandon’s Big Time Ballers from Phenom Hardwood Classic (Day 1)
6’6 2022 Nolan Hodge (NC Gators)- Hodge already committed to Unc Wilmington came in today in full attack mode, and it seemed like he had a message to send. Hodge, always a team player, was more aggressive than we’re used to seeing. Hodge completely took over the game at times and showed he can score anywhere on the floor when he feels like it. Hodge was also locked in on the defensive end. 6’6...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 3)
2024 Rakease Passmore (NLPB): With college coaches coming to watch, Passmore put on a show and gave them everything you would want in a young player. With the blend of athleticism, break down defenders, finish through contact or around/over defenders, step out and knock down shots, and be an impact defensively with blocking shots, Passmore showed it all and why he is looking to be one of the top...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 5’10 2025 Eli Ellis (Big Shots 17U/Moravian) Has there been a player more spoken about this weekend? Likely not. Eli has made a name for himself as a consistent lead guard that plays in a constant mode of attack. He’s a stellar shooter with a rugged mentality that reminds me of Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics. Ellis plays with no fear in the face of older competition,...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)
By; DeAjai Dawkins 6’5 2024 Jamal Brown (1 of 1 Elite 2024/Word of God) Jamal is most certainly one of the most athletically imposing prospects in this event. In 2019, I first heard of Brown after making waves as a high-flying middle schooler with incredibly advanced size. A walking 20+ point performer amongst his age group, Brown elevates above the rim with ease and has the length to truly...
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Noah’s Hoopers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
By: Noah Hooper 6’6 2025 Trent Steinour (Riptide 2025) When I look at Trent on the floor, the first thing I notice is how well he is able to use his length to be a disruptive asset defensively for his team. He also uses his length very well to gain positioning and grab rebounds for his team which helps them tremendously. Not only did he use his long frame well, but he also had very solid...
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Player Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
By; Heath Gulledge 2022 6’0 Dwight Canady Jr. (NLPB Senyo) Canady Jr. has great athleticism and the ability to use it to his advantage when being guarded by slower defenders. He’s aggressive around the rim and finishes in unique ways. He’s always running the floor and it pays off as he finds himself in a lot of two on one scenarios in which he thrives. He’s one of the primary ball handlers for...
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Sean’s Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
By: Sean Halloran 2023 Trey Parker (Big Shots Elite NC 17U) Parker was impressive once again here today, displaying to everyone his high-level athletism. The quick, fast-twitched guard can get to anywhere he wants to on the floor, with his ability to break defenders down off the dribble and convert on an array of difficult pull-up jump shots. Parker thrived when he was able to get out in...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Hardwood Classic (Day 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2025 Andreas Kazanos (PSB Cassada)Andreas came to play in a high caliber matchup against a well coached SWV Hustle. He started the game out hot and never looked back, knocking down big shot after shot in a back and forth game. Finished with 25 off 7 threes but is ideally a crafty PG, as he ran the offense and controlled the pace of the game. Finished off with a...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
2022 AJ Cook (CC Elite): Now playing this weekend with CC Elite Jacob-Fisher, it certainly gave an opportunity for Cook to shine even more with his shooting ability and that he did on Day 2, eventually going for 32 big points to lead his team to a win. Cook doesn’t need much room to get his shot and makes quick, decisive decisions in his game. Cook though can be a game-changer for a...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Hardwood Classic
6’6 ’23 Julius Harrison (NC Gaters) At this point, nothing Harrison does should be surprising to spectators or on-looking college coaches. He’s only continued to showcase his seamless transition from versatility to all-around dominance, able to affect all facets of the game within the flow of the action. Harrison can reliably create for himself or others while standing out as a lethal shooter...
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Player Standouts at Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)
JaKobe Hood By: Heath Gulledge 2024 6’1 Justin Skelton (Columbia Hoopers Elite 15u) Skelton showed an impressive ability to score the ball from beyond the arc in the 8:00 am game this morning. He came out of the gate letting it fly and it was paying off for him. I like his ability to stretch the floor and make the defense respect his shot. He uses his skill from beyond the arc to draw the...
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Noah’s Hoopers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)
By: Noah Hooper 6’8 2023 Patrick Tivnan (Team Hope 2023 Laney) Coming from the long well-coached program of Charlotte Catholic, Tivnan really showed how much of a valuable asset he is to his team this morning as he completely dominated the glass on both sides of the floor. At 6’7, Tivnan’s versatile offensive skill set stood out as well as he is able to put the ball on the deck to get what he...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)
Maki Johnson 2022 Kusamae Draper (SPO Sports): A new name to the scene for Phenom Hoops, the 6’8 big man grabbed some attention early on Day 2 with his productivity and activity down low on both sides. Draper has a good feel offensively, sealing in the post and taking contact to help get to the line. But you also like his length that helps in on the boards on both sides. Draper also...
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Sean’s Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)
By: Sean Halloran 2022 Nygie Stroman (RDC Lakers 17U) Stroman was a player that caught my eye this morning. The 6’5 strong, athletic forward displayed the versatility he has in his offensive game. He poured in a smooth 20 points in this morning’s game and he did so in a variety of ways. Using his strong body to dominate the glass on both ends and converting on easy putback opportunities....
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Noah’s Hoopers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 2)
By: Noah Hooper 6’4 2021 Glenn Bynum (Mint Hill Lakers Elite) In the two events I have seen Bynum play in so far, Bynum has really impressed me with his shot-making ability as he is able to spot up and shoot off the bounce at a high level. He has also shown me that he is able to control the pace of the game and be a floor general given the fact that he is a solid ball-handler and knows how to...
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Player Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1)
By: Heath Gulledge 2024 6’5 Tyrique Wilkins (WV Generals 15u) Wilkins is a big body who plays to his size around the rim. He’s really skilled at running in transition and makes the defense pay for not sprinting back. He knows how to use his athleticism and length to grab boards on both ends of the court and block shots efficiently on the defensive end. 2024 5’8 Jayden Clark (WV Generals...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 3)
2024 Paul McNeil (Garner Road): There has been a lot of talk around McNeil and his game but it is easy to see why he is regarded as one of the top players in his class for 2024. He put on an absolute show to start his weekend, using his 6’5 frame to his advantage, finishing over defenders, showing tremendous body control, and has an excellent perimeter feel for the game. The young...
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Sean’s Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 2)
Julien King By: Sean Halloran 2022 Julien King (Garner Road 17U) King was a player to catch my eye today with his impressive performances. The most impressive part about Kings game is the defensive intensity that he contains on every possession. He causes havoc while guarding the ball and is very physical while defending off the ball. He uses his long arms to affect opponents and make things...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 2)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 6’7 2022 Marcus Kell (Upward Stars 3SSB 17U/Legion Collegiate Academy) Marcus has a beautiful jump shot, one of the best shot forms I’ve seen today. His mechanics are consistent and he must be focused on at all times. Kell could serve as a spot-up shooting option for a variety of college programs. He’s likely due for a very promising season at Legion. 2022 6’4 Takai and...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 2)
2022 Jacob Dar (Garner Road): Dar is one that I think continues to fall under the radar but is starting to gain some traction with coaches and that he should. We are talking about a 6’6 developing prospect that continues to grow with his understanding of his game each time he is on the court. He can operate and defend multiple positions, especially with his wingspan, but also showed...
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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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Noah’s Hoopers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 1)
By: Noah Hooper 6’7 2022 Bryce Wilkins (Drill Academy 17U) When you look at Wilkin’s long frame and notice what his skill set consists of, he immediately stands out compared to other kids. The 6’7 forward does a great job of getting to his spots and using his body to get what he wants in the lane, along with being able to stretch the floor and hit shots from beyond the arc, which helps his team...
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Sean’s Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 1)
Tajuan Simpkins By: Sean Halloran 6’8 2022 Trey Ramsey (Carolina Riptide 17U) Ramsey was one player that was very impressive in the first batch of games today. The 6’8, lengthy big man has the frame to withstand the physicality of the college game, already. The most impressive part of Ramsey’s game is the activity that he plays with on both ends of the floor. Offensively he did his work...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1, Part 1)
Luke Lentz 2022 Lebron Thomas (FIBA): This young man continues to produce effectively and consistently every time he steps on the floor. Not sure what else needs to be seen, as the 6’3 point guard really impacts the floor in an array of ways. He scores the ball incredibly well, aggressively getting downhill and finishing through and around defenders, while also racking up the assists and...
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Storylines for Phenom Hoops’ Hardwood Classic: Talent For All- NC Spartans (Hartzell and Haidinger)
This coming weekend, Phenom Hoops will be hosting two separate events (one in Rock Hill and one in Advance) for the final live period of the basketball-filled summer. There’s an abundance of exciting/noteworthy subplots for spectators and college coaches to look for throughout both settings. The Hardwood Classic at the Rise Facility in Advance, North Carolina should have various teams and...
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Storylines for Phenom Hoops’ Hardwood Classic: No Josh? No Problem.
This coming weekend, Phenom Hoops will be hosting two separate events (one in Rock Hill and one in Advance) for the final live period of the basketball-filled summer. There’s an abundance of exciting/noteworthy subplots for spectators and college coaches to look for throughout both settings. The Hardwood Classic at the Rise Facility in Advance, North Carolina should have various teams and...
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Storylines for Phenom Hoops’ Hardwood Classic: Big Shots Winston-Salem Continues Finding Success
This coming weekend, Phenom Hoops will be hosting two separate events (one in Rock Hill and one in Advance) for the final live period of the basketball-filled summer. There’s an abundance of exciting/noteworthy subplots for spectators and college coaches to look for throughout both settings. The Hardwood Classic at the Rise Facility in Advance, North Carolina should have various teams and...
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“Getting to Know” 6’0 2022 Neeko Taylor
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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“Getting to Know” 6’4 2022 Dontavious Pettaway
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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Phenom 1-on-1: 2022 Marcus Kell talks latest offers, interests
A player finally getting the attention he deserves, 2022 Marcus Kell has recently seen an uptick in his recruitment, as he has added a few more offers to his list. Phenom Hoops recently got in touch with Kell to discuss the latest; his thoughts on his newest offer from Drexel and Bucknell, which schools are making him a priority, and what programs are starting to come his way as of late!
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