PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
2024 Zion Walker talks about visit to East Carolina; recruitment update
Player: Zion WalkerClass: 2024School: The Burlington School 2024 Zion Walker has been having a terrific season so far at The Burlington School, and schools have been taking notice of his game. Walker has seen his recruitment remain strong, as schools continue to stay strong with him. The 2024 prospect recently made a visit this past weekend to East Carolina, and Phenom Hoops was able to...
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HIGHLIGHTS: 2024 Zion Walker Having a BREAKOUT Season + Leading the Burlington School!
2024 Zion Walker has been having a season to remember at The Burlington School, as he continues to put on a scoring display like no other. Check out some of his highlights so far, as he is looking to be a POY candidate in NC.
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“Quote-ables” from Day 3 at The John Wall
By: Evan Rogers The third day of the John Wall Holiday Invitational featured a number of high-stakes contests. Here’s a look at some of the noteworthy players and some insight on their performances. 2024 Zion Walker (The Burlington School) In The Burlington School’s win over Raleigh Christian Academy, the Spartans’ grit was on full display. Behind the physical play of their lead guard,...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Tourney Town
5’9 ’24 Morgan Smith (Ben L. Smith) It’s easy to see the value Smith brings to this Golden Eagles squad, especially given her status as their primary ball-handler and overall creator. She’s a very tough, rugged, polished lead guard with a quick first step and the ability to fill it up as a scorer or create for others. Smith attacked the basket and finished, but also hit pull-ups at a high...
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Playing at another level: Phenom Tourney Town
The Phenom Tourney Town Showcase, sponsored by Healthy Blue NC, was a terrific event that brought some terrific talent from around the state all under one building. Several teams and players captured our eyes, but these players listed below really have shown they have elevated their game and are playing at another level this season. 2024 Sean Birmingham (Cannon): Coming from Iceland, Birmingham...
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Players for College Coaches to Check Out More: Good Guys vs. Cancer
2024 Kaleb Spencer (Manteo): Spencer is a new name that caught our interest and with him being so far east, he may be one that falls through the cracks. But we are here to bring more light his way, as the 6’6 forward is a developing prospect to look out for. Spencer is a blossoming talent that shows great flashes with his ability to run and finish at the rim, his hands and impact on the boards,...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 3 at Good Guys vs. Cancer (Part 2)
2024 Zion Walker (TBS): Walker just seems like his game has taken another level in what he is showing on the court, as he had another outstanding performance with 31 points. Walker just screams toughness and competitiveness on the court; his ability to get downhill and force players to foul or with him finishing is big time. He is also a tremendous leader, rugged, a tremendous two-way...
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Hoops & Dreams Top Performances
Here is a list of the top performers from the Hoops & Dream Showcase presented by Lucas Moore Realty. Please note these top performers are in alphabetical order by school. Fayetteville Academy6’5 2024 Xavier Johnson: 31 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 steals on Friday. 19 points, 1 rebound & 1 assist on Saturday. 6’4 2026 Jossiah Johnson: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Hoops and Dreams Showcase
6’4 ’24 Jullien Cole (Richmond) There was a ton of buzz surrounding the Raiders and the return of their star, but Cole was arguably the most notable performer in this showing. He set the tone early on offense, largely carrying the load as a scorer through his ability to get downhill, finish, and convert at the line. Cole rebounded the ball at a consistent rate, forced a ton of turnovers, and...
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Stockrisers from Day 2 at Carmel Tip-Off
2025 Isaiah Henry (Cannon): Henry’s growth as a player can easily be seen and recognized. The sophomore prospect is continuing his play this summer and offseason, and kicked off the season in a big way on Day 2. One can see that Henry just has a different feel to his game, a better understanding of what he can do, and is taking the game more into his own hands. His combination of strength and...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Carmel Tip-Off (Part 2)
2024 JJ Moore (Concord Academy): The junior guard was terrific in this game. Moore came out red hot from the outside, continuing to show his capability to be a threat from three but also using his speed to attack and create off the dribble. It was hard for defenders to stay in front as they had to respect his quickness but he made them pay multiple times from three. Even in overtime, he...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 5
Team 5 Coach: Ricky Moore #5: 5’11 ’25 Mason Dobie (First Flight) Starting things off, we look at a player who showcased a very steady, reliable presence, Mason Dobie. He’s a tough, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and the ability to produce from either backcourt position. Dobie handles the ball well, gets others involved, and can create off the bounce, but is also capable of...
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Cooper’s Developments: Phenom HS Jamboree Session 1
By: Cooper Hart Seth Cullen (Flight 22 Prep) Seth is a 6’6” Wing/Forward that has a strong frame and quick feet. He was impressive today on the defensive side of the ball where he was constantly switching onto bigger and smaller players, allowing him to eliminate advantages all over the court. I like that he plays containment defense as he rarely gambles for steals and is good at keeping his man...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: HoopState League (Week 3, East)
2026 Cole Cloer (Durham Hurricanes): Cloer has been a favorite of mine since the summer and he was off the charts today with what he showed. Early on, you must like his size and his feel for the game, as he was making spectacular decisions and passes to set up his teammates, created well and found ways to score around defenders, displayed good athleticism and body control, as well as being...
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Cooper’s HoopState League East Division Awards Semifinalists
By; Cooper Hart After two weekends of the HoopState League East, I’ve created a list of names that are in contention for awards. The list will be cut down after pool play finishes, and winners will be announced after the finals on the 23rd. There will be a Most Outstanding Player, 3 all-east teams, and 2 all-defense teams. Most Outstanding Player Semifinalists Colt Langdon (’25) – 6’8” Wing –...
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Open Gym Report: The Burlington School
On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to The Burlington School in Burlington, North Carolina for our annual open gym tour. The Spartans have turned a lot of heads over the last decade between guys like Ron Johnson, Will Robertson, and Ryan Bernardi. Now, George Marshall is at the helm and folks still have plenty to be excited about. He’s already asserted his culture, leadership presence, and...
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Phenom 1-on-1: 2024 Zion Walker (TBS)
2024 Zion Walker has been a common name in North Carolina and has been a critical piece for the success at The Burlington School. The NC guard has continued to build on his game and had a strong summer playing with Team Curry but is now focusing once again on the upcoming season and earning another title. Walker discusses with Phenom Hoops how his game has developed this summer, his...
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G3 Showcase Team Preview: Team Curry 16U
With the June and July Live Periods on the horizon, there’s no better time for teams to compete to gauge their ability against high-level opponents. Our G3 Showcase is slated to feature a heavy mix of independent organizations and shoe-circuit programs—so there should definitely be something for everyone in attendance. The circuit teams nearing their halfway point should ultimately...
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Early Look: Team CP3 2024
It is that time of the year, as players from all around start getting together with their travel ball team and prepare for an exciting spring and summer. Phenom Hoops started the season off with the Phenom Opening, giving us a glimpse of several of those teams which also included a very talented young group with CP3 2024. Watching this team in action, you can see there is no shortage of...
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Phenom Game Report: 2A NCISAA Championship (Trinity Academy vs. The Burlington School)
The final championship game on the night, Trinity Academy and The Burlington School battled it out in the 2A Division. Both teams have had strong seasons and wanted to end it with a ring, as there was a ton of talent on the court in this one. The game kind of started out slow for both teams, as Trinity Academy took the narrow one-point lead after the first quarter. 2023 Kevon...
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NCISAA Championship Previews
After a season full of anticipation, the wait is finally over. We’ve reached playoff time after the first (somewhat) normal season since everything crashed due to covid. Between teams playing full schedules and the decreasing amount of general hysteria throughout the country, folks clearly wanted basketball to return. While some restrictions (masks, testing, etc.) still remain in place, this...
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NCISAA 2A Semifinal Recap: The Burlington School vs Wayne Country Day
In a rematch of last year’s NCISAA 2A State Semifinals, The Burlington School (28-7) would once again host Wayne Country Day (25-7). All season long, these two teams have been at the top of our private school rankings. 6’3 2024 Kobe George The Burlington School knew in order to win this game, they would have to make it very difficult on Wayne Country Day’s Collin Tanner, their...
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Wesleyan Christian v. The Burlington School
On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Wesleyan Christian for a competitive battle between the Trojans and visiting Spartans of The Burlington School. Although both teams have college-level talent, few people could’ve predicted the bloodbath that would ensue. The opening quarter kicked off in an exciting, back-and-forth fashion, but neither team could gain any separation as it remained a tied...
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Wednesday Standouts from The John Wall, Part 2
Game 5The Burlington School vs. Archbishop Spalding In their second round matchup of the Devonte Graham Bracket, defending NCISAA 2A State Champions The Burlington School (TBS) took on Maryland’s Archbishop Spalding. TBS struck first and held a nine point halftime lead behind the play of Kheni Briggs, Michael Nwoko and Avion Pinner. However, Spalding made their run in the third quarter as Jordan...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Good Guys vs. Cancer
2022 Jackson Holt (Moravian Prep): When you talk about one of the top shooters in the class and in all of North Carolina, you have to include Jackson Holt on that list and he may be No. 1. He showed why to start the event off, as he stepped in, showed extreme confidence, and has such a fluid and smooth shot, as he knocked down nine 3-pointers in the game. 2024 Hampton Evans (Greenfield):...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from #TylerLewisHoopfest (Day 1, Part 2)
2022 De’Ante Green (Asheville Christian): What else could be said other than Green was absolutely dominating on the court. He seemingly had a hand in nearly every play on the floor and he couldn’t be stopped, as he scored effectively down low, finishing strong and throwing it down, but also showing how he can be a threat from all over the floor. You add that to his dominance on the boards,...
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Open Gym Report: The Burlington School
On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to The Burlington School for a high-level open gym session with one of the top programs across North Carolina. For the last two seasons, the Spartans have been led by Coach Ryan Bernardi and, regardless of roster composition, found a way to make it to the title game. After suffering a state championship loss, they reached their goal last season and seized...
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North Carolina’s Top 2024 Prospects Make Waves at CP3 Rising Stars Camp
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to the Sportsplex in Greensboro, North Carolina for the annual CP3 Rising Stars Camp. Typically, this event is exclusively for rising freshmen but the unforeseen circumstances over the last year prevented the Class of 2024 from the occasion. Instead of excising the class completely, they opted to combine the two classes into one enormous event. The amount...
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Phenom Summer Havoc Team Preview: CP3 2024
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. CP3 2024 The future looks extremely bright in...
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Quickly Reloaded: The Burlington School
Each year, there are certain programs that are guaranteed to be relevant simply due to their coaching and/or knack to acquire talent. Take Duane Lewis (North Meck), Dion Bethea (Gray Collegiate), BJ Jackson (Legacy Early College), and countless others as evidence of this notion. Well, despite entering just his fourth season as a high school head coach, perhaps Ryan Bernardi is deserving of a...
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