PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
Battle of the Lake
The Battle of the Lake is one of the best kept secrets in the state. Once a sleepy little mill town, the city of Mooresville has grown in part due to the growth of Lake Norman. Mooresville, a city school vs. Lake Norman has become a rivalry and the capacity crowd on Tuesday night showcased the interest the game has to the student bodies of each perspective school. In the girls game,...
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Top Performances from the Tyler Lewis Hoop Fest
Here is a list of the top performances from the Tyler Lewis Hoop Fest presented by Fit for Life 24. Calvary DayJaydin Spillman – 12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 4 steals on Saturday. Isaiah Ramazani – 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists on Saturday. Carmel ChristianKaleb Siler – 20 points and 6 rebounds on Friday. Jaeden Mustaf – 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5...
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Commitment Alert: 2023 Cole Callaway commits to Newberry
Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player. Here is the latest commitment. Player: Cole CallawayClass: 2023Committed to: Newberry What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Lakesgiving (Day 1, Part 2)
2023 Kirsten Lewis-Williams (Lake Norman): Lewis-Williams was off the charts on Day 1 and she really filled it up in all areas of the court. Whether it was her defensive presence, racking up seven steals which eventually helped lead to points. But she also was tremendous in creating for herself, weaving through defenders and finishing with touch as well as through contact. That doesn’t...
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Phenom Recruitment Update: 2023 Cole Callaway
2023 Cole Callaway has been a staple on the Phenom Hoops platform and his recruitment has gone quite well. He continues to catch the attention of college coaches around the country and is now up to double-digit offers, as well as being able to visit quite a few schools. Phenom Hoops spoke to Callaway about how his recruitment has been going and the schools that have been staying on him hard. We...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Week 1, Day 2 at #HoopStateLeague (Cox Mill)
2023 Zion McDuffie (Bulldogs): It is about time people start recognizing McDuffie and what he can provide on the court. He is a strong, physical presence that is one of the more explosive prospects in the state. He is terrific out in transition and getting to the basket, finishing strong and a few highlight-reel dunks. But he also has shown that he can step out and be effective from outside,...
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Phenom Open Gym Tour: “Lake Norman, the future looks bright.”
Phenom Open Gym Tour: “Lake Norman, the future looks bright” Phenom Hoops travelled to Lake Norman High School to kick start the 2022-23 basketball season to cover open gym. To put it mildly, Coach Grant Hodges has plenty to be excited about, and the “The Lake Show” should be one of the favorites in the Greater Metro 4A Conference. Last season, Lake Norman finished 17-11 overall, 5-7 in...
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Phenom Hoops Player Profile: Cole Callaway
Height: 6’4 Class: 2023 School: Lake Norman Travel Team: Carolina Riptide Freshman Season: 3.5 PPG Sophomore Season: 15.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG Junior Season: 17.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.0 SPG Offers: Bridgewater, Connecticut College, Valma, Vassar, Bob Jones, Geneva College, Taccoa Falls What Was Recently Said (7/11/22): Given our number of viewings throughout the years, it’s fair to say that...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Session 2, Day 3)
2024 Reece Ketron (GATA): The 6’9 forward was a nice presence down in the paint for his team, using his length well to his advantage and staying engaged on the floor. The forward moves well, running the floor on both ends, getting to his spots in the post, showing a nice feel with his back to the basket, and being extremely active on the boards. He created multiple second-chance opportunities...
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Reece’s Standouts: Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2023 Micah Jones (Strong Center)Don’t let his size fool you, Micah is the toughest assignment to draw on both ends of the floor. As a point guard, he takes care of all his duties at a high level and then some. Offensively, he exposes any defensive liability whether isolated or as a team with his blistering speed, elite court vision and decision making, and knowledgeable prowess...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Coach Ricks TOC
2024 Grant Hamilton (CC Elite): Hamilton had an excellent first LIVE period and came out strong once again at the Coach Rick’s TOC, once again showing his impact in being a knockdown shooter with range. On several occasions, he was able to get to his spots behind the arc and make the opponents pay from three. Hamilton shoots the ball with tremendous confidence and can be a big threat...
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Bendel’s Best: Summer Havoc
Over the last five days, Phenom Hoops was stationed in Fort Mill, South Carolina for our annual Summer Havoc Live. There were two sessions, both loaded with talent and noteworthy matchups, which made for a highly entertaining week of basketball. College coaches were constantly filtering throughout the multiple venues, and numerous offers were extended to players. The sheer number of standouts...
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Player Standouts at Day Three of Phenom Summer Havoc
6’5 ’23 Walker Woodall (Wildcats Elite) Even after numerous departures from Wildcats Elite, Woodall has been a steady, constant presence for them throughout the summer. Although his role has progressively changed, he’s seen no issue finding production while standing out as a leader. Woodall is a knockdown three-point shooter with size and a sturdy frame, but has also shown vision, solid creation...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 from Phenom Summer Havoc (Catawba Ridge, Part 3)
2023 Cole Callaway (Carolina Riptide): Callaway continues to be one of the leaders for his team, being an effective scorer from deep but also adding more depth to his game, especially with his ability to create more for himself and get to the basket. Callaway also impressed with how he battled on the boards, not being afraid to mix it up and securing 11 boards in the win on Day 2.2025 Tre...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Challenge
2022 6’6 Mikhail Pocknett (WBC Elite Aria Paris): Pocknett may have had the best weekend out of everyone at the event and I’m sure there are a few college coaches that are taking a hard look his way more. In the two games we watched him, he was unstoppable, getting downhill, finishing through contact, getting to the line, pushing the ball in transition after a rebound, and all over the...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Grassroots TOC
2025 Bryce Baker (Team Bond): If you don’t know the name Bryce Baker, you may want to start learning. The dual-sport athlete could be a player on the rise, whether it is in basketball or football. On the court though, this is a young man that plays with a ton of confidence. He doesn’t let the bright lights get to him, as Baker plays within himself and with what his team needs him to...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Phenom Grassroots TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
2023 Parker Hodgson (Dream Big Elite): Hodgson continues to be the go-to leader for Dream Big Elite, a team that has some intriguing talent to watch. Hodgson though was able to show that he can knock down shots but did a terrific job in putting the pressure on the defense and getting to the line as well in his team’s win today. Smooth operating prospect that knows how to score. 2025...
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Phenom Grassroots TOC Team Preview: Riptide 2023 NC
The Phenom Grassroots TOC is this weekend in Rock Hill/Fort Mill, as it is the first LIVE Period with Phenom Hoops this season. The talent pool runs deep throughout and we want to give college coaches a leg up on who to watch and who will be in action. Here are a few players to check out for each team, presented by the head coach. Riptide 2023 NC 6’4 Cole Callaway2023GuardCole is coming...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Spring Tip-Off (Day 1)
2025 Jerquarius Stanback (NLPB): One to certainly monitor in the class of 2025 here in North Carolina, as the young forward brings tremendous length to the court. Still young and developing, really liked his presence around the basket, finishing strong but also being a presence defensively around the basket, walling up and making it difficult for his opponents. 2027 Brennan Jefferson (Garner...
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Phenom Game Report: Lake Norman wins thrilling 61-59 win over Cox Mill
In the nightcap of the inaugural Greater Metro 4A conference tournament semifinal, it was the No.1 seed, Cox Mill (18-6; 11-1) vs. the No. 4 seed, Lake Norman (15-10; 5-7). For Cox Mill, coached by Ty Cox, they have already secured the No. 1 seed from the Greater Metro 4A conference. As for Lake Norman, coached by Grant Hodges, it’s win or go home scenario. Lake Norman must win the conference...
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Phenom Game Report: Lake Norman vs. Mooresville
The “Motown Showdown” between Lake Norman (12-5) and Mooresville (14-1) was an exciting and entertaining game which wasn’t decided until the final horn sounded. It was a game of runs and Mooresville escaped with the 76-75 home court conference win. The atmosphere was simply electric and both student bodies should be commended for their excellent support. While the fans were loud , they were...
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Phenom Game Report: Cox Mill vs. Lake Norman
Phenom Hoops travelled to Mooresville, North Carolina to cover the NCHSAA 4A Conference 57 match-up between Lake Norman and Cox Mill High School. Lake Norman entered the contest with a 11-2 record while Cox Mill sported an 8-5 record. With the new conference realignment, Cox Mill was the pre-season favorite while Lake Norman is an up and coming program. Cox Mill came out hot knocking down six...
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Reece’s Player Standouts from Phenom Jamboree
by: Ethan Reece 2022 Davis Wagner (Lake Norman) There’s several guys that always stand out for Lake Norman but it’s very clear that Davis is the leader of this group and it really shouldn’t be any other way. With a lot of talented underclassmen, it’s very fitting and crucial to have a senior lead the way in setting the standard in terms of tone and taking care of intangibles. Nothing flashy...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Jamboree
6’4 ’23 Cole Callaway (Lake Norman) After joining this team over the summer, it should come as no surprise to see Callaway standing out as a primary leader for this group. He consistently hit shots, both off the catch and bounce, and operated as an offensive focal point from start to finish. Callaway attacked closeouts, made unselfish passes, and defended his position effectively. He should be...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Fall Finale/ HoopState League
2024 Paul McNeil (Richmond Jammers): McNeil is already regarded as one of the top prospects not only in the state but in the country and it is easy to see why at his age. We are talking about a 6’6 prospect that can be a huge threat from deep, knocking down tough jumpers from all levels, a player that can create for himself and can operate from all positions on the floor. What is scary to...
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Lake Norman High School Open Gym Report
On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops also traveled to Mooresville to watch Lake Norman High School practice. Coach Grant Hodges has done an impressive job of building teams with an identity. They are fundamentally sound. They play together with one another. Although they lose several key contributors in Clay Hodges, Seth Aeschliman, Camden Kepley, and Christian Taylor, the Wildcats have added quality new...
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Bendel’s Best: Summer Finale
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina for another two-day stretch of basketball. Although most teams have begun winding down and getting some much-needed rest, there were still plenty of noteworthy players and teams itching to compete. Our Summer Finale featured a variety of teams across all age groups, but this...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Phenom Summer Finale (Part 3)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 6’3 2023 Cole Calloway (Dive On It 2023) Cole finished his weekend with a 38 point game. He had a 34 earlier yesterday. While I can’t confirm whether or not he averaged 30+ on the weekend, he has certainly been electric. The rising junior has already established himself as one of the elite shooters in NC’s class of 2023. Provides a stellar personality along with...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Summer Finale (Day 1, Part 2)
2022 Spencer Hairston (Gate City Grizzlies): This young man simply continues to produce and be an offensive scoring machine. Which is why he should be one to really watch coming into North Carolina and playing at Dudley this season. He has the quickness and ability to create for himself but he can be deadly from the perimeter. Scored 29 points to lead the charge again, something he has...
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July Live Period Superlatives: Part One
Although there has been a ton of excitement swirling throughout the last few months, July is finally coming to an end. Between the NCHSAA/NCISAA events in June and the consecutive live periods across July, all levels of coaches have been traveling, evaluating, and establishing relationships with these prospects. Excluding the lone period in July, we will take a closer look at a slew of players...
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