PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS

Diving into the Stats: 2023 Nigel Okwakol (QEA)

Player: Nigel OkwakolClass: 2023Height: 6'6School: Quality Education What Was Said: 'He's strong, tough, and displays a physical approach to the game on both ends of the floor. Okwakol handles the ball well for his size, creates effectively off the bounce, and can reliably create for himself and others when necessary. He's a well-rounded player and athlete with a nice blend of IQ, strength, and...

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Unsigned Senior Spotlight:'6'5 Nigel Okwakol

At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, over a hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III,orNAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who...

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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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Five Seniors Worthy of Increased Recruitment

6'6 Jared Davis (Seventy-First) It's genuinely difficult to try and make sense of Jared Davis' lack of recruitment, especially since his production has only taken another leap this season. At 6-foot-6, he sports a strong, physical frame and knows how to utilize it properly on both ends of the floor. Davis is an excellent rebounder who carves out space well, controls the glass, and consistently...

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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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Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams Showcase: Quality Education is Legit

Accumulation of talent has become the biggest priority for a vast majority of high school programs over the last few years. Sure, every coach aims to put out the best possible on-court product but the rapid increase in private/independent school popularity has turned the landscape into mayhem. Too many coaches are determined to build the most talented teams instead of hunting for cohesion and...

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New names to put on your radar from Carmel Tip-Off

2024 Kyrell Shaw (Northside Christian): Coming from Mooresville and now being a big part of Northside Christian, Shaw is a player that could garner more eyes his way. The younger brother of KC Shaw, Kyrell showed this weekend that he can be a big threat from outside if someone was looking for a shooter with range. He runs the floor and gets to his spots well, but also finished out in transition...

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Open Gym Report: Quality Education Academy

On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Quality Education Academy in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for our annual open gym tour. The Pharaohs have consistently been among the most talented teams in the state over the last five-plus years, but the hiring of Andre Gould made things even more intriguing for the program. His ability to accumulate talent has always been visible, as QEA (and...

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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom PG/Prep Nationals (Part 1)

2023 Anthony Breland (Charlotte Elite Academy): Breland really showcased his full impact on the court. We have known his ability to score the ball effectively and be a true threat, getting into the paint, creating for himself, knocking down shots, and using his strong frame well against opponents. But he also shows great body control, explosiveness, his impact on the boards, and his unselfish...

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POB’s Eye Catchers: Hoop State Fall League (Week 1, East Division)

2024 6'1 Gabriel Marquis (Team Raleigh): The young guard really captured some eyes with his play early on.  Plays with a calming and fluid feel on the floor, making plays for himself and for others.  He led the charge offensively, viewed the court, and made multiple plays for himself off the dribble or found open teammates.  Strong start for this young man. 2023 6'3 Nicholas...

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Phenom Open Gym Tour: NC GBB Academy

Thursday afternoon last week, Phenom Hoops was in the Raleigh area to check in on the talent.  After our stop at Word of God, we drove just minutes down the road to check in on NC GBB Academy, a new program that will certainly bring eyes their way this year.  Many of these guys we saw this summer and will look to have themselves a big upcoming high school season.  Let's dive into...

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DeAjai Dawkins' Friday standouts

By: DeAjai Dawkins 2021 6'3 Demonte Cunningham (Harrisburg Heat 17U) Demonte plays a significant role being the interior muscle for a scrappy but undersized team. His natural physically imposing stature has most likely allowed him to outmuscle competition for years, but his game has had to adjust along with the physical development of his opponents. Playing against 2021 competition, Cunningham...

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