PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS

Recruitment should continue to rise: Phenom Holiday Classic

2025 Isaiah Henry (Cannon): Think it is only going to be a matter of time for this young sophomore, but Isaiah Henry has been showing us A LOT early on this season; his game has matured, and he is understanding and adding more to his game, and is really stepping up as an overall leader and go-to player. Henry continues to mix up his offensive game, showing that he can be productive from outside...

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Freshmen to Know from Phenom Holiday Classic

2026 6’3 Dane Cassada (Calvary Day): Cassada continues to be a name that impresses us with his overall maturity as a freshman. Cassada is a tough, strong, high IQ guard that understands the game well, sees the floor, and can bring some versatility to the court on both sides of the floor.  He showed that he can be a knockdown shooter, as well as a playmaker with the ball in his hands. 2026...

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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Holiday Classic

2024 Austin Swartz (Cannon): We will start this article off this way… Austin Swartz should be a nationally recognized prospect by all outlets. Swartz’s game looks to translate well at the next level and he is showing so much more of his all-around game along with just how big of a prolific scorer he can be. When talking about his game, everyone knows his ability to be a fluid 3-level scorer,...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Holiday Classic (Part 2)

2023 Lance Gill (United Faith): Gill led the charge for his team in a win on Day 2, showing a more assertive nature offensively and using his athleticism to his advantage. First off, Gill did a great job defensively, pressuring the ball and making plays in the passing lanes; that doesn’t mention his impact on the boards. Offensively, he uses his athleticism well to attack and get to the...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Holiday Classic (Part 1)

2023 Brandon Nelson (Indian Land): How about the play of Nelson to start the day on Day 2 at the Holiday Classic, flourishing as a prospect that stretches the floor with his perimeter shot-making ability. Time after time, Nelson was able to knock down shots from three in catch-and-shoot situations, but also doing a nice job in creating and making plays for others.  He led the charge in a...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Holiday Classic (Day 1)

2023 Dallas Gardner (Charlotte Country Day): Gardner really set the tone in this game to start the weekend, as he was able to fill up the stat sheet and make his presence felt on both sides of the court.  Gardner did an excellent job in pushing in transition and attacking the defense, penetrating and getting in the lane, finishing well through contact, and showing his athleticism. His defense...

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Phenom Holiday Classic Game Reports

Check out all the scores and stats from the Phenom Holiday Classic, which is being played at Cannon high school. Friday Game 1: Charlotte Country Day 85 – Virginia Episcopal 42 CCDS: Dallas Gardner 26pts, Amare Bethel 21pts, Aj Hewett 15ptsVES: Lukas Buinevicius 17pts, Ethan Kline 8pts, Gordon Wyatt 6pts Game 2: Concord Academy 76 – Forsyth Country Day 60 CA: JJ Moore 22pts, Avion...

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Talent of ALL levels will be on display at Phenom Holiday Classic

Phenom Hoops has an exciting weekend of basketball around the Charlotte area, as we bring you yet another terrific weekend of basketball with the Phenom Holiday Classic, which will take place at Cannon HS. This is an event loaded with talent of all levels and it should once again be a competitive weekend of high school basketball in North Carolina. Check out JUST A FEW names that will be on the...

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Phenom Schedule Announcement: Kick off your holidays with Phenom Holiday Classic (Dec. 16-17)

It is never too early to get into the Christmas spirit and Phenom Hoops is bringing you a terrific gift right before the holidays.  The Phenom Holiday Classic is coming back for another terrific event, as we head this time to Cannon high school in Concord, NC.  If you are looking to get in some terrific high school basketball with some of the premier teams around the state, this is an...

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Gaston Day has talent to be found

The Spartans of Gaston Day certainly has made plenty of noise this season, off to a great start and really looking like a team that can make even more noise in the future in North Carolina.  Phenom Hoops has been able to view the Spartans a few times this year, with the most recent coming at the Phenom Holiday Classic and we can say it now, college coaches need to put this team on their...

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Coming into his own: 2023 Riley Allenspach (Providence Day)

Player: Riley AllenspachClass: 2023Height: 6’10School: Providence Day Providence Day has quickly caught the attention of many and the reasons are clear to see when watching this team in action.  There is talent to be found all over the court for college coaches and one of the rising talents and big men in the state is 2023 6’10 Riley Allenspach. Yes, he has been a talent that college...

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Keep an eye on: 2023 6’8 Kahlif Barnes (Piedmont Classical)

Player: Kahlif BarnesClass: 2023Height: 6’8School: Piedmont Classical There was a ton of intriguing teams and talent that opened up a few eyes at the Phenom Holiday Classic.  One player that caught some attention with his play was 2023 6’8 Kahlif Barnes with Piedmont Classical.  One of the focal pieces for his team, Barnes really showcased just how effective he can be on the floor and...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 4 at Phenom Holiday Classic (Part 2)

2023 Josh Bullock (Lake Norman Christian): Bullock may have had the performance of the day on Day 4, as he went off for 31 points in the in today.  His stock seems to be rising, as he has really elevated his play as a point guard.  His poise, his strength, his mentality on the floor… all make him very intriguing and when you add his offensive scoring output that he showed, Bullock is really...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 4 at Phenom Holiday Classic (Part 1)

2022 Niccolo Moretti (DME Academy): This being my second viewing of this young man, I’m starting to become a big fan of what he provides and how he operates on the court.  He may have the best vision and touch in finding his teammates at the event, delivering precise dimes to his teammates, showing a shifty game as a ball-handler, really plays at a great pace, and also can create his own...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 3 at Phenom Holiday Classic (Part 2)

2022 DJ Nix (Cannon): Even in a loss, Nix was incredibly productive and just seemed to be everywhere on the court. No matter where you put him, Nix was able to create havoc and simply produce. He showed his full arsenal, creating for himself, getting to the basket to score, knocking down shots on all levels, and getting on the boards.  He finished with 35 points and 12 rebounds, in one of...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 3 at Phenom Holiday Classic (Part 1)

2023 Riley Allenspach (Providence Day): The growth that we have seen in Allenspach has been impressive, as he continues to understand and use his body more and more to his advantage, while also becoming more fluid and stronger at his size.  One can see that he is becoming more active on his feet, as well as being active on the glass, and showing tremendous touch in the paint.  He...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Holiday Classic (Day 2, Part 2)

2025 John Lash (Charlotte Christian): Hard to believe that this young man is only a freshman, as he plays more like a veteran on the court.  Really like his size and his motor on the floor, being assertive on the boards but also plays with such poise and touch.  Great frame already for his age, has a smart IQ in how to score around opponents, and has good touch with his shot. 2022 Logan Blair...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Holiday Classic (Day 2, Part 1)

2022 Takai Simpkins (Liberty Heights): Takai came out strong and never let up with his attack and he continues to show he can score in a variety of ways.  He uses his body very well and has the ability to create for himself while getting to the rim but also showcased his perimeter game, knocking down multiple threes for his team. 2022 Tajuan Simpkins (Liberty Heights): The duo of the...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom Holiday Classic

2022 Marcus Kell (Legion Collegiate): I will have to say this, Western Carolina seems to have gotten them a steal, and can’t wait to see what he is able to do at the next level. Really tough to match up with a 6’8 prospect with one of the smoothest shots around, stepping in and showing his range, but also being effective in all areas and helping on the boards.  Simply uses his size to his...

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Phenom Spotlight: 2022 Jabare Perry (Cape Fear Christian)

We can say it now… Cape Fear Christian Academy is going to be a program you will want to watch and keep track of in North Carolina in the 1A Division. They have talent and a winning pedigree, led by their coaching staff. Phenom Hoops got a chance to watch them at the Holiday Classic recently and we saw several players of interest.

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Holiday Classic Rewind: Class of 2023/2024 Standouts

It was a great week of high school basketball in Rock Hill for Phenom Hoops, as the Phenom Holiday Classic was off the charts with terrific games and performances. We have continued our extensive coverage of our event but we wanted to run back through the list of players that captured our eyes from the event. Here are several names that left a lasting memory on us with their performance on the court. Check out the list below and start making yourself familiar with the names this season.

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Holiday Classic Rewind: Class of 2022 Standouts

It was a great week of high school basketball in Rock Hill for Phenom Hoops, as the Phenom Holiday Classic was off the charts with terrific games and performances. We have continued our extensive coverage of our event but we wanted to run back through the list of players that captured our eyes from the event. Here are several names that left a lasting memory on us with their performance on the court. Check out the list below and start making yourself familiar with the names this season.

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Holiday Classic Rewind: Class of 2021 Standouts

It was a great week of high school basketball in Rock Hill for Phenom Hoops, as the Phenom Holiday Classic was off the charts with terrific games and performances. We have continued our extensive coverage of our event but we wanted to run back through the list of players that captured our eyes from the event. Here are several names that left a lasting memory on us with their performance on the court. Check out the list below and start making yourself familiar with the names this season.

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Phenom Holiday Classic Player Spotlight: 2021 Bray Greer (Anderson Christian)

Some of the best times when watching as many games as we have at Phenom Hoops is finding that hidden gem on the court.  When you watch a new player and start to find out more information about him, there are players that make you scratch your head on why or how others aren’t talking more about him. One player that fits that picture was 2021 Bray Greer from Anderson Christian.  Greer is...

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Doing More with Less: Anderson Christian

The high school basketball scene is unique in each respective state, but very few programs have to battle quite like Anderson Christian. What is it that makes this program so strange? Well, they have a total of 192 students in their entire K-12 system, which only seems to make their abilities on the hardwood that much more impressive. When asked about this unusual circumstance, coach Josh Brown...

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