PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
Phenom Hoops LIVE Recap: Start recognizing the talent with Upward Stars Carolinas 17u
Just because the LIVE period is over in April, doesn’t mean that Phenom Hoops is stopping their coverage, as we are bringing you a ton of post-event coverage as well throughout the coming weeks. Let’s dive into a few players and teams that we saw at the event, as we shed light on players that performed well throughout. Upward Stars Carolinas 17u This is a team that I believe deserves more...
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Muse’s Top 5 from Phenom Hoops LIVE
2024 Alex Atkinson Jr. (Upward Stars Columbia) Alex Atkinson Jr. is a long and athletic big man. He has great touch around the rim and can stretch the defense out with his jump shot. This weekend he showed a lot of toughness and was about to rebound the basketball. Atkinson Jr. can also protect the rim and his stock is rising in the class of 2024 this summer. 2024 Derrick Green (Team Wall)...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Challenge (Part 3)
2023 Ka’leel Stillman (SE Elite Gold 2024): Stillman was a new name for us at Phenom Hoops, but he had a lot of buzz surrounding him and his play. Hard to find a player at his size, but he also showcased his touch and feel around the paint, how strong he can be in finishing at the rim, he runs the floor extremely well, and makes his mark on the boards. Stillman really impressed and should...
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POB’s Eye Catchers on Day 1 at Phenom Challenge (Part 1)
2024 Mason Hagedorn (Combine AAU): Hagedorn was certainly a player we had our eyes on coming into the event and he didn’t disappoint on Day 1 at the Phenom Challenge. Hagedorn started out a little slow in the first half, but scored 22 of his 30 points in the second as he led the charge. The 6’10 forward was able to show his ability to not only make his mark down in the paint, but also be that...
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Phenom Game Report: Chambers at North Meck
It was a conference battle between two of the top teams in the state, as Chambers hit the road to take on North Meck. Round 1 was off the charts, and Game 2 brought a packed house. Early on, it was more of a defensive battle for each team, as Chambers was able to get out to a narrow 11-9 lead at the end of the first. 2024 Jordan Patton was the one leading the charge with seven early points,...
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Put On the Radar: Phenom New Year’s Bash
2023 Tim Hall (Westminster Catawba): One of the most memorable performances at the event was how dominant 2023 Tim Hall Jr. was, putting up an impressive 31-point, 15-rebound showing in a tough loss. Hall was simply unstoppable throughout the game, using his size, showing his athleticism, and his overall impact on both sides. Hall seems to be going under the radar, as when you dive...
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Phenom Open Gym: JL Chambers High School
Phenom Open Gym: Chambers High School Last season, JL Chambers went 22-7 before losing 58-56 to eventual NCHSAA 4A state champion, Weddington High School. From the outside looking in, many basketball pundits may not have high expectations for Coach Brian Frasier’s team. 6’2 Jaylen Curry transferred after averaging almost a “double-double” of 16.6 PPG and 9.1 APG. 6’8 All-Conference Player of the...
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Reece’s Standouts: Phenom Summer Finale (Day 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2026 Latrell Allmond (Carolina Heights)I’ve heard the name a lot and finally got a viewing for myself, there’s no doubt he’s the real deal. Big guys that move like him just don’t come around often. He’s got an unnatural mobility and handle that when combined with his natural feel for things, allows him to casually dominate. He’s got the strength and touch inside to be a high...
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Expected Breakouts in North Carolina High School Basketball
Each year, the grassroots basketball scene shifts from travel ball to the high school season. College coaches have been out for months, seen countless kids, and should be in pursuit of their priority-level prospects. That being said, there are plenty of players whose ability don’t match their recruitment. Sure, most rising juniors aren’t receiving a ton of offers right now. However, given the...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)
2023 Ryan Steger (GATA): Steger came out red hot to start his day, really lighting it up from deep. He dropped eight 3-pointers to lead his team to an early victory, really showing his confidence and smooth shot-making with range. A confident shooter that made several tough shots in rhythm. An impressive showing, as he finished with 26 points to start the day. 2025 Nikayle Hodge (Team EAT):...
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Dawkins’ Standouts on Day 2 of Phenom March Madness
By; DeAjai Dawkins 2023 Horaces Jacques (Upward Stars Select 17U). One of my favorite players of the day, Horaces Jacques separated himself as one of the best guards I watched this weekend. Jacques is a respectable downhill threat attacking at his own pace and while keeping his head on a swivel. While his facilitation will continue to benefit from improvement, I believe Jacques can be...
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Game Report: Chambers vs Myers Park
On Tuesday night, we had the pleasure of watching one of the top public school matchups in the state as Julius L. Chambers hosted Myers Park. In the first half, Chambers jumped out to a double-digit lead. Their defensive pressure was key in this run as they were able to force turnovers that led to easy baskets on the offensive end. At one point the lead got up to 18 points, as Chambers’...
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Phenom Open Gym Tour: JL Chambers
Phenom Hoops continues their road trip around the region, this time checking in on a very talented group in Charlotte and certainly one that has big aspirations coming into the season. We traveled out to check out the talent JL Chambers had and there was plenty to go around. 2022 Daniel Sanford looks to be the leader once again for this squad, as the senior is a known prospect around the state...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Day 2 at Phenom MDC (Part 1)
By; DeAjai Dawkins 6’6 2025 Hayden Assemian (Upward Stars 15U Fagan) Hayden is an impressive big man prospect with good hands and a soft touch around the rim. He rebounds at a high level and has shown the ability to score with an array of low-post moves. Hayden is a tough cover for a defender in general, especially one giving up size. I expect Hayden to experience a very successful high school...
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Dawkins’ Standouts: Day 1 at Phenom Stay Positive (Part 2)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 5’7 2025 Q Williams (Team CP3 2025)I want to start by simply saying, Q Williams is the most skillful 2025 lead guard I’ve seen in North Carolina’s 2025 class. I believe that it shouldn’t take longer than 3 full offensive possessions for you to see key differences in the IQ of Williams in comparison to his peers. Winning plays come second nature for...
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Queen City Showcase Team Preview: Elite 1
The Queen City Showcase in Rock Hill this weekend is going to be off the charts. With talent all on the floor, livestreams streaming the games, and a ton of coverage from Phenom Hoops, this is going to be one of the best events to start the travel ball season. That is why we wanted to get a leg up on it, as we spoke to several coaches that will be bringing their teams to South Carolina...
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