PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS

Elevating their Game: 2025 NC Stockrisers

The Class of 2025 here in North Carolina is certainly interesting and is developing quite nicely, but there are a few guys that have stuck out in my head so far this season with their play. They have elevated their play and, in my eyes, have seen their stock rise since the start of the season. Again, this is purely in the eyes of the writer and has nothing to do with rankings. But here are a few...

read more

POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Holiday Classic

2025 KJ Younger (Weddington): Talk about a breakout-type showing at the Holiday Classic for many who haven’t watched him, but he has been doing this all season long so far for Weddington. We wrote about him more as of late, but he continued to shine throughout as he may have been the best player throughout the event.  Younger brings such physicality and demand to the court, as he is assertive,...

read more

2025 KJ Younger (Weddington) Having a Breakout Season

Player: KJ YoungerClass: 2025Height: 6’5School: Weddington Every single year, there are players that one can consider as a “breakout” player and boy, do we have one for you that should start garnering more interest from college programs. 2025 6’5 KJ Younger has been having a tremendous season at Weddington, putting up impressive numbers. So far, averaging nearly 23 points and nine rebounds per...

read more

A Duo to Watch Out for at Weddington

The Hoop State Fall League gives us a great chance at Phenom Hoops to get an early look at several teams early on, and we are looking to dive into a bit of what we have seen on the court. Weddington is a very well-known program around the state of North Carolina, as they have produced some strong talent over the years as well as racked up plenty of wins.  But I believe there is a new duo...

read more

Five Under-The-Radar Prospects from Phenom Summer Finale

5'11 '25 Cam'ren Reyes (Team Raiders) Having a reliable, team-oriented floor general has become somewhat of a luxury in the current high school landscape, which is why it's so easy to appreciate everything Reyes brings to the table. His identity is a tough, intelligent point guard with pace, toughness, and excellent balance between scoring and playmaking. Reyes controls the tempo in a very...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Coach Rick’s TOC (Part 1)

2024 Cal Barrett (NC Spartans Liles): Barrett is a 6'9 prospect that can be effective and used in a variety of ways on the court.' He operates very well in pick-and-pop situations, knocking down mid-range and stepping out behind the arc. But with his size as well, he can be a nice presence in the paint and on the boards.' An underrated talent to look at more in my opinion. 2026 Sam Quebedeaux...

read more

Don't Overlook Weddington this Season

We continue to cover this past week's Phenom high school team camp, as we had a great opportunity to get an early view of teams and what they may be bringing to the table this upcoming season.  This time, we dive into a storied program that has enjoyed tremendous success over the past several years, and they certainly won't be a team to sleep on this upcoming season again.' There is a lot...

read more

Reece's Standouts: Phenom Team Camp (Day 1)

2026 James Minlend (Harrisburg Hornets) Not many guys have the array of options to choose from with their attack at this age like James. The obvious appeal is in his length, as it opens up so much more of his capabilities, particularly with his controlled extension around the rim. Built like a longer wing but running the show and making the majority of management decisions, James has a favorable...

read more

Cooper's Notes: Phenom Team Camp Day 1

By: Cooper Hart 5'11' '25 Drew Johnson (Jordan) Johnson acted as the secondary ball handler for Jordan and impressed with his ability to create shots for himself as well as his teammates. He was poised when facing pressure, almost seeming to thrive off high defenses as he consistently leveraged that positioning into paint touches and open looks for his team. He has a real future as a shot maker,...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Team Camp (Day 1, Part 2)

2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian): Not sure what else there is to say about Newman's game that already hasn't been said; he is a young point guard that simply understands the game at a high level.' Love his IQ and feel, he is tremendous in running the offense but also showing more of his ability to be an incredible offensive weapon. Has really flourished as a player and should be getting a...

read more

Reece’s Rundown: Post LIVE Periods (Part 2)

By: Ethan Reece Now that we're through March, April, and two Live Periods, there's a lot to unpack and look back on. Who's made an impression and who are important names to start tracking as we head into the summer' There's so much to note after the first two months of the travel season, so here are some of my takeaways from Phenom's spring events. Team Hope Gripper's Depth and Balance You can...

read more

Leaving an Impression: Phenom Grassroots TOC

2026 Nick Arnold (Team Charlotte): Walking away from the event, Arnold was one that left a lasting impression on our scouts with his stellar play throughout.  The 2026 point guard, who is one we have watched countless times, has seemed to take his game to another level; he looked stronger, more assertive as a guard, and is taking his offensive game to another level. He was assertive, got...

read more

Reece's Standouts: Phenom Grassroots TOC (Day 2)

by: Ethan Reece 2025 KJ Younger (Team Hope) There might not be a player at this event more responsible for offensive production that KJ. He has a consistently high scoring output that blends his overwhelming athleticism with deceiving finely tuned skills for a guy of his build and motor. Although he could with still noteworthy results, he doesn't rely on his athleticism to do the work for him....

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Grassroots TOC (Part 1)

2025 KJ Younger (Team HOPE): Younger has been a name that continues to pop up for me and I'm eager to see what his summer could be like; he could be in for a breakout-type season.' Younger though continues to showcase what he has always done, being that physical presence in scoring through defenders but also showing a well-rounded skillset.' He is able to really impact the game in a variety of...

read more

Reece's Standouts: Hoop State League (Week 2: West Division)

By; Ethan Reece 2023 Carlos Luis (Combine Regional)What impressed me with Carlos' play was his effectiveness to get where he wanted and use his size to play at his own pace. He has the blend of inside out play that matches the style of today's game, being able to operate on the block with quality footwork and pose a threat outside with his shot or comfortable ability to put his shoulder down and...

read more

Stepping Up More: Class of 2025 from #HoopStateLeague (Week 1)

2025 Miles Leaks (Piedmont): Leaks is a name that we have mentioned quite a few times after this and we are going to continue to mention more. We have spoken plenty about his game and if you missed it, you can check out our article earlier this week here (Click Here). But Leaks showed poise in running the show, showed flashes of his vision and playmaking ability, and looks to clearly be the...

read more

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,...

read more