PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
POB’s Eye Catchers from Rare Fall League
2025 Gevonte Ware (1of1): After not getting a chance to play much of the summer, it was great to see the young big man back in action and he looked strong. Ware was a dominant fixture down in the paint, back to where we saw him before. He was strong in the post and with his back to the basket, has strong hands and touch around the basket, and is an absolute monster on the boards. Ware was all...
read more
Reece’s Standouts: Triad Blue Chip Fall League (West Division Week 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2023 Adam Hege (Surry Central)If you’re looking for the textbook example of a point guard, you should see the way Adam plays the position. He was a brilliant game manager that played a major catalyst in orchestrating everything they did and didn’t even have to score to leave his impact. He handled the pressure, scrappily defended, and consistently set up the offense for proper...
read more
POB’s Eye Catchers: Ron Massey Memorial (Day 1)
2023 6’3 LaQwon Cole (Bishop Montgomery): Really liked what I saw out Cole. He seemed to have his hand in a little bit of everything, whether it was pushing the break or helping run the offense, get his teammates involved and making smart decisions, not forcing much and making nice reads, but also being able to get to his spots to be a threat from outside. A nice piece that played hard and...
read more
Carmel Christian Tip-Off ABSOLUTELY loaded with talent once again (Nov. 11-12)
When it comes to high school basketball in North Carolina, there is only one way to kick off the season and that is with Phenom Hoops at the Carmel Christian Tip-Off. Year after year, it has started the season in a big way here in North Carolina and is one of the top events nationally year after year. Well, this upcoming event will be no different as it will be loaded with some of the top teams...
read more
New Faces to Learn: 2026 Jason Johnson Jr. (Cretin Derham Hall)
Player: Jason Johnson Jr.Class: 2026Height: 5’10High School: Cretin Derham HallAAU: Minnesota Spartans Elite Phenom Hoops continues to bring you new names that you will want to get to know sooner rather than later. We had a chance to view several incoming freshmen at the CP3 Rising Stars and we are bringing you another name to remember. 2026 Jason Johnson Jr. from Minnesota is a young...
read more
New Faces to Learn: 2026 6’3 Desmond Bellot Jr. (Cats Academy)
Name: Desmond Bellot Jr.Class: 2026Height: 6’3High School: Cats AcademyAAU: Expressions Elite Phenom Hoops continues to bring you new names that you will want to get to know sooner rather than later. We had a chance to view several incoming freshmen at the CP3 Rising Stars and we are bringing you another name to remember. 2026 Desmond Bellot is a 6’3 guard that really showcased his ability to...
read more
The Makings of an Elite Big Man: Kosi Mgbejiofor
Evaluating young, developing players is an incredibly unique process filled with tons of intriguing variables. There can be some difficulty in distinguishing the difference between those who are great right now and those who will be great. It’s easy to see what players are capable of dominating a game amongst their middle-school peers, but how do they project forward? Will they...
read more
2025 Hudson Greer opens more eyes at CP3 Rising Stars Camp
Phenom Hoops continues their coverage from the CP3 Rising Stars camp, and a new player that quickly caught our eyes and several other scouts on deck was 2025 6’7 Hudson Greer from Texas. The long, lengthy prospect was able to really show his impact in a variety of ways, displaying confidence with his outside game and knocking down shots, or putting it on the deck, creating for himself and...
read more
2026 Ashton Pierce looking poised to make a statement this upcoming season
Ashton Pierce You probably have been seeing us at Phenom Hoops role out some tremendous content from the CP3 Rising Stars camp and we will continue to do so for quite some time, as it was a great opportunity to watch the future talents all on a big stage. Many names were familiar but there were tons of new names that also caught our eyes. But there was one player in our own backyard that...
read more
Notable Players to Monitor in North Carolina’s Class of 2026
Each year, the CP3 Rising Stars Camp manages to assemble an incredible collection of talented young prospects to compete at the prestigious event. The Carolina’s always bring heavy representation and this year was no different, as there were 18 rising freshmen (2026) and 20 rising sophomores (2025). After highlighting those who made the “Top 20” roster for each class, we will now take a closer...
read more
Complete List of South Carolina Prospects at CP3 Rising Stars Camp
2025 6’0 ’25 TyQuan McDuffie (Gray Collegiate) 6’4 ’25 Jordan Watford (Lancaster) 6’5 ’25 Zeke Marshall (Westside) 6’7 ’25 Evan Enos (Byrnes) 6’3 ’25 Lamont Britt (Gray Collegiate) 2026 5’9 ’26 Mike Jones (Indian Land) 6’2 ’26 Korie Corbett Jr. (Ridge View) 6’2 ’26 Daytron Cockfield (Westwood) 6’7 ’26 Tre Raymon (South Pointe) 6’7 ’26 Elton James (Legion Collegiate) 6’7 ’26 Elton Smith Jr....
read more
Complete List of North Carolina Prospects at CP3 Rising Stars Camp
2025 5’10 ’25 Kendall Lanier (Apex Friendship) 5’9 ’25 Nikayle Hodge (Palisades) 5’8 ’25 Ghabrial Scott (Garner) 6’2 ’25 Trevor Best (Word of God) 5’10 ’25 Izayah McLaughlin (Ardrey Kell) 6’1 ’25 DeVaughn Brown (Trinity Christian) 6’1 ’25 TayShawn Mann (Ben L. Smith) 6’7 ’25 Sadiq White (Myers Park) 6’5 ’25 Colin Peck (Providence) 6’5 ’25 Christian Wilkins (1 of 1) 6’7 ’25 Isaac...
read more
2026 6’7 AJ Dybantsa Jr. proved himself on the big stage
Player: Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr.Class: 2026Height: 6’7School: St. Sebastian’s School (Massachusetts)AAU: Expressions Elite Getting a chance to head out to the CP3 Rising Stars Camp once again, Phenom Hoops had another chance to check out some of the rising talents that will be entering the high school level as an incoming freshman. The field was loaded, and you could feel the buzz early on with...
read more
2025 Zion Collins (Word of God) ready to remind everyone about his game
2025 Zion Collins has proven already to be one of the top players in his class for the state of North Carolina and if you have watched his game in the past, you can see that there is no lack of talent in his game. Unfortunately, Collins has had to miss some time on the court for quite some time now but he is now ready to show and remind everyone just what he can do. Phenom Hoops had a...
read more
The Carolina’s Class of 2025: CP3 Rising Stars Top 20
After months and months of travel ball, camp season is finally upon us. Although our (Phenom Hoops) camps don’t start until September, there’s no better way to kick things off than the prestigious CP3 Rising Stars Camp. It’s widely regarded as the top collection of talent among rising young prospects throughout the country (since they started doing multiple classes last August). Each year, the...
read more
The Carolina’s Class of 2026: CP3 Rising Stars Top 20
After months and months of travel ball, camp season is finally upon us. Although our (Phenom Hoops) camps don’t start until September, there’s no better way to kick things off than the prestigious CP3 Rising Stars Camp. It’s widely regarded as the top collection of talent among rising freshmen throughout the country. Each year, the event hosts a slew of eventual pros (with even more former NBA...
read more
Under-The-Radar Names for College Coaches
5’10 ’23 Corey Gaines (Team Relentless) Between his time at Chambers and Gaston Christian, folks should already know about Gaines and everything he brings to the table. He’s a tough, scrappy, high-motor guard prospect who hits jumpers at a high clip and understands how to effectively set the tone on both ends of the floor. Gaines clearly stood out as a leader for this group, dictating the...
read more
In a League of His Own: Grant Hamilton
The state of North Carolina is seemingly always loaded with a ton of quality three-point shooters—and this year is no different. Even though the most recent graduating class had guys like Donovan Atwell, Michael Zanoni, Jackson Holt, Cole Sinclair (and various others), new players have quickly emerged to take the reins. Although there are so many noteworthy names within this category, it feels...
read more
Why College Coaches Should Pursue Bobby Cannon
About five years ago, David Boyden passed down advice from one of his former mentors, saying, “big men generally take longer to develop.” The more we discussed, the more he elaborated on timing, coordination, strength training, and various other variables that went into the growth process. Everything he said was true, yet so many people still expect these big men to be ready for college way...
read more
Bendel’s Best: Summer Finale
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Rock Hill, South Carolina for our final travel ball event of the summer season. The Summer Finale featured a slew of highly talented players (most of whom played with new/local/random teams), which made for an extremely entertaining weekend of basketball. Effort and motivation are always going to determine how enjoyable the actual competition is...
read more
Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Finale
6’4 ’24 Desmond Kent (Crossover Elite) Although there were numerous contributors for Crossover Elite, Kent really shined as a leader on both ends of the floor. He’s long, mobile, and fairly skilled, but truly just beginning to harness his long-term upside. Kent is a steady rebounder, quality finisher, reliable shot-altering presence who runs the floor well and can knock down jumpers at a...
read more
POB’s Notes and Thoughts: Axe Euro Tour (California Club vs. Hoopsfix)
We continue to track and watch prospects from all around the country, this time tuning in to Axe Euro Tour which brought the CBC (California Basketball Club) against Hoopsfix. Getting a chance to watch a variety of all ages, here are some of the notes that we took about what we saw, as Hoopsfix was able to secure the 81-74 victory over California Club. 2023 Sultan Adewale has been strong...
read more
Summer Finale Team Previews: NC Spartans Haidinger
5’9 Riggs Handy Regardless of departures or overall roster turnover, Handy remains the top shooter on the roster. He’s undersized but effortlessly fills it up from beyond the arc. Handy doesn’t require the ball to make his presence felt, as his lethal spot-up ability forces opponents to stay attached at all times. He possesses a rapid release and only needs a slight glimmer of daylight to get...
read more
What Was Said: GYBC All-American Camp Session 2
By: DeAjai Dawkins 5’11 2027 Ellie Oliver showcases a game that I believe could quickly adjust to high school in a year’s time. The rising 8th grader makes great use of her strength when attacking off the bounce. 5’7 2027 Amaya Barnes has been impressive in Skill Session 2. Showing an advanced handle for a rising 8th grader, fluid midrange pull up, and capable of taking defenders to the rim off...
read more
What Was Said: GYBC All-American Camp Session 1
When watching 2028 5’10 Justice Alexander, you can see that this is a prospect to really watch for. Great young size, fluid, and moves well in the paint to score over defenders. Versatile on the floor. Remember her name NC! 2026 5’10 Jaiden Thompson has an impressive feel down in the paint. Really like her feel and touch around the basket. Though one of the younger prospects at the...
read more
July Breakout Performers in North Carolina
The month of July is finally concluding, which should provide these young players with an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from days of nonstop basketball. Given the significance of the actual month, we decided to take a closer look at some of the breakout performers from the last few weeks. Obviously, we can only speak on what we have seen, so the names listed will be based on their...
read more
What Was Said from Day 2 at Phenom America National Camp (Part 2)
2026 Teyjaun Carter (Sacramento, CA) plays with a good IQ as a rising freshman. Creates well for himself as well as others and attacked in transition.2025 Marques Romeo (Richmond Hill) caught my eyes with his play. Brings versatility, has a long frame, and can impact the game in a variety of ways as well. Good feel for the game.I enjoyed watching 2025 Jake Mangio (North Massapequa, NY) running...
read more
What Was Said from Day 2 at Phenom America National Camp
2031 Jalen Sanchez (Odessa, TX) plays hard on both ends of the court. Has really come in and competed, making good plays and love his team mentality.The brothers of 2029 Marcel O’Quinn and 2031 Maxwell O’Quinn (El Segundo, CA) really have impressed. Always looking up, making strong passes, seeing the floor, and showing their ability to make plays.2029 Kieth Aries Labunog (Stockton,...
read more
POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom America National Camp (San Diego, CA)
Yoshi Nimmo 2030 Tanner Morgan (Atlanta, GA) is a young prospect to keep an eye on. A quick guard, very skilled for his age, sees the floor, explosive and shifty with the ball in his hands, and is such a playmaker as well as scorer. 2031 Amarion Stone (Sacramento, CA) is a young prospect that grabbed my attention. Advanced skillset at his age, made several plays with the ball, read the floor...
read more
Top July Performers in North Carolina’s Class of 2025 (Part Two)
The month of July is finally concluding, which should provide these young players with an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from days of nonstop basketball. Given the significance of the actual month, we decided to take a closer look at some of the top standouts from each class. Obviously, we can only speak on what we have seen, so the names listed will be based on their performances at...
read more