PORTER GAUD HOLIDAY CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
Storylines from Phenom Memorial Day Classic: Team Charlotte’s Lethal Shooting Trio
Given the restructuring of rosters throughout travel basketball, it has allowed Team Charlotte to quietly assemble one of the top shooting teams in the state. Between guys like Stephen Quinn, Joe Rhyne, and Mason Smith, it’s easy to see why. Starting with Quinn, who might be the top spot-up threat in the state. His combination of volume and consistency basically puts him in elite territory....
read more
Storylines from Phenom Memorial Day Classic: Nas Berry is Back to Full Health
After suffering a major injury, Nas Berry has made a full recovery and returned to the hardwood. He’s a skilled, well-rounded guard prospect with a strong frame and quality penetration sense. Berry possesses useful creation instincts, which allows him to reliably generate clean looks for himself and others off the bounce. He’s great at getting downhill in the open floor, making the correct read,...
read more
Storylines from Phenom Memorial Day Classic: John Lash is Wired Different
Although there were a ton of notable standouts on display at Phenom Hoops’ Memorial Day Classic, John Lash made a lasting impression with his unique approach to the game. Commonly known for his baseball ability, the 6-foot-5 power forward is a major difference-maker on the basketball court. Lash is tough as nails and displays a seemingly nonstop motor, which allows him to consistently outwork...
read more
Three Juniors Trending Upward from Phenom MDC
6’5 ’25 Tristan Thompson (Upward Stars) Though folks should already know about Thompson and his incredibly productive, low-maintenance identity, this past weekend was just another indicator of what he brings to a team. He’s a smart, skilled, versatile two-way wing/forward with the ability to consistently affect all facets of the game. Thompson can initiate the offense, create for himself and...
read more
Five Prospects Worthy of Attention from Phenom MDC
6’2 ’24 Stephen Quinn (Team Charlotte) Shooting will always have value, which means Quinn will always have value—given the fact that he’s easily among the best shooters in the Carolinas. He’s a knockdown threat off the catch from literally anywhere within thirty feet. Quinn heats up quickly, moves extremely well without the ball, and can extend his range beyond the volleyball line. He possesses...
read more
Five Notable Young Prospects from Phenom MDC
6’9 ’26 Cody Peck (CC Elite) There are plenty of high-upside prospects in the state of North Carolina, and it feels like Peck is deserving of more buzz. His physical appeal is obvious from a mere glance, but his skillset and ability to impact the game should also be turning heads. Peck is a long, fluid big man with an incredible blend of IQ, skill, athleticism, and timing. Despite his lack of...
read more
Five Offer-Worthy Performers from Phenom MDC
6’2 ’24 Will Olden (Carolina Pressure) The Carolina Pressure roster is a really cohesive group, and Olden is a huge reason why. He’s the best spot-up threat on the team and easily among the top shooters in South Carolina. Olden is a great off-ball mover with an understanding of how to consistently exploit openings within the opposing defense. Whether in the corners, wings, or at the top of the...
read more
Bendel’s Best: Memorial Day Classic
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center for our annual Memorial Day Classic. The event featured a ton of noteworthy teams and players, and quality competition could be found at every turn. As usual, this article will highlight a group of five personal favorites from the three-day stretch… 6’7 ’26 Cole Cloer (Team CP3) It’s typically uncommon to see an...
read more
POB’s Eye Catchers: Pangos Best of SoCal Showcase (Class of 2026 and 2027)
Kaiden Bailey (Courtesy: Dinos Trigonis) 2027 6’2 Wyatt Richmond: A skilled young prospect that helped lead the charge. He has good size early on at 6’2 and was able to make his presence felt in a variety of ways. Whether it was creating and getting in the paint, posting up and scoring in the post, or stretching the court with his outside game, Richmond showed a nice understanding and a strong...
read more
Saturday Standouts at Phenom Memorial Day Classic
6’7 ’25 Julian Johnson (Upward Stars Carolinas) Given the structure of this team, it’s easy to see the steady, yet clear progression of Johnson as a two-way big man. Regardless of setting or opponent, it seems like he improves with each viewing. He finishes well around the basket, effectively runs screening action, and rebounds his position well on both ends of the floor. Johnson also alters...
read more
Friday Standouts at Phenom Memorial Day Classic
6’1 ’25 Jake Benham (Mint Hill Lakers) Given his sheer level of involvement from start to finish, it would be impossible to ignore everything that Benham showcased in this contest. He absolutely caught fire in the opening minutes and never looked back, hitting one jumper after another, and posing a constant shooting threat with or without the ball in his hands. Benham possesses essentially...
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’1 Jaden Lyles
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
read more
A Closer Look: Carolina Pressure
6’6 Jayden Pretty Given the structure of this group, Pretty regularly stands out as a leader. He’s a skilled, strong-bodied big man with touch, footwork, and quality feel inside the paint. He finishes well around the basket, but can also knock down jumpers and make quality passes. Pretty does a great job of rebounding the ball on both ends, altering shots defensively, and running the floor in...
read more
A Closer Look: Upward Stars Carolinas
This group has an ample amount of talent throughout their roster, and it all starts with their complementary trio of guards in 6’1 ’24 Sincere Rasul, 6’0 ’24 Damani Day, and 6’1 ’24 Markiest Houston. Starting with Rasul, who is quick, heady, and excels in transition. He’s a quality penetrator with solid vision, finishing ability, and a reliable midrange pull-up. Rasul displays a nice change of...
read more
Five More Notable Young Prospect from G3 Showcase
6’6 ’26 Antwon Young (Next Level SC) It’s surprising how little it feels like folks are talking about Young, despite his ridiculous intrigue and array of enticing tools at such an early age. He’s a long, explosive, physically overwhelming wing/forward prospect with the ability to play inside the paint or along the perimeter. Young moves like a perimeter player, yet is strong enough to battle...
read more
Five Notable Young Prospects from G3 Showcase
6’8 ’26 Mark Caslaru (Next Level SC) If the common adage of “big men take longer to develop” rings true, then folks should be getting really excited about Caslaru and his overall trajectory. The 6-foot-8 post prospect already has the makings of a modern big man, displaying a notable blend of touch, perimeter shooting, and rim-protection ability. Caslaru understands how to anchor the paint,...
read more
Five College-Worthy Seniors from G3 Showcase
6’2 ’24 Stephen Quinn (Team Charlotte) Arguably the most lethal shooting threat in every building he enters, it’s pretty easy to see why Quinn would be an asset for various programs. While there are plenty of available shooters, very few possess the unlimited range, quick release, and sheer accuracy of someone like him. Quinn can reliably attack closeouts, make extra passes, and mix it up as...
read more
A Closer Look: Q6 All-Stars
5’10 ’24 Darkari Francis Francis is a steady floor general with IQ, vision, and a tight handle. He sets up the offense and offers sharp defensive prowess at the point of attack defensively. He communicates well, attacks the basket, and looks to make the right play whenever possible. Francis is a quality shooting threat with an understanding of how to conduct himself like a coach on the...
read more
Bendel’s Best: G3 Showcase
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Rock Hill, South Carolina for our annual G3 Showcase. The three-day event featured over 250 teams with highly competitive games and tons of talented prospects on display. There were countless subplots worth noting, but this article will take a closer look at five personal favorites from the last few days… 6’7 ’26 Trey Thompson (Tennessee Impact) Given...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom G3 Showcase
6’7 ’26 Trey Thompson (Tennessee Impact) There were so many impressive pieces for Tennessee Impact, which certainly includes Thompson and his highly advanced identity. Though young, he already clearly understands how to outperform his assignment and dominate a game in various different ways. Thompson is an excellent post-up option with a notable blend of IQ, touch, and footwork. He finishes with...
read more
Phenom Memorial Day Classic Previews: Upward Stars 3SSB
It probably goes without saying, but Upward Stars is among the top programs in the Carolinas. They do an exceptional job of keeping notable South Carolina prospects on their roster and consistently advancing kids to the next level. Over the last few years, guys like Julian Phillips, PJ Hall, Dillon Jones, and Bryce McGowans (among various others) were a few of the special players to emerge from...
read more
Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’7 Sergej Cvetkovic
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
read more
Coming Into His Own: Tarris Bouie
Each summer, we see various prospects taking the next step in their development process and elevating their game to another level. It’s a common theme that occurs every year, but it’s still exciting to follow which players are able to actually make the leap. Exchanging upside for ability isn’t a tangible thing, yet it’s something that can be viewed quite clearly by a spectator. Take someone like...
read more
Three Must-Offer Prospects in South Carolina’s Class of 2024
6’9 Brandon Crawford (Irmo/Upward Stars) After being one of the most tantalizing prospects in recent South Carolina history, the breakout campaign is finally happening for Brandon Crawford. Though he earned a few late offers, he recently announced that he’ll be going to Link Year Prep next season—where his recruitment will inevitably take off. Following our South Carolina Top 80 (where he was...
read more
Why Ari Fulton Should Be a Top Priority for Division I Coaches
It goes without saying, but the recruiting landscape has undergone some clear changes due to Covid. Fast-forward over three years later, and we are still dealing with a lot of the same issues. The fact of the matter is coaches value job security (understandably) above all else and the pressure to perform is higher than ever. College coaching has never been a picnic, but it’s certainly more...
read more
Consistent Leadership: Bishop Boswell
The travel ball season is a pivotal time for high school prospects. For most younger players, it serves as a litmus test to compare an individual’s game to their peers. On the other hand, upperclassmen are expected to utilize this time to showcase their capabilities and earn college opportunities for themselves. There’s a constant battle for scholarships and very few are being extended. However,...
read more
Prospect to Know: 6’4 ’24 Cameron McKinney
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina our second live period of the travel ball season. Between the competition and slew of prospects, it made for a pretty exciting weekend. Like normal, college coaches came through the various sites to watch players and see who will be the next to emerge as a potential target. Considering that most of their attention was focused on...
read more
National Prospects Emerging in North Carolina’s Class of 2026
Each year, national scouting services work to find and evaluate the next wave of young, up-and-coming high school prospects. Ranking kids as freshmen usually has no real basis, since there’s no conclusive way to determine all the variables that go into the process. Between mentality, work ethic, physical growth, and countless other dynamics, plenty of factors should be considered. That being...
read more
Prospect to Know: 6’3 ’24 Jaylon Bumpass
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina our second live period of the travel ball season. Between the competition and slew of prospects, it made for a pretty exciting weekend. Like normal, college coaches came through the various sites to watch players and see who will be the next to emerge as a potential target. Considering that most of their attention was focused on...
read more
Standout Performers at Phenom Hoops LIVE (Part Three)
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to the Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina for the second LIVE period of the travel ball season. Between the competition, college coaches, and talented prospects at every turn, there was plenty to enjoy. This article will take a closer look at some players who stood out with their play… 6’5 ’24 Carlos Vazquez (Team Loaded 336) Given how much he...
read more