SC PHENOM 150 EVENT RECAPS
Phenom Spotlight: 2023 Brandon Jennings (Prince George HS, VA)
There is so much to be excited about when watching Brandon Jennings play. His quickness, length, and athleticism. His ball-handling skills and shiftiness, his fluid stroke and scoring instincts, and his creativity scoring around the basket. He is a talented and skilled prospect and has the ability to make the difficult look routine!
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“Getting to Know” 6’1 2022 Xzavier Thaggard
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
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“Getting to Know” 6’1 2023 Quentin Houston
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
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Getting to Know: 2024 6’1 Jahleel Jackson (Potomac School)
It is always fun to learn about new players around the region and 2024 6’1 Jahleel Jackson is one that many more might want to start taking notice of. He captured some eyes recently at the Phenom 757 Showcase and seems to be on the right track with college coaches, securing some early offers his way.
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Phenom Spotlight: 2023 Logan Suber (Riverbend HS, VA)
Logan Suber is a true floor general in every sense! He has a high IQ and is a vocal point guard who is one of the best facilitators and passers in his class throughout the state. He’s a coach on the floor whose game management skills and court awareness combine with natural leadership qualities.
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Is Zion Collins the Missing Piece for Winston-Salem Christian?
Last summer, Coach Antonio Lowe shook the grassroots scene upon making his announcement to leave Moravian Prep and return to his former stomping grounds by joining Winston-Salem Christian. He kept guys like Tavis Bridges, Jordan Wildy, Brayden Crump, and Amare Haynie (who was sidelined with an injury), but also made considerable additions. Upon adding Daniel Nixon, Quante Berry, Christ...
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Wingate Secures a Gem in Sasha Letino
On Sunday, The Rock School (FL) and NLPB 803 forward/big man Sasha Letino committed to Wingate over various other Division I and II programs. After watching him closely and covering him extensively over the last few years, Phenom Hoops decided to sit down and ask about what ultimately went into his decision. Let’s take a closer look… PH: Talk about your journey and everything that went...
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Battling Adversity: Amare Miller Secures First Division I Offer
The game of basketball has easily become the most popular sport in America, as evidenced by the revenue, professional salaries, and mass number of kids suiting up each year. Despite football gaining a reputation as the most dangerous sport, basketball actually has the most injuries on a yearly basis (proven by a study in 2020). The amount of running, jumping, and general contact (with lack of...
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Phenom Spotlight: 2022 Tyler Gettings (Hopewell/ Charlotte Aces)
Player: Tyler GettingsClass: 2022Height: 6’4School: HopewellAAU: Charlotte Aces All throughout the past months, Phenom Hoops got a glimpse of players that will certainly be playing at the next level but it also gave us a glimpse of players that are going under the radar. One of those players that caught our eyes on several occasions was 2022 6’4 Tyler Gettings with the Charlotte Aces. Gettings...
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Bendel’s Best: Summer Grind
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina to conclude the month of July with our annual Summer Grind. While the vast majority of programs are utilizing this period to rest and recover, there were still plenty of guys who couldn’t resist another weekend of competition. Although not with their normal teams, there was still a...
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Phenom Spotlight: 2024 6’9 Erich Harding (Westminster Catawba)
Player: Erich HardingClass: 2024Height: 6’9School: Westminster Catawba Each event, it seems that we come away with a name to really start monitoring more, and one young prospect that attracted my eyes was 2024 Erich Harding from Westminster Catawba. Harding brings a really good frame and skillset to the table, and it seems that he continues to take the next steps as a player. Our very own...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Grind
5’9 ’23 Jake Baker (Carolina Riptide) Although the Riptide consistently stands out as one of the more balanced squads on display, Baker absolutely erupted for a scoring explosion in this contest. He always finds opportunities through his quality defense and willingness to make hustle plays, but seemed to convert anything he attempted. Baker hit spot-up jumpers, attacked closeouts, and finished...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Summer Grind
6’2 ’25 Jerron Blackwell (Charlotte Nation) Despite not playing with his usual group, Blackwell still found ways to stand out and operate as a leader for this squad. He’s smart, poised, and extremely mature, especially at this stage in his development. Blackwell is a reliable scorer with a well-rounded skillset, but doesn’t even need to chase point totals in order to make a consistent impact....
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NBA Draft Coverage: Grades and Analysis (Picks 21-60)
(#21) Los Angeles Clippers Selection: Keon Johnson (Tennessee) Grade: D Although folks have been consistently bullish on Johnson since the start of the college season, it’s unclear as to why. He’s a quality athlete but simply has glaring deficiencies within his game to warrant such a lofty draft position. While there isn’t any who stands as an obvious pick here, it’ll be interesting to see if...
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NBA Draft Coverage: Grades and Analysis (Picks 11-20)
(#11) Charlotte Hornets Selection: James Bouknight (UConn) Grade: B Like multiple others taken in the top ten, Bouknight steadily climbed draft boards throughout the last six months. The general public seems pretty excited about the dynamic pairing of Bouknight and Lamelo Ball, and rightfully so. Although he’s not a reliable shooter, the UConn product’s ability to hit jumpers in workouts left...
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NBA Draft Coverage: Grades and Analysis (Picks 1-10)
(#1) Detroit Pistons Selection: Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State) Grade: A It’s unclear why Detroit showed any motivation to move this pick, as Cunningham is about as safe as anyone in this draft. His IQ, size, and complete skillset brings obvious appeal to any NBA franchise in hopes of quickly turning things around. While he certainly does have All-Star potential, there is value in knowing that,...
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Sleepers for the 2021 NBA Draft: Part Two
With the 2021 NBA Draft set to kick off in mere hours, we decided it would be advantageous to look at some potentially undervalued prospects set to start their journey in the League. There are players on this list currently climbing draft boards and projected to get drafted in the lottery—so technically not every prospect actually classifies as a “sleeper.” However, the bigger emphasis is on...
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Sleepers for the 2021 NBA Draft: Part One
With the 2021 NBA Draft set to kick off in mere hours, we decided it would be advantageous to look at some potentially undervalued prospects set to start their journey in the League. There are players on this list currently climbing draft boards and projected to get drafted in the lottery—so technically not every prospect actually classifies as a “sleeper.” However, the bigger emphasis...
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Getting to Know: 2022 Matthew Knafelz
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
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“Getting to Know” 6’2 2022 Jah Saigo
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
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July Live Period Superlatives: Part Three
Best Defender: 6’0 ’22 Mustapha Shah 6’4 ’22 Elijah Burnett 6’3 ’22 Amari Pearson Although Burnett and Pearson are legitimately phenomenal defenders, Shah’s unique ability to mirror opponents through a combination of strength, quickness, and anticipation makes him an absolute terror defensively. He plays with a high motor and gets involved in the offensive action whenever necessary, but truly...
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July Live Period Superlatives: Part Two
Although there has been a ton of excitement swirling throughout the last few months, July is finally coming to an end. Between the NCHSAA/NCISAA events in June and the consecutive live periods across July, all levels of coaches have been traveling, evaluating, and establishing relationships with these prospects. Excluding the lone period in July, we will take a closer look at a slew of players...
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July Live Period Superlatives: Part One
Although there has been a ton of excitement swirling throughout the last few months, July is finally coming to an end. Between the NCHSAA/NCISAA events in June and the consecutive live periods across July, all levels of coaches have been traveling, evaluating, and establishing relationships with these prospects. Excluding the lone period in July, we will take a closer look at a slew of players...
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Dre’Shaun Brown Calls it for St. Augustine
On Sunday, Piedmont Classical and NC Gaters guard Dre’Shaun Brown committed to St. Augustine over various other Division II and III programs. After watching him closely and covering him extensively over the last few years, Phenom Hoops decided to sit down and ask about what ultimately went into his decision. Let’s take a closer look… PH: Talk about your journey and everything that went into this...
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Balance Continuing to Pay Dividends for Big Shots Winston
This past weekend, Big Shots Winston-Salem made the short trip out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Advance, North Carolina to wrap up their final live period and conclude the month of July. Regardless of opponent, this group has found ways to compete with anyone in their path over the last four months. Their talent, chemistry, unselfish approach, and ability to hurt opponents in a variety of...
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Bendel’s Best: Hardwood Classic
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted two separate events (Advance and Rock Hill) to wrap up the final live period and begin concluding the busy month of July. Folks were constantly buzzing about the amount of sheer talent on display in Rock Hill, but there was still more than enough appeal for various college coaches to make the trip to Advance. Programs of all levels came through the Rise...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Hardwood Classic
6’6 ’22 Max Bullard (New Light Disciples) Although the New Light Disciples continue to be extremely balanced, Bullard has already found a ton of opportunities as the newest addition to this roster. He’s long, skilled, and athletic with a fairly well-rounded identity on both ends of the floor. Bullard displays IQ, toughness, and regular flashes of versatility. He’s a quality defender, rebounder,...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Hardwood Classic (Day 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2025 Andreas Kazanos (PSB Cassada)Andreas came to play in a high caliber matchup against a well coached SWV Hustle. He started the game out hot and never looked back, knocking down big shot after shot in a back and forth game. Finished with 25 off 7 threes but is ideally a crafty PG, as he ran the offense and controlled the pace of the game. Finished off with a...
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“Getting to Know” 6’0 2022 Neeko Taylor
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
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“Getting to Know” 6’4 2022 Dontavious Pettaway
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
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