STAY POSITIVE CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
Phenom Player Spotlight: 2023 Justin Bass (Kecoughtan HS, VA)
Justin is an exceptional athlete! A tough, hard-nosed competitor who brings great energy and effort on both ends of the floor.
read more
What Does Tristin Harkins to Cape Fear Christian Mean?
Opportunity is one of the most surefire methods for determining how effective a player can be, both in the present day and into the future. With public schools having uncertainty about games or outright cancelling their season, guys like Tristin Harkins are strapped in terms of options. However, the guard prospect recently made his move from Pine Forest to Cape Fear Christian Academy, and it...
read more
Ian Thomson Calls it for Anderson
For years, there has been an overlooked amount of basketball talent within the Palmetto State of South Carolina. Their top grouping usually receives a quality amount of attention while the majority of the class gets brushed aside. Think of someone like Cooper Fowler, who folks watched and acknowledged overwhelming opponents—only to get scooped up late by Lenoir-Rhyne. Each class possesses guys...
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2022 6’4 Jacob Dar (Freedom Christian)
Phenom Hoops got their first glimpse at Freedom Christian at the Phenom November Classic, as it gave us a chance to watch a few new names that will be looking to make a name for themselves this season. One player of interest was 2022 6'4 Jacob Dar.
read more
Freshman Watch: 2024 6’8 Michael Marcus Jr. (Covenant Day)
A new year in high school basketball brings new names to the court around the region. Several freshmen will be quickly making a name for themselves this season and one big that we got a chance to see at our Phenom All-American Camp and then again recently in a game, 2024 6’8 Michael Marcus Jr. is one to start learning and watching.
read more
Amari Odom: A Rising Star
While basketball is a game surrounded by circumstance, there are dozens of outside variables that can ultimately sway or determine how a player will progress. Genetics are a promising factor, especially for those with tall/athletic parents, which is part of what makes someone like Amari Odom a can’t-miss prospect. His mother, Trisha Stafford-Odom, was a former WNBA player and the current head...
read more
Is Jamal Townsend a Top Prospect in the Class of 2023?
Most folks (non-parents) tend to enter a travel ball event and typically gravitate towards the oldest age group or “whoever is on the main court.” While there is nothing wrong with this situation, there is arguably more value in finding out who will be the next noteworthy prospect on the 14U and 15U courts. Coincidentally, that’s where Jamal Townsend and Team Trezz could be found dominating a...
read more
Unsung Heroes: Evan Ashe and Justin Monden
Throughout the last six months, Phenom Hoops was fortunate to see multiple different variations of Raleigh’s Finest and Heritage High School. While Lucas Taylor (Clemson commit) is an obvious draw in terms of recognition, this team goes far beyond just a single star prospect. They were consistently short-handed in terms of depth, usually running with only seven, six, or sometimes even five...
read more
Veteran Leadership: Omazeon Tinsley
It doesn’t seem like that long ago when Phenom Hoops was hosting our annual CP3 Live/JMAC Showcase and the 15U Upward Stars group shined as one of the top teams. This group consisted of various noteworthy names like Joshua Beadle, Cesare Edwards, Bryce McGowens, and others. However, while so many of them remained in the spotlight and with the organization for the foreseeable future, the path was...
read more
Size and Shooting: Marcus Kell
Over the last decade or so, basketball has really transitioned into a perimeter-oriented game—especially at the highest level. No other era (coaches, players, and fans alike) would be able to cope with the thought that Jahlil Okafor can barely find minutes while Davis Bertans just signed a 5-year/$80 million deal. That’s the current value of three-point shooting. Though it is the most evident in...
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2021 Matteo Zagar (RNS Prep)
Matteo is a physical presence. Always the most tenacious rebounder on any floor, he is relentless in pursuit of offensive and defensive boards.
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2021 6’1 Matthew Pennell and 2021 6’4 Josh Reimer (RNS Prep)
2021 PG/SG 6’1” Matthew Pennell Description: Matt is a crafty guard that has tremendous range on his 3-ball. He is capable of hitting gaps on the attack and finishing over length. In the open court he has a great IQ and typically makes the right decision albeit pass or take. A solid defender that knows how to maximize on his body and positioning. He was voted captain and is a gritty leader...
read more
Striking Gold: Lewis Duarte and Randi Ovalle
Each year, North Carolina basketball welcomes a varying amount of incoming transfers from all over the globe. Often times, these prospects are unheard of or have little to no traction behind their names. However, guys like Lewis Duarte and Randi Ovalle have been established within the states for quite a while, and are arguably as enticing as ever before. Both guys represent the Dominican...
read more
A True Point Guard: Hamilton Campbell
With the direction basketball has shifted over the last decade, traditional point guards are becoming something of a dying breed. Someone like Rajon Rondo, for example, came through at the perfect time to maximize his NBA production. Had he gone through high school in 2020 rather than 2004, things would’ve likely been drastically different for the multi-time All-Star. Is Hamilton Campbell...
read more
Prospects Worth Noting in North Carolina’s Class of 2023
North Carolina’s Class of 2023 has arguably generated as much buzz as any class in recent memory, especially this early within the process. While most of the attention has been directed to guys like Robert Dillingham, Mikey Williams, Aden Holloway, and Trey Green, there are plenty of names worth being mentioned amongst those in the spotlight. While others like Treymane Parker, Mekhi Grant, and...
read more
United Faith Christian Academy: Loaded with Talent
While everyone is talking about high-profile teams like Liberty Heights, Winston-Salem Christian, Lake Norman Christian, Moravian Prep, Bull City Prep, Word of God, The Burlington School, and others, folks should be reminded about the surplus of talent at United Faith Christian Academy. This is nothing out of the ordinary, as this program has seen dozens of noteworthy players come through their...
read more
Prospects Trending Upward in North Carolina’s Class of 2022
The North Carolina grassroots landscape is overflowing with talent, especially with the new transfers and incoming freshman class. However, this article will take a closer look at guys who should be familiar to most, as they’ve remained within the state throughout their playing careers. For one reason or another, their recruitment just recently picked up or is set to take off in the near future....
read more
Player Introductions: 2022 Tajuan and Takai Simpkins (Victory Christian)
We have seen Victory Christin in an open gym setting and now on the court multiple times early on in the season, as they bring in a few new names to keep an eye on this season.
read more
Five Noteworthy Names in North Carolina’s Class of 2024 (Part Three)
Each year, North Carolina reminds everyone just how much talent resides within the Hoopstate. New faces emerge, prospects transfer in to prove themselves, and dozens upon dozens of players earn opportunities to further their career at the next level. That being said, the consistent amount of young, upcoming talent is what continues to stand out across the entire state. Now, North Carolina’s...
read more
Five More Noteworthy Names in North Carolina’s Class of 2024
Each year, North Carolina reminds everyone just how much talent resides within the Hoopstate. New faces emerge, prospects transfer in to prove themselves, and dozens upon dozens of players earn opportunities to further their career at the next level. That being said, the consistent amount of young, upcoming talent is what continues to stand out across the entire state. Now, North Carolina’s...
read more
Five Noteworthy Names in North Carolina’s Class of 2024
Each year, North Carolina reminds everyone just how much talent resides within the Hoopstate. New faces emerge, prospects transfer in to prove themselves, and dozens upon dozens of players earn opportunities to further their career at the next level. That being said, the consistent amount of young, upcoming talent is what continues to stand out across the entire state. Now, North Carolina’s...
read more
Phenom Player Spotlight: 2022 Brian Alexander (Maury HS)
Brian can impact games on both ends of the floor thanks to his high-level athleticism, quickness, and relentless motor. He is a high IQ guard whose offensive game is marked by slippery and elusive drives to the rim and shot-making prowess extending beyond the three-point arc.
read more
Phenom Player Spotlight: 2023 Brandon Croslin (Bethel HS)
Brandon is a lethal shot-making weapon and one of the more gifted scorers in the freshman class in the 757.
read more
Phenom Player Spotlight: 2024 Martez Harris (Cape Henry Collegiate)
So much to be excited about in this young man starting with his advanced skill set and versatility to his impressive length and strong, durable frame.
read more
Phenom Player Spotlight: 2023 Leland Coleman (Trinity Episcopal)
Not the physical presence his Duke Blue Devil brother Henry is, but Leland brings a different style as a slasher type who can create off the bounce and knock down jumpers even from beyond the arc with good consistency. Leland has a smooth offensive game sound shot mechanics and a fluid stroke. He is extremely athletic and runs the floor well, very good mobility.
read more
Phenom Player Spotlight: 2024 Damon Thompson (John Marshall HS)
Damon is one of the most impressive freshman guards I’ve had the opportunity to see over the last several months. His combination of high-level shot-making skills and blow-by quickness makes him a nightmare matchup and his endless supply of energy especially on the defensive end where he is a disruptive on-ball defender makes for an exciting prospect oozing with upside!
read more
Continuing to produce: 2022 6’8 Trey Ramsey
At the Phenom Jamboree Bash, several players really caught the attention of our scouts with their level of play, especially with the season right around the season. One player that captured our eyes with his consistent play in all three games was 2022 6’8 Trey Ramsey for the Carolina Riptide 2022.
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2023 Kennard “KJ” Wyche (Varina HS)
KJ is a court savvy floor general, smart and crafty, and highly efficient. He’s not going to overwhelm you physically and he’s not overly explosive but what he is is ball quick, fundamentally sound, scrappy, and one of the best facilitators and passers in the 2023 class.
read more
Phenom Spotlight: 2023 Kyhiem Jones (Wayne Prep)
ones brings a good work ethic to the court. He has shown that he can knock down shots, being a good shooter with range but is also a quick and shifty guard on the floor.
read more
2023 William Gray (East Forsyth) ready to shine in sophomore season
A prospect to start keeping an eye on more, 2023 6'1 William Gray is coming off an impressive freshman campaign at Forsyth Country Day and is looking to now make an even bigger mark at East Forsyth this upcoming year.
read more