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Phenom Hoops' 2022 Top 12 Rankings
Phenom Hoops is gearing up to release their entire rankings for the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024 very soon but we wanted to give everyone a sneak preview of the Top 12 players for each class. We look first at the loaded and very talented Class of 2022, as we give you an early look at some of the top players in North Carolina.
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Tuesday Standouts from The John Wall, Part 2
Game 5Combine vs. Virginia Episcopal In the fifth game of the day, North Carolina's top ranked Combine Academy took on Virginia Episcopal (VES) in their opening round matchup of the TJ Warren Bracket. VES jumped out to a 10-0 lead to start the game, but Coach Jeff McInnis brought in his second unit and turned up the pressure. Antonio Hamlin got things going offensively for Combine as they were...
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Player Standouts at Tyler Lewis Hoopfest
6'0 '23 Evangelia Paulk (Asheville Christian) The Lions were the clear aggressors from the opening tip, and that was thanks, in large part, to everything Paulk brought to the table. She possesses excellent size and understands how to use it very well, both as a screener and interior presence on both ends of the floor. Paulk is extremely polished with the necessary blend of IQ, toughness, and...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from #TylerLewisHoopfest (Day 1, Part 1)
2022 Christ Essandoko (WS Christian): Essandoko had a strong showing, ultimately finishing with a double-double for WS Christian. He played strong and physical, was active down in the paint, and showcased his touch around the basket and ability to finish. Also liked his activity level on the boards, as well as getting his opponent Somto in foul trouble. The big man played really well and was a...
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HIGHLIGHTS: 2025 Eli Ellis Scores 31 PTS vs W-S Christian at Phenom Hoops #CarmelTipOff!
Winston Salem Christian vs. Moravian Prep... The storylines were there and it also gave fans a view of some very intriguing talent. The young players of 2025 Eli Ellis, 2026 Isaac Ellis, 2024 Isaiah Washington, and 2024 Lewis Walker all showed up, while 2022 Christ Essandoko, 2022 Quante Berry, and others stepped up also. Check out the full highlights from an intense game.
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Overtime Elite Prep Challenge (Tuesday Games)
Day 2 of the Overtime Elite Prep Challenge got underway, as Liberty Heights, Combine Academy, and Winston Salem Christian were all back in action. Phenom Hoops was on deck to cover Day 1, as you can find all the recaps here. Here are the Day 2 recaps and stats.
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Overtime Elite Prep Challenge (Monday Games)
If you missed the news, the three programs from Overtime headed to North Carolina Monday and Tuesday, to take on some of the premier programs in North Carolina (Liberty Heights, Winston-Salem Christian, and Combine Academy). Phenom Hoops was on deck Monday afternoon for all the action.
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Commitment Alert: Christ Essandoko joining HS teammate, commits to Providence
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2022 Christ Essandoko breaks down Top 7; decision coming “very, very soon”
2022 Christ Essandoko has been regarded as one of the top bigs in North Carolina since coming over to the states. Essandoko has only improved and taken his game to another level with his size, feel, and unique skillset. It is why so many programs starting recruiting him hard over the last few months. Recently though, Essandoko announced his Top 7 schools which include Maryland, Georgetown,...
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Open Gym Tour: Winston Salem Christian National
Phenom Hoops travelled to Winston Salem Christian Wednesday night. The Lions will have one of the most talented teams in the Hoop State this year and a roster that is full of D1 talent. There is no question, Coach Antonio Lowe does a tremendous job on the sideline. Two years ago, he led Moravian Prep to the inaugural Phenom Hoop State Championship. Last season, he took over a dormant basketball...
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Top Players in North Carolina's Class of 2022
Ranking prospects is an interesting method to try and encapsulate the fluidity of overall player movement. Unfortunately, the vast majority of those who tend to form these ranking lists typically opt to make updates on a periodic basis rather than monthly or bi-weekly. Two important points need to be made. First (for those who oppose the aforementioned fluidity of rankings), all major 'rankings'...
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Team Curry 17U Preview
Last summer, Pro Skills Basketball introduced their newest team to the lineup, Team Curry, part of the Under Armour Association. Head Coach Sim Frazier helped build this team into one of the most recognizable teams in the country. In a summer with so much uncertainty, Team Curry finished with a 23-4 record. What's even more impressive is that every single player on their roster earned a...
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’22 Christ Essandoko continues to hear from programs around the country
2022 6'11 Christ Essandoko quickly made a name for himself even before touching a high school court this season. College coaches around the country starting to flock his way at Winston-Salem Christian, seeing the potential in the big man from France. Before the season even started though, his recruitment took off with offers from Oral Roberts, North Carolina A&T, San Diego State, USF,...
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Does Winston-Salem Christian Have the Top Big Man Rotation in NC'
In basketball, players with size will always be a coveted to make a difference at higher levels. There have been guys who can't walk and chew gum, but they have actual college value because they can stand up straight and simply be tall. Even with how the NBA has trended into a perimeter-heavy league, legit big men like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis still remain towards the top of...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: James Baker #10: 5'8 '22 Chris Britt (Gaston Day) Starting things off, we look at a player that continually stands out with his sharp, quick, aggressive scoring prowess, Chris Britt. He's a tough, heady lead guard prospect with the ability to reliably and effortlessly create quality shots out of little to nothing. Britt is excellent at blowing by his man and finishing around the...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Halloween Havoc/ HoopState League (Part 3)
2021 Micah Handlogten (Upward Stars 704): The long big man just continues to work and is really starting to show what he is able to do on the court. Each time, he shows a little more in his game, something we know he has been working on. Long, plays hard and can be effective on both ends of the court. 2021 Saiquone Harris (Word of God): Harris is going to make some coach look smart down...
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Open Gym Report: Winston-Salem Christian
Last night, Phenom Hoops had the opportunity to watch practice at Winston-Salem Christian. In his first year at Winston-Salem Christian, Head Coach Antonio Lowe has quickly built a powerhouse and is excited about what the future holds. The Lions have a great balance of size, skill, depth and experience to compete at a very high level. Leading things off at the guard spot is 6’4 2022 combo...
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Phenom Open Gym: Winston-Salem Christian
Phenom Hoops was back on the road once again, continuing their Phenom Open Gym Tour. We checked in on Winston Salem Christian, as Coach Antonio Lowe is looking to bring a talented group to the court. A program that is relatively unknown, WS Christian immediately stands out with the amount of size they bring and skill, as they should be one of the premier teams in the state.
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POB’s Notes from NC Top 80 (Part 3)
2022 Evan Smith (Ardrey Kell): Smith had a very good camp and really think this is a player that could see an uptick in his recruitment and game this season. He was shifty in the open floor and was showing how he can be assertive on the court. 2022 Noah Ross (Trinity Academy): Ross is going to be a player that coaches will love and really seems to be taking his game to the next...
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Special K's Hoops Take: NC/SC Top80 Standouts
Christ Essandoko 6'11 Christ Essandoko 2022 was unbelievable today as he showcased his dominance on the offensive end scoring in a wide variety of ways. His presence in the paint is so overwhelming as he scores at will around the basket and overpowers his defender. He rebounds the ball at a very high level and runs the floor pretty well. He showcased a unique ability to attack from the high post...
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Player Standouts at NC Top 80 v. SC Top 80
Jamarii Thomas- The tough, heady point guard prospect offered a very consistent two-way presence, overwhelming opponents with his motor and toughness. Thomas attacks the basket very well and displays a strong balance between scoring and playmaking. He's great in the open floor and shows a willingness to make hustle plays. Julian Kiett- It's somewhat perplexing to try and understand why Kiett...
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A new big man in North Carolina: 2022 6’10 Christ Essandoko
It is going to be an exciting season in North Carolina, especially with the number of new names that will be in action. The list of players that you will want to see is impressive but there is a big center that you will want to add to that list in 2022 6'10 Christ Essandoko at Winston Salem Christian.
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