STAY POSITIVE CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS

Proven Prospects for College Programs to Snag: Class of 2024 (Part 1)

2024 6’3 Felipe Patino (WS Christian): Patino should be a late target for many programs and it is easy to see why. Patino is a high IQ guard who can be a game-changer on the court, especially with his shot-making ability. He is excellent at getting to his spots and can knock down shots from a variety of levels, especially with his ability to hit shots from behind the arc. He is a confident,...

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Unsigned Seniors to Watch For More: NC Top 80

2024 6'5 Xavier Johnson (Fayetteville Academy): If there was a senior to watch out for more, Johnson would be one that I would highly look at this season. 'The 6'5 prospect continues to flourish as he is an athletic guard who simply knows how to score effectively from multiple levels, makes a presence on both ends, rebounds well for his position, and has a versatile skillset on the court. Look...

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POB's Eye Catchers from NC Top 80: Guards/Wings (Class of 2024)

2024 Carson Daniel/ 2024 Chase Daniel (Central Cabarrus): The Daniel twins continue to flourish and showcase how big of a difference-maker they can be. They are proven winners, both understand how to run a team, they were incredible in creating and setting up teammates, and just understand how to be effective playmakers with the ball in their hands. 2024 John Campbell (Bishop McGuinness):...

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Loaded with Talent: Chambers Trending as a Title Favorite

The high school season is right around the corner, which means it's time to take a deeper look at various programs throughout the state. Our fall league hosted many of North Carolina's top teams (both in the public and private school ranks) and watched closely to see who separated themselves from the pack. Obviously, the complete list would include numerous others, but it's difficult to ignore...

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POB's Thoughts: Top Wings at Hoop State League (Through 2 Weeks)

The Hoop State League has been tremendous so far' a lot of talent, a great chance to watch these teams in action early on, and players are competing. Trust me, there are a lot of names that have been catching my eye so far, which is why I wanted to share JUST A FEW NAMES that have really stood out to me through two weeks at the Hoop State League. Check out the wings that have impressed me so far...

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Hoop State Fall League (West) Standouts (Week 1) (Part 1)

2024 Jordan Patton (Cougars): Patton continues to flourish as a prospect for this team, and college coaches should be all over this young man. He does so much for a team, and it is easy to see.' Patton brings size and versatility, can score from an array of levels and positions, defends multiple positions, finishes at the rim, and can be aggressive, but also does all the little things to help...

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Phenom Open Gym: Chambers is in the title hunt

Phenom Hoops travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina to cover open gym at Chambers High School. Coach Brian Frasier has done a magnificent job over the years at Chambers. Playing in one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the state, Coach Frasier is strictly about providing the biggest challenges his team can face, hopefully to prepare them for a state title run and this year is no...

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Phenom Hoops Player Profile:'Jordan Patton

Height: 6'5 Class: 2024 School: Chambers Travel Team: Upward Stars Carolinas What Was Recently Said: Given his seemingly nonstop production throughout the current travel ball season, it's really perplexing to try and make sense of Patton's recruitment (or lack thereof). At 6-foot-5 with IQ, skill, athleticism, and two-way versatility, it seems like more programs would be enticed by...

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Five Rising Seniors Who Should Have More Offers

The evaluation process for high school basketball players is similar to the majority of sports. The combination of performance, translatable tools/skills, and comparison to others from the same archetype is part of how we make these conclusions. Add in trends and what history has shown us, and it's pretty basic. If Player A is better than Player B, yet Player B has more offers, then yeah,...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Summer Havoc (Part 3)

2024 Jordan Patton (Upward Stars Carolina): Mr. Do It All is the name of the game for Patton, and he has shown that over several years of playing. What you have to like about his game is simply what he can bring and do; score, finish at the rim, play with tremendous energy on both ends, does the dirty work, and also just helps make winning plays for his team. 2024 Jordan Dixon (NLPB Team...

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Summer Havoc Player Preview:'Jordan Patton (Upward Stars Carolinas)

Given the fact that July is right around the corner, it feels like no better time to start introducing some of the players that college coaches should be monitoring. Going into the busiest recruiting month of the year, our Summer Havoc should be a hotbed for coaches and players alike. As usual, Phenom Hoops will have prospects of all levels in attendance. This series will continue by taking a...

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Having a Good Summer: Class of 2024 (NC) (Part 3)

2024 Elijah Green (Covenant Day): Green has had a very good year overall in showing more of what he is capable of providing on the court.  He had a solid year leading the way for Covenant Day and he hasn't slowed down one bit this summer.  What you have really seen overall with his game and growth is his overall presence and ability to make plays; whether it is being more effective as...

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Five Offer-Worthy Prospects from Phenom Team Camp

6'4 '24 Jordan Patton (Chambers) It's genuinely shocking that Patton hasn't collected more offers as a versatile, well-rounded wing/forward who consistently produces. He checks all the boxes between size, skill, athleticism, and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Patton can do everything offensively. Whether creating, playmaking, scoring, or operating without the ball, he's...

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Cooper's Notes: Phenom Team Camp Day 2

By: Cooper Hart 6'4' '24 Xavier Peaks (Jordan) Peaks has been solid all weekend long, providing defensive versatility and constant rim pressure on offense. He's a great athlete and understands how to use that to create havoc all over the defensive side of the ball. The wing duo of him and Javier Ortiz is going to be one of the better defensive tandems in the east this winter. He runs the floor...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Team Camp/ MS Nationals

2024 Jordan Patton (Chambers): Going to keep on saying it until more people notice; Patton is one that will simply help your team win games.' With how he can be used, Patton can be a vital piece on both offense and defense, and I expect him to really showcase that this season even more.' Patton's size, versatility, impact on both ends, and athleticism should attract more eyes, but he also brings...

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Phenom Hoops LIVE Recap: Start recognizing the talent with Upward Stars Carolinas 17u

Just because the LIVE period is over in April, doesn't mean that Phenom Hoops is stopping their coverage, as we are bringing you a ton of post-event coverage as well throughout the coming weeks.  Let's dive into a few players and teams that we saw at the event, as we shed light on players that performed well throughout. Upward Stars Carolinas 17u This is a team that I believe deserves more...

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Muse’s Top 5 from Phenom Hoops LIVE

2024 Alex Atkinson Jr. (Upward Stars Columbia) Alex Atkinson Jr. is a long and athletic big man. He has great touch around the rim and can stretch the defense out with his jump shot. This weekend he showed a lot of toughness and was about to rebound the basketball. Atkinson Jr. can also protect the rim and his stock is rising in the class of 2024 this summer. 2024 Derrick Green (Team Wall)...

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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Challenge (Part 3)

2023 Ka’leel Stillman (SE Elite Gold 2024): Stillman was a new name for us at Phenom Hoops, but he had a lot of buzz surrounding him and his play. Hard to find a player at his size, but he also showcased his touch and feel around the paint, how strong he can be in finishing at the rim, he runs the floor extremely well, and makes his mark on the boards. Stillman really impressed and should...

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POB’s Eye Catchers on Day 1 at Phenom Challenge (Part 1)

2024 Mason Hagedorn (Combine AAU): Hagedorn was certainly a player we had our eyes on coming into the event and he didn't disappoint on Day 1 at the Phenom Challenge. Hagedorn started out a little slow in the first half, but scored 22 of his 30 points in the second as he led the charge. The 6'10 forward was able to show his ability to not only make his mark down in the paint, but also be that...

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Phenom Game Report: Chambers at North Meck

It was a conference battle between two of the top teams in the state, as Chambers hit the road to take on North Meck. Round 1 was off the charts, and Game 2 brought a packed house.' Early on, it was more of a defensive battle for each team, as Chambers was able to get out to a narrow 11-9 lead at the end of the first. 2024 Jordan Patton was the one leading the charge with seven early points,...

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Put On the Radar: Phenom New Year's Bash

2023 Tim Hall (Westminster Catawba): One of the most memorable performances at the event was how dominant 2023 Tim Hall Jr. was, putting up an impressive 31-point, 15-rebound showing in a tough loss.  Hall was simply unstoppable throughout the game, using his size, showing his athleticism, and his overall impact on both sides.  Hall seems to be going under the radar, as when you dive...

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Phenom Open Gym: JL Chambers High School

Phenom Open Gym: Chambers High School Last season, JL Chambers went 22-7 before losing 58-56 to eventual NCHSAA 4A state champion, Weddington High School. From the outside looking in, many basketball pundits may not have high expectations for Coach Brian Frasier's team. 6'2 Jaylen Curry transferred after averaging almost a 'double-double' of 16.6 PPG and 9.1 APG. 6'8 All-Conference Player of the...

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Reece's Standouts: Phenom Summer Finale (Day 1)

by: Ethan Reece 2026 Latrell Allmond (Carolina Heights)I've heard the name a lot and finally got a viewing for myself, there's no doubt he's the real deal. Big guys that move like him just don't come around often. He's got an unnatural mobility and handle that when combined with his natural feel for things, allows him to casually dominate. He's got the strength and touch inside to be a high...

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Expected Breakouts in North Carolina High School Basketball

Each year, the grassroots basketball scene shifts from travel ball to the high school season. College coaches have been out for months, seen countless kids, and should be in pursuit of their priority-level prospects. That being said, there are plenty of players whose ability don't match their recruitment. Sure, most rising juniors aren't receiving a ton of offers right now. However, given the...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 1)

2023 Ryan Steger (GATA): Steger came out red hot to start his day, really lighting it up from deep.' He dropped eight 3-pointers to lead his team to an early victory, really showing his confidence and smooth shot-making with range.' A confident shooter that made several tough shots in rhythm.' An impressive showing, as he finished with 26 points to start the day. 2025 Nikayle Hodge (Team EAT):...

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Dawkins’ Standouts on Day 2 of Phenom March Madness

By; DeAjai Dawkins 2023 Horaces Jacques (Upward Stars Select 17U).  One of my favorite players of the day, Horaces Jacques separated himself as one of the best guards I watched this weekend. Jacques is a respectable downhill threat attacking at his own pace and while keeping his head on a swivel. While his facilitation will continue to benefit from improvement, I believe Jacques can be...

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Game Report: Chambers vs Myers Park

On Tuesday night, we had the pleasure of watching one of the top public school matchups in the state as Julius L. Chambers hosted Myers Park. In the first half, Chambers jumped out to a double-digit lead. Their defensive pressure was key in this run as they were able to force turnovers that led to easy baskets on the offensive end. At one point the lead got up to 18 points, as Chambers’...

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Phenom Open Gym Tour: JL Chambers

Phenom Hoops continues their road trip around the region, this time checking in on a very talented group in Charlotte and certainly one that has big aspirations coming into the season.' We traveled out to check out the talent JL Chambers had and there was plenty to go around. 2022 Daniel Sanford looks to be the leader once again for this squad, as the senior is a known prospect around the state...

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Dawkins’ Standouts from Day 2 at Phenom MDC (Part 1)

By; DeAjai Dawkins 6'6 2025 Hayden Assemian (Upward Stars 15U Fagan)' Hayden is an impressive big man prospect with good hands and a soft touch around the rim. He rebounds at a high level and has shown the ability to score with an array of low-post moves. Hayden is a tough cover for a defender in general, especially one giving up size. I expect Hayden to experience a very successful high school...

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Dawkins' Standouts: Day 1 at Phenom Stay Positive (Part 2)

By: DeAjai Dawkins 5’7 2025 Q Williams (Team CP3 2025)I want to start by simply saying, Q Williams is the most skillful 2025 lead guard I’ve seen in North Carolina’s 2025 class. I believe that it shouldn’t take longer than 3 full offensive possessions for you to see key differences in the IQ of Williams in comparison to his peers. Winning plays come second nature for...

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