STAY POSITIVE CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS

Phenom Hoops LIVE Recap: NLPB Team Select 2024 stepping up on the big stage

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. NLPB Team Select 2024 This is a team that has continued to come to the...

read more

Phenom Hoops LIVE Recap: College coaches should have eyes on Team Loaded 336

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. Team Loaded 336 Each time we have viewed this team and program, they...

read more

Reece’s Rundown: Post LIVE Periods (Part 2)

By: Ethan Reece Now that we're through March, April, and two Live Periods, there's a lot to unpack and look back on. Who's made an impression and who are important names to start tracking as we head into the summer' There's so much to note after the first two months of the travel season, so here are some of my takeaways from Phenom's spring events. Team Hope Gripper's Depth and Balance You can...

read more

Reece’s Rundown: Post LIVE Periods (Part 1)

By: Ethan Reece Now that we're through March, April, and two Live Periods, there's a lot to unpack and look back on. Who's made an impression and who are important names to start tracking as we head into the summer' There's so much to note after the first two months of the travel season, so here are some of my takeaways from Phenom's spring events. WCBA on the Rise Looking at the 2026-2028 teams...

read more

BSA Supreme proving itself as a top dog nationally; talent to be found for college programs

You know the team, you know the program, and you know the logo' BSA Supreme has been taking on all challenges so far this season and they have proven to be one of the top dogs, not only regionally but you could also mention nationally.' This is a program that is built a certain way, plays a certain way, and simply has a different mindset compared to others. That is why they sit 12-0 on the...

read more

2024 6'8 Alex Atkinson (Upward Stars) seeing his stock rise after LIVE period

The LIVE period can certainly change a player's stock in a quick two weeks, and that certainly is true for many players in the last two weeks with Phenom Hoops. One player that has seen his stock rise tremendously and you could be hearing a lot more about is 2024 6'8 Alex Atkinson with Upward Stars Columbia. Atkinson was a newer name personally for Phenom Hoops, but it took one game for us to...

read more

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...

read more

POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Challenge (Part 2)

2024 Jerquarius Stanback (Midstate Magic): Stanback continues to be a prospect on the rise over the last few months. The 6’6 forward shows a strong skill set, is fluid and active on both ends, displays a developing feel in scoring around the basket as well as stepping out at times, and also brings a good presence on the defensive end. Stanback is just scratching the surface of what he...

read more

POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Challenge (Part 1)

2024 Tyler Showalter (BSA Supreme): Showalter is one that has really seen his game elevate and has been trending upward since the start of the travel ball season. The 6’6 prospect is showing a better understanding of his ability, and is certainly being more assertive overall; being stronger in making plays off the dribble, getting to the basket, and looking more for his jumper from all...

read more

Phenom Challenge – Stars of the Weekend

2023 Ka'leel Stillman (SE Elite) Ka'leel Stillman is a freak of nature and is very athletic. He moves very well as a big man on defense and is a shot blocker for his size. He can finish around the rim and can rebound the basketball. Stillman was the best player from the 2023 class this weekend at the Phenom Challenge. He could definitely be a late steal for someone. 2024 Alex Atkinson Jr....

read more

Reece's Standouts: Phenom Challenge (Day 2)

2024 Desmond Kent (Crossover Elite) Getting the opportunity to see Desmond in this new role really opens your eyes to how versatile he can be and what he can offer at the next level. Although he's been well noted for knowing his role at Central, he will undoubtedly be picking up more responsibility next year and is proving right now why, with a heavier focus of touches to operate inside or out...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Challenge (Part 3)

2024 Taky Prosper (NC Spartans): We spoke and wrote about Prosper coming into the event and he has shined once again, but he still isn't a done package with his game.' Which only makes him more intriguing. Such a strong physical presence down in the post, and is so active on the glass.' He is one that I would jot down and watch how he continues to develop, as there is a lot to like about what he...

read more

Saturday Standouts at Phenom Challenge

6'9 '26 Tyson Thompson (Shack Elite) There are a lot of prospects worth noting from this event, which certainly includes Thompson and his considerable amount of long-term upside. He's long, athletic, and already possesses timing as a rebounder and rim-protector. Thompson does a great job of controlling the glass, altering shots defensively, running the floor, and finishing or knocking down...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Challenge (Part 2)

2024 Grant Hamilton (CC Elite): It looked to be a big weekend for the 2024 guard and he has certainly proved himself once again on the big stage. Having a strong start on Day 1, he backed it up again with another strong Day 2, as he continues to fill it up. He plays with such feel and IQ, but also plays with something to prove to everyone. He can be a difference-maker with his outside shooting...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Phenom Challenge (Part 1)

2024 Caarter Bobbitt (Horry Select): Bobbitt certainly earned some intrigue with his game on Day 2 early on, as he was able to show his overall impact on the court. Whether it was displaying his shot-making ability, his ability to make plays off the bounce and use his athleticism, or his overall impact on the boards and being able to handle, Bobbitt certainly earned some eyes his way. 2024 Ryan...

read more

POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom Challenge (Part 2)

2024 Ameer Ramadan (SE Gold 2024): Going up against a tough matchup in BSA Surpreme, Ramadan was quite impressive in his showing for his team and put him on the watch list more this weekend. Ramadan was crafty, made plays off the dribble for his teammates, was able to create his own shots, and also did a great job in taking smart shots as well.' Really good feel and playmaker that was able to...

read more

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...

read more

Why the Upcoming LIVE Events are MUST-ATTEND events with Phenom Hoops

There are plenty of opportunities out there for teams and players to play out there, but one of the biggest questions teams and coaches need to ask is'what does a platform have to offer'' This is why we are here to share what Phenom Hoops brings teams, coaches, players, and fans throughout the season and why we have the platform for you. Phenom Hoops prides itself on bringing the best product to...

read more

New Names to start looking at with Sandhills Machine

Just a few weeks while roaming the courts at one of our events, we sat down to watch the Sandhills Machine 2024 team and after watching for some time, we quickly realized that this is a program that should be earning more attention with the talent they have.  So let's dive into a few names that we saw that could be players for college programs to check out. First off, we take a look at 2024...

read more

Getting a bigger picture of his game: 2024 Carlos Vazquez

Player: Carlos VazquezClass: 2024Height: 6'5High School: Wayne Country DayAAU: Eastern Carolina Phenomz 2024 6'5 Carlos Vazquez has been a name mentioned quite a few times over the last few months.' We first started to notice his game with Wayne Country Day, where he was quietly posting double-doubles, displaying tremendous production, was active on the boards, and making plays mostly on the...

read more

Team Breakdown: Palmetto Elite 17u

Robert McLeod We take a look at a program that showed out at the Phenom Challenge, as the Palmetto Elite 17u went to Advance and left with a 4-0 record and opened a few eyes on players from the South Carolina area. Check out a few names from the program to keep an eye on. 2022 5'7 Robert McLeod ' Cane Bay High SchoolMcLeod averaged 12.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.8spg, and 4.0 apg this past season as he was...

read more

2022 Neeko Taylor puts on a scoring show at Phenom Challenge

Player: Neeko TaylorClass: 2022School: South CentralAAU: Raising Young Men The second LIVE period has come and gone but there were so many players that left a terrific impression on us scouts and on coaches after their play.  One of those players that comes to mind for me was the play of 2022 Neeko Taylor from Raising Young Men. The senior guard was absolutely lighting it up in four games,...

read more

POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Challenge

2022 6'6 Mikhail Pocknett (WBC Elite Aria Paris): Pocknett may have had the best weekend out of everyone at the event and I'm sure there are a few college coaches that are taking a hard look his way more.  In the two games we watched him, he was unstoppable, getting downhill, finishing through contact, getting to the line, pushing the ball in transition after a rebound, and all over the...

read more

Bendel's Best: Phenom Challenge

This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rise Indoor Facility for our second Live period of the spring season. The three-day event featured a ton of notable teams, players, and standout performers. With various levels of college coaches in attendance, plenty of guys earned interest and offers, and naturally boosted their individual stocks as a direct result. Although the recruiting...

read more

Dawkins’ Dimes: Phenom Challenge Standouts (Part 2)

By: DeAjai Dawkins 2023 Andrew Knittel (East Tennessee Kings/Volunteer High School) Andrew is a steady, intelligent guard that serves as a solid lead option for this team. Knittel attacks well off the bounce, given his fluid handle & overall confidence. This team's offense executed at a high level, and Andrew responsible for a deal of that success. He should be receiving next-level attention...

read more

Reece's Standouts: Phenom Challenge (Day 3)

by: Ethan Reece 2025 Dalton Johnson (Basketpoint)There's a reason the team's nickname for him is Dynamite, he provides such a spark as a leader for this group. Many of these guys are capable of interchangeably running the point, but Dalton is their most true point guard who consistently looks to set others up and provide game management through ball control and movement. His decision making is...

read more

Player Standouts at Day Three of Phenom Challenge

6'5 '22 Mikhail Pocknett (WBC Elite) It's difficult to say anything that hasn't already been mentioned, as Pocknett continues to dominate as a primary option for this squad. He's a strong, mobile forward who thrives at securing rebounds, pushing the break, and consistently finishing around the basket. Pocknett can knock down the occasional jumper and understands how to set up others at a useful...

read more

Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Challenge

5'10 '23 Matt Kirby (Team Push) There are numerous underrated pieces for Team Push, including Kirby. He's truly as smart and fundamentally sound as anyone on the roster. Kirby is an excellent defender with the quickness, anticipation, and positioning to constantly harass opposing ball-handlers. He forces turnovers at a nice rate, pushes the break in transition, and understands how to set up...

read more