STAY POSITIVE CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS

Phenom Game Report: 4A NCISAA Championship (Carmel Christian vs. Greensboro Day)

The day continued on championship Saturday, this time in the 4A Division which brought two heavyweights to the building in Carmel Christian and Greensboro Day.' Carmel Christian, led by their senior leader in Cade Tyson, came out strong early to get the early lead.' Tyson came out strong with 10 points early and 2022 Logan Threatt helped chip in as well, as Carmel held the early 16-11 lead.'...

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NCISAA Championship Previews

After a season full of anticipation, the wait is finally over. We've reached playoff time after the first (somewhat) normal season since everything crashed due to covid. Between teams playing full schedules and the decreasing amount of general hysteria throughout the country, folks clearly wanted basketball to return. While some restrictions (masks, testing, etc.) still remain in place, this...

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Game Report: Greensboro Day vs. Trinity Academy

Thursday night, two of the top teams in the NCISAA faced off as 4A Greensboro Day (25-2) hosted 2A Trinity Academy (17-3). This was a can’t miss matchup with six seniors signed to play at the Division I level next year. In addition, both teams are extremely well coached. They take their time and deliberately execute on both ends of the floor. Speaking of executing in the half court,...

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A Well-Oiled Machine: Greensboro Day Continues to Roll

On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Greensboro, North Carolina for the Haeco Invitational. Formerly the Timco Little Four, this post-Christmas event has been a staple in the city over the last 45 years. Although Dudley (10), Page (8), Grimsley (6), Smith (2), and Northwest (1) have all claimed titles, the event has largely been dominated by the Bengals of Greensboro Day. After 17 Haeco...

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Saturday Storylines from City of Palms Classic

Greensboro Day Bounces Back After an opening round loss to Top 10 ranked Calvary Christian (FL), Greensboro Day responded with an overtime win versus St. John’s College (DC). Greensboro Day’s veteran leadership really set the tone and controlled the game. Mercer commit, Michael Zanoni, led the way with 20 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, while shooting 4-9 from behind the arc....

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Carmel Tip-Off (Day 2, Part 2)

2025 Eli Ellis (Moravian Prep): This kid is something special, there is no doubt about it.' He doesn't play like a freshman and his understanding of the game is off the charts.' He just continues to expand his game all over the floor, creating with the dribble, moving incredibly well without the ball, constantly getting defenders guessing, and being a scoring threat once he touches the ball.' He...

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Phenom Game Report: GRACE Christian at Greensboro Day

The season got started in North Carolina, as GRACE Christian traveled to Greensboro Day Friday night.  With Coach Johnson sidelined for this one, Coach Smith led the charge for the Bengals as both teams wanted to start the season off right. Both teams traded baskets early but it was the play of Graham Worland and Jackson Noble in the first quarter to help GDS earn the early lead.  Gary...

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Dawkins’ Standouts from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)

By: DeAjai Dawkins 5'10 2025 Eli Ellis (Big Shots 17U/Moravian)' Has there been a player more spoken about this weekend' Likely not. Eli has made a name for himself as a consistent lead guard that plays in a constant mode of attack. He's a stellar shooter with a rugged mentality that reminds me of Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics. Ellis plays with no fear in the face of older competition,...

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Bendel's Best: Stay Positive Classic

This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to North Carolina for our first debut at the newly built Rise Indoor Facility in Advance for our Stay Positive Classic. In lieu of everything opening back up, that area is going to see a massive increase in basketball traffic heading into the upcoming LIVE periods. There was an abundance of talented teams and individuals on display between the two-day...

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Player Standouts at Phenom Stay Positive

6'5 '23 Trey Barbee (Strong Center) Despite Strong Center's extremely balanced two-way approach, Barbee consistently found ways to emerge as a leader for this group. He possesses nice size and displays a fairly versatile offensive game with the ability to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Barbee applies constant pressure in the midrange, but also attacks the basket and positions...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Stay Positive (Day 1, Part 1)

Rakease Passmore 2024 6'6 Rakease Passmore (NLPB 828): Talk about a star in the making. Watching him on multiple occasions, you can see that this young man has the 'it' factors in his game that is going to make him a big-time target in North Carolina and one of the top prospects in his class. He has the athleticism that will get you out of your seat and he excels at getting downhill.' But he...

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2022 NC point guards that could see an uptick in their recruitment this summer (Part 2)

North Carolina’s class of 2022 brings a lot of intrigue and depth for college coaches, which is why there are a few players to really watch this summer and their recruitment, as they could see an uptick with their play. The point guard position is one area that has several players that could help a program down the road, which is why we are going to take a look at a few players that have slid under the radar or have been a little quiet coming into this summer but could really see more attention with the summer they put together. Check out Part 2 of our list of players to watch.

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Trending Upward: Five Obvious Targets for College Coaches

With the travel ball season in full swing, it's only appropriate that we take a closer look at some notable targets across the state. Usually, countless offers are being thrown around at every turn. However, majority of programs have opted to hold onto their scholarships for as long as possible and ultimate play the waiting game with the Class of 2022. Although coaching staffs are moving and...

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Special K’ Standouts: Queen City Showcase (Day 1)

Richard Black Back in the great city of Rock Hill, SC , I along with the rest of the Phenom Hoops Staff started out the Phenom Queen City Showcase with some good talent. Being one of the premier tournaments of the summer, the weekend is packed full of talented players and teams. Here is who I thought stood out today on the courts I observed.  6'4 Shawn Wilson of Team Hickory 17U Cannady...

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Early Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Queen City Showcase

6'1 '21 Joshua McClary (Charlotte Nets) It should come as no surprise that McClary stood out once again for the Nets, as he clearly possesses the makings of a next-level prospect. Though he has a pretty complete skillset, it's his leadership and overall understanding of the game that makes him so impressive. McClary displays a very natural, instinctual feel on both sides of the ball, and...

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Miles Magical Five: #PhenomQCShowcase Early Day One

6'2 2022 Nik Graves: Garner Road 3SSB 2022/Greensboro Day School Graves plays the perfect role for his skillset on this G Road club and its obvious in the way he produces while running the team to near perfection. He minimizes mistakes, gets his guys in position to succeed, and makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. He showed the ability to get above the rim while also having an...

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The Last of a Dying Breed

From Magic Johnson to Jason Kidd to Steve Nash, the world has seen an incredible collection of point guards throughout the years. So much so, that we consider those types 'true' point guards, even in the modern era'where there are little to none. The question needs to be asked, 'What qualifies someone to be a true point guard'' The answer is pretty straightforward but everyone seems to have...

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Charlotte Latin advances to NCISAA 4A State Championship

Charlotte Latin advances to NCISAA 4A State Championship Charlotte Latin 68 Durham Academy 62 Coach Chris Burger of Charlotte Latin is highly regarded as one of the premier coaches in the Charlotte Metro area. His teams are prepared, fundamentally sound, and play with poise and maturity. The majority of his lineup is juniors and seniors that has been with the program since they were freshmen....

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Bendel's Best: City of Oaks Classic

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops traveled to North Raleigh Christian Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina for a five-game slate of high-level basketball. There was so much talent in the gym, both in terms of teams and individuals, which made for an incredibly competitive atmosphere from start to finish. This event proved to be a great tune-up and overall litmus test just before things start to heat up in...

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Durham Academy v. Village Christian Game Recap

The third game of Phenom Hoops' City of Oaks Classic was another incredibly tight, neck-and-neck contest between the Durham Academy Cavaliers and Village Christian Knights. It opened up in favor of the Cavaliers behind the play of Cole Sinclair and Toby Harris. However, the Knights quickly turned things around through the leadership of sheer dominance of Zavian McLean. Village Christian held...

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#NCPhenom150 Session Three: Miles Magical Five (Early Slate)

#100 6’4 2022 Kheni Briggs: AL Brown (NC) Briggs is a really high level young player that has continued to make strides since our last viewing. He’s a strong bodied 2-guard that is always in attack mode on the offensive end, consistently going around or through his man to the basket. His outside shot is consistent and his above the rim capabilities allow him to create an abundance of...

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Phenom Hoops Podcast: Recapping the Phenom ENC 150/ Player standouts and breakdown

The guys are back at it again, sitting down to discuss and break down players from the Phenom ENC 150. See what we had to say about some of the players.

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An Absolute Bloodbath: Durham Academy vs. Granville Central

This Saturday, Phenom Hoops will travel to Trinity Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina for our second annual City of Oaks Classic. We've already previewed three of the five matchups, but this one could arguably be the most exciting game on tap. There's going to be no shortage of talent or high-level basketball this weekend, as each of these ten teams is certainly worth viewing. Durham Academy...

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