STAY POSITIVE CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
Top Available Unsigned Wings in North Carolina
6’4 AJ Smith (Combine Academy) While he’s probably more of a guard, AJ Smith’s versatility allows him to be labeled as a wing whenever necessary. He’s strong, physical, and well-rounded with the ability to thrive as a role player or expand his production as needed. Smith is an exceptional defender with the blend of size, athleticism, and overall instincts to comfortably contain three positions...
read more
POB’s Best of the Best: Hoop State Championship
2022 Jayden Epps (Combine Academy): What else can be said than JAYDEN EPPS; the senior showed up one last time on the year for Combine Academy, hitting the game-winner in the championship game and fully taking over in the fourth quarter. Scoring all the team’s points and securing the title was just the icing on the cake for a special weekend from Epps. He continues to be the go-to leader and...
read more
POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Hoop State Championship
2022 Elijah Jamison (Liberty Heights): Jamison, who is still one of the top unsigned seniors in the state of North Carolina, really showcased his ability to lead the charge for his team. He played at a great pace, got out in transition, knocked down shots from multiple levels, and really controlled the game as a point guard should. He finished the game with 16 points, hitting a few threes,...
read more
HIGHLIGHTS: Word of God vs Combine Goes DOWN TO THE WIRE at 2021 John Wall Holiday Invitational!
Combine Academy and Word of God faced off in a semi-final matchup at the John Wall Holiday Invitational. With a back and forth game between the two teams, Word of God eventually came away victorious narrowly edging the Goats to advance to the championship game of the TJ Warren bracket.
read more
Wednesday Standouts from The John Wall, Part 2
Game 5The Burlington School vs. Archbishop Spalding In their second round matchup of the Devonte Graham Bracket, defending NCISAA 2A State Champions The Burlington School (TBS) took on Maryland’s Archbishop Spalding. TBS struck first and held a nine point halftime lead behind the play of Kheni Briggs, Michael Nwoko and Avion Pinner. However, Spalding made their run in the third quarter as Jordan...
read more
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...
read more
POB’s Eye Catchers: John Wall Invitational (Monday, Part 2)
Archbishop Spalding vs. North Meck It was an intense battle between these two teams and a fun one to watch. It was a pretty close battle all throughout but Archbishop was able to hold the lead for nearly the entire game. 2022 Cam Whitmore was the real deal. Yes, he has incredible athleticism and he put that on display but his ability to score in a variety of ways, use his body well, put on...
read more
Phenom Open Gym Tour: Word of God
The tour around the state of North Carolina continues, as Phenom Hoops is checking out all the talent across the state. One program that we were eager to learn more about was Word of God and it looks like the Holy Rams are going to be a must-see for many. Talent on top of talent was on the floor during their first practice and they will for sure will be the talk around the area. When you look...
read more
POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Summer Havoc Session 2 (Day 1, Part 1)
2023 Gabriel Hernandez (Team Hardaway): The 5’10 guard really surprised and caught some eyes with his play on Day 1 of Session 2. Some may not expect his game but this is a young man that comes and competes, has good quickness to get by defenders, scrappy on both sides of the ball, and really shows some surprising athleticism to his game that many wouldn’t expect. He should be one...
read more
Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Havoc
6’4 ’23 Cole Callaway (Carolina Riptide) It’s easy to find balance with this Carolina Riptide squad, and Callaway consistently finds ways to stand out despite being one of the younger players on the roster. He’s a lethal spot-up threat with IQ, cutting instincts, and the ability to attack closeouts as needed, which allows him to make a constant impact with or without the ball in his hands....
read more
Dawkins’ Standouts from Summer Havoc Day 2
By: DeAjai Dawkins 2022 6’4 Po’Boigh King (Team Eat 2022) Po’Boigh King entered this event with high praise and it’s easy to understand why. The 6’4 sharpshooter is one of the most dangerous shooting threats in the state, rivaled by few. Once a burly frame, King has slimed down into a more athletic frame with better conditioning. In my opinion, he’d be a top 2 player on the floor in almost any...
read more
Phenom Summer Havoc Team Preview: Sheed Wallace Select
July is going to be fun, especially with Phenom Hoops. That is why we are getting just a small head-start on the teams and players that will be in attendance for the Summer Havoc. Here, we look to preview just a few names to watch for throughout the weekend in Rock Hill, with many others stepping up their game in front of college coaches. Sheed Wallace Select One of the fast, rising programs...
read more
HIGHLIGHTS: Top 40 Jonas Aidoo vs Top 150 Jai Smith; Liberty Heights vs Word of God!
Check out all the highlights from two of the top teams, that matched up in Rock HIll, SC.
read more
Phenom Game Report: Word of God vs. Liberty Heights (Recap/ Standouts)
It was for sure the game of the night with North Carolina teams and it could all be seen on the Hoop State Network. Word of God and Liberty Heights, the top two teams by Phenom Hoops, matched up in Rock Hill and these teams brought it! Back and forth we went throughout the first quarter, with Elijah Jamison leading the charge for Liberty Heights, scoring and facilitating. Word of God...
read more
Word of God Takes Down Combine Academy
In a matchup of two of the top teams in the state, Combine Academy travelled to Raleigh to take on Word of God. The anticipation and hype surrounding this game was real. Combine won the first meeting by four points on November 20th at Combine. You knew both teams would be ready. Each have played a national schedule and have notable wins on their resume. The ball was tipped and from then on out,...
read more
#2 IMG TO THE WIRE: Top 10 Jaden Bradley BACK TO THE CAROLINAS vs. Po’Boigh King’s 32 & Quante Berry!
Check out all the highlights from IMG Academy vs. Word of God, provided by Hoop State Network.
read more
Holiday Classic: Word of God vs. Moravian Prep (Recap/Standouts)
Word of God and Moravian Prep kicked off Game 2 of the afternoon and it had the people excited to watch. Word of God came out strong led by the shooting of Po’Boigh King, helping his team create an early double-digit first quarter lead. BJ Freeman though kept Moravian Prep in the hunt and they started to knock down shots and play their game in the second quarter, getting it under...
read more
Special K’s Hoops Take: Day 3 Standouts at Hoop State League
Po’Boigh King Chadlyn Taylor of Team United 8th Grade has the chance to develop into a great player. He has a lengthy frame that will fill out as he continues to grow. He showcased the ability to really shoot the ball from three while also being able to attack off the dribble and get to the basket. Despite his scoring ability, the most impressive part of his game was his ability to find...
read more
Special K’s Hoops Take: Day 3 Early Standouts #PhenomSummerFinale
6’5 Po King of NC Runnin Rebels 2022 had a fantastic game to start the day. Really attacks the basket and thrived in the paint. Gets out in transition and really looks to finish. Has a quick first step that allows him to keep defenders on their heels. Rebounded the ball well on both sides of the ball. Plays really hard and does everything he can for his team to be successful. 6’5 Alex Olander of...
read more
HIGHLIGHTS: 2022 Po’Boigh King is 1 of NC’s TOP Shooters; 2019-2020 Highlights
Check out highlights from 6'2" Po'Boigh King, a SG from Roanoke Rapids, NC. He's considered one of the top shooters in ENC and made the move over to Word of God Christian Academy this season to showcase his skills on a national stage. This AAU season, King will run with WCBA 16U.
read more
2019-20 Phenom Hoops All-State Team (Class of 2022)
It was a spectacular year no matter how you look at it. Players really made a name for themselves and had an impressive season on the court, producing on so many levels. Phenom Hoops brings you their All-State teams for the 2022 class. A huge congrats to all players and teams this season.
read more
HIGHLIGHTS: Po’Boigh HITS 7 STRAIGHT 3s; Word of God Takes Down QEA at PHR X HoopState Championship!
Check out highlights of Game 3 at the Inaugural Phenom HoopState Championship! The Holy Rams were led by 2022 SG Po'Boigh King who drained 7 straight 3s! QEA was led by 6'3" SG Taj Anderson.
read more
Phenom’s Hoop State Opening Day Fab Five
Phenom’s Hoop State Opening Day Fab Five The inaugural Phenom Hoop State Championship opening round is in the books. While there were no surprises on the outcome of any of the games, many players solidified their stance as being among the state’s elite players. Now, let’s take a closer look at the players that made the biggest impacts. 6’6 2022 Jalen Hood-Schifino (Combine Academy)...
read more
POB Eye Catchers from Day 1 at the #PhenomHoopState (Part I)
The standouts from the Phenom HoopState Championship impressed on Day 1. Here are just a few names that grabbed the spotlight.
read more
Hoops and Dreams Showcase — Day 1 Breakouts
This is the type of stage needed for players to breakout, the type of bright lights necessary to showcase the masses, you can play ... and these players did.
read more
Phenom’s Open Gym Tour — What is All the Buzz Surrounding Word of God?!
Over the past 10 years, Word of God Christian Academy (the Holy Rams) has built itself into a national entity. With putting top-level talent on its roster, year in and year out, like John Wall, Dez Wells, CJ Leslie, TJ Warren, Torian Graham, Zach Newkirk, etc..etc..etc…every gym the Holy Rams walked into, they garnered your attention. Well, the start of the 2019-20 season has them right...
read more
On the Rise: North Carolina’s Class of 2021 (Part Two)
Yesterday, we took a closer look at some of the most underrated scholarship-worthy players within North Carolina’s Class of 2020. Now, we will highlight a variety of different guys in North Carolina’s Class of 2021 that have made a strong impression over these last two months… (Read Part One) 6’7 ’21 Omarion Bodrick (Independence) Everyone across the entire state should already be all-in...
read more
Bendel’s Best: David Rose MDC
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops had our annual David Rose Memorial Day Classic, an event that honors wounded veterans and supports the Wounded Warrior Project. Each year, some of the toughest teams from around region come together for this loaded event. This year’s field lived up to the event’s reputation and delivered some high-level competition, which featured numerous standout performers. We...
read more
Player standouts from Dudley (Court 1) at the David Rose MDC
Teams competed at Dudley high school for the David Rose MDC, one of several places the even took place at. Check out a few names that stood out from the event on Saturday.
read more
Evening Standouts at Phenom David Rose MDC
Carolina Riptide 6’2 ’21 Christian Taylor- The undersized big man was among the most productive hustle players for this Riptide team. He’s willing and ready to take whatever role his team needs and maximizes it. Taylor doesn’t require offensive touches to make an impact and does a phenomenal job of outworking opponents for rebounds on both ends of the floor. RDC Lakers 6’3 ’21 Po’Boigh...
read more