STAY POSITIVE CLASSIC EVENT RECAPS
POB’s Thoughts: Top Guards 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 guards that have impressed me...
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A Duo to Watch Out for at Weddington
The Hoop State Fall League gives us a great chance at Phenom Hoops to get an early look at several teams early on, and we are looking to dive into a bit of what we have seen on the court. Weddington is a very well-known program around the state of North Carolina, as they have produced some strong talent over the years as well as racked up plenty of wins. But I believe there is a new duo...
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Hoop State Fall League (West) Standouts (Week 1) (Part 2)
2024 Desmond Kent (NC Vikings): What a year or so it has been for Kent, and Phenom Hoops is just waiting for everyone else to catch on! Kent has really seen his game evolve and it seems like he continues to show how dynamic he can be. His ability to score continues to improve but also shine, along with his confidence. Kent is a matchup nightmare at his length and is showing he can be used in...
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Grant Hamilton Becoming Criminally Under-Recruited
Over the years, there has been a common theme amongst college coaches and their evaluation process of recruits. Too often, programs are fixated on what they think players cannot do as opposed to focusing on the positives. No one is advocating for high-majors to take an undersized, unathletic, non-skilled player—but difference-makers come in all types of shapes and sizes. After playing...
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Making a statement: Phenom Hardwood Classic
Grant Hamilton 2024 Desmond Kent (BSA Supreme): With the matchups that BSA Supreme had lined up, this was a HUGE opportunity for Kent to really make a statement, and he did just that. Kent, a rising prospect that continues to go above and beyond expectations, put on a show all throughout against some impressive talent. He showed that he belongs and that college coaches shouldn’t be waiting; the...
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Phenom Hardwood Classic Player Preview: Grant Hamilton (Team CP3)
Given the fact that the next July Live Period is right around the corner, it feels like no better time to start introducing some of the players that college coaches should be monitoring. Currently amidst the busiest recruiting month of the year, our Hardwood Classic should be a hotbed for coaches and players alike. As usual, Phenom Hoops will have prospects of all levels in attendance. This...
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Don’t Overlook Weddington this Season
We continue to cover this past week’s Phenom high school team camp, as we had a great opportunity to get an early view of teams and what they may be bringing to the table this upcoming season. This time, we dive into a storied program that has enjoyed tremendous success over the past several years, and they certainly won’t be a team to sleep on this upcoming season again. There is a lot...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Team Camp
6’7 ’24 Maurio Hanson (Chambers) Although it should be apparent to anyone who follows this team, Maurio Hanson looks more than prepared to assert himself as the undisputed leader for Chambers. Folks already know about his polish as a strong, physical low-post player (which was evident here), but the big man also found ways to stand out as a playmaker in this showing. He got to his left whenever...
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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...
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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...
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Starting the Travel Ball Season Strong: 2024 Grant Hamilton (CC Elite)
Player: Grant HamiltonClass: 2024AAU: CC EliteSchool: Weddington Continuing to highlight players to start the summer, 2024 Grant Hamilton is one that should have the attention of many schools and will be one to watch in the coming months. Phenom Hoops has had the chance to watch him on multiple occasions in the last month, and he has proved himself in a big way. This past season at Weddington,...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom Queen City Showcase
2024 Caden Giles (D1 Stars): Really liked what I saw out of the forward to start the evening, as he was impressive on both sides of the court. Giles was effective in scoring around the basket with a soft touch, understands angles, and uses his body really well. But he also made multiple plays defensively in blocking shots and attacking the boards. Very intriguing prospect to keep an eye on,...
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom March Madness
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Bermuda Run, North Carolina for another exciting three-day stretch of basketball. Between the competition, atmosphere, and overall talent, it was easy to be engaged in the action. There were a ton of notable standouts across the event, and this article will take a closer look at five personal favorites… 6’7 ’26 Cole...
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Player Standouts at Phenom March Madness
6’3 ’24 Jaylon Bumpass (Team Legend) Given how he’s set the tone in each of their games, it would be difficult to ignore everything Jaylon Bumpass has brought to the table. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with an excellent combination of IQ, athleticism, and overall polish. Bumpass operates as a primary creator for this group, showing an understanding of how to get others involved while...
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Dawkins’ Dimes: PG Nationals and Phenom Opening Standouts
By: DeAjai Dawkins 2023 Kyler Harris (Cap City Scrappers) You will be hard-pressed to find a player in NCHSAA 4A who had a more individually dominant season at the guard spot. Kyler Harris terrorized opponents this past high school season with some of the more entertaining scoring performances I watched all year. One thing is for sure; Harris is not afraid to take it to any defender. His...
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Grassroots Team Preview: CC Elite
Each travel ball season, we watch countless grassroots organizations compete over a six-month span to earn a limited number of scholarships. There have been so many notable programs to emerge over the years with plenty proving that you don’t necessarily need to play with a shoe-circuit team in order to get recruited. Often times, it’s not even a talent disparity, but rather a situation where...
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Player Standouts at Anthony Morrow Shootout
6’0 ’23 Sam Turner (Charlotte Country Day) Although there were numerous standout performers for the Buccaneers, Turner was clearly their biggest difference-maker down the stretch. He made plays defensively, hit timely jumpers, and consistently found ways to involve himself in the action on both ends of the floor. Turner clearly understands how to fill in the gaps for this group. Expect him to...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Phenom Anthony Morrow
2024 Grant Hamilton (Weddington): Hamilton was a known name coming into the event but he came out and really put his name on the map with his shot-making ability. Hamilton seemed to be making plays all over the court, whether it is knocking down shots and scoring, but also being active on the defensive end. Hamilton was able to create multiple turnovers to help his team, but his shot-making...
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Phenom Anthony Morrow Shootout Day 1 MVPs
The Phenom Anthony Morrow Shootout brought some of the best talent from around the state all under one building, and there were a few players that walked away with MVP honors from the event. Check out the Day 1 MVPs, presented by HPT and Sport Mode One. Game 1 MVP 2024 Grant Hamilton (Weddington) Game 2 MVP 2023 Daevin Hobbs (JM Robinson) Game 3 MVP 2023 Isaiah Tate (Concord Academy)2023 Brock...
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In a League of His Own: Grant Hamilton
The state of North Carolina is seemingly always loaded with a ton of quality three-point shooters—and this year is no different. Even though the most recent graduating class had guys like Donovan Atwell, Michael Zanoni, Jackson Holt, Cole Sinclair (and various others), new players have quickly emerged to take the reins. Although there are so many noteworthy names within this category, it feels...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Finale
6’4 ’24 Desmond Kent (Crossover Elite) Although there were numerous contributors for Crossover Elite, Kent really shined as a leader on both ends of the floor. He’s long, mobile, and fairly skilled, but truly just beginning to harness his long-term upside. Kent is a steady rebounder, quality finisher, reliable shot-altering presence who runs the floor well and can knock down jumpers at a...
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Top July Performers in North Carolina’s Class of 2024
The month of July is finally concluding, which should provide these young players with an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from days of nonstop basketball. Given the significance of the actual month, we decided to take a closer look at some of the top standouts from each class. Obviously, we can only speak on what we have seen, so the names listed will be based on their performances at...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Coach Ricks TOC
2024 Grant Hamilton (CC Elite): Hamilton had an excellent first LIVE period and came out strong once again at the Coach Rick’s TOC, once again showing his impact in being a knockdown shooter with range. On several occasions, he was able to get to his spots behind the arc and make the opponents pay from three. Hamilton shoots the ball with tremendous confidence and can be a big threat...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 of Summer Havoc Session 2 (Nation Ford)
2023 Jevon Brown (Upward Stars Pee Dee): Brown was one that we were interested in watching coming in and he quickly came out and showed why he is such a key piece on the floor with his ability to stretch the defense with his perimeter shot. Brown quickly put his range on display, hitting multiple deep threes and initiating the ball in transition.2023 McCaskill Rivers (CB Hoops): Rivers is one of...
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Reece’s Standouts: Phenom Summer Havoc (Day 2) (Nation Ford)
by: Ethan Reece 2024 Grant Hamilton (CC Elite)I’ve never seen Grant have a bad shooting game, and that’s because no matter what his mechanics are rhythmically repetitive. He’s the consistent and pure shooter I’ve seen in the 2024 class and is someone who only needs a glimpse of the rim. And while it’s still expanding, he doesn’t limit himself to just shooting like some easily do. He still...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Summer Havoc
6’3 ’25 Omaurie Phillips (Team Trezz) Although there were a ton of standouts on this Team Trezz roster, Phillips consistently found ways to stand out with his tough, rugged approach. He’s a very physical, athletic wing prospect who doesn’t require offensive touches in order to make a lasting impact. Phillips plays extremely hard, pursues rebounds and loose balls, and does the little things on...
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Phenom Grassroots TOC Team Preview: CC Elite 2024 White
The Phenom Grassroots TOC is this weekend in Rock Hill/Fort Mill, as it is the first LIVE Period with Phenom Hoops this season. The talent pool runs deep throughout and we want to give college coaches a leg up on who to watch and who will be in action. Here are a few players to check out for each team, presented by the head coach. CC Elite 2024 White Grant Hamilton• Class of 2024• Shooting guard...
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North Carolina Jr. Phenom 150 Evaluations: Team 3
Team 3 Coach: Gerroid Doughty #4: 4’11 ’25 Jalen Mills (Hope Mills, NC) Starting things off, we look at a player that provided his team with a steady, unselfish presence throughout camp, Jalen Mills. He’s a small guard prospect with solid IQ and the ability to score or make plays for others. Mills plays within himself and rarely forces the action on either end of the floor. Next in his...
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Brandon’s big time Ballers: NC JR Phenom
The Jr Phenom Camp didn't disappoint, the next generation of high school stars are in training, several prospects caught my eye throughout the day for multiple reasons. These guys are in the early stages and most are still learning the game this is an introductory into their hoops resume.
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Young talent shines in Greensboro (Player Standouts Part 1)
Young, talented players from North Carolina, Virginia, and several other states made their way to Greensboro on Saturday, as Phenom Hoop Report hosted their first NC Junior Phenom event. It has been an event that has seen great success in the past and has also seen several young talents make their way into big-time players at the next level. It was another fantastic event, as here are a few...
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