It is a standard practice that we at Phenom Hoop Report don’t rank players until they have finished their freshman year in high school. That being said, we will take a closer look at some of the players that should make an immediate impact this coming season. In (Part 1), we took a look at Jaylen Curry, Addison Archer, Trey Green, London Johnson, and Treymane Parker. See attached link: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/north-carolina-2023-watch-list-part-1/
6’3 2023 Jaydon Young (Goldsboro, Greensboro Day)
Last season, Jaydon Young was a freshman at Wayne Christian and was one of the top scorers in the state regardless of class or affiliation. He’s extremely talented and has decided to transfer to Greensboro Day and reclassify to the 2023 class. This will instantly put him in the conversation as one of the top players in the state. Young has the complete package. He is athletic, skilled and has all the physical tools.
5’11 2023 Aden Holloway (Matthews, Covenant Day)
We got a chance to see Holloway ample times with CP3 this past season. We’re talking about an athletic and crafty scoring point guard, not to mention outstanding 3-point shooting range. Holloway has the ability to be the team’s floor general or slide over to the shooting guard position. Already sporting an offer from Syracuse in the ACC, Holloway will in the national conversation as one of the top guards in the country for his class.
6’8 2023 Mekhi Grant (Charlotte, Olympic High School)
What’s not to like about a physically gifted and athletic power forward. Grant has the ability to overpower opposing players in the post. He has a solid skill set which will only improve over time, but plays with a blue-collar mentality. He’s a workhorse and runs the floor extremely well and often finishes with crowd pleasing dunks.
6’9 2023 Callum Richard (Gastonia, Gaston Day)
Callum Richard is simply oozing with upside and potential. Standing a long and slender 6’9, Richard has passer friendly hands and nifty footwork in the post. That being said, he has the ability to use either hand in the post and has an advanced skill set. Richard runs the floor extremely well and is a high IQ player.
6’1 2023 Alik Lewis (Burlington, Eastern Alamance High School)
As the old saying goes, “shooters translate at every level” and Alik Lewis will definitely be in the conversation as one of the top shooters in the state regardless of class. Yes, he is that efficient from the perimeter and has uncanny 3-point range. Lewis can play both guard positions and has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble/bounce. He’s crafty and has a high basketball IQ.
Be sure to take check out (Part 3) https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/north-carolina-2023-watch-list-part-3/