On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Kernersville, North Carolina for an open gym session at Bishop McGuinness High School. The Villains have been a consistent contender throughout Josh Thompson’s tenure, and this year will be no different. They’ll be led by the senior duo of Cal Barrett and John Campbell; however, the roster is truly littered with useful pieces. Their slew of returning veteran pieces (Patrick Graves, Nicholas Graves, Alex Waterfield, and Miller Aho) weren’t in attendance, but will each play key roles on this team. Add in the addition of Aiden Martin and various young pieces (detailed below), and they’ll be a difficult matchup for every opponent they face. Expect the Villains to compete for a state championship yet again.
6’4 ’24 John Campbell
Even in a practice with numerous key pieces (and coaches) missing, Campbell really shined as a leader. He sets the tone through his motor, vocal presence, and general involvement in the action. Campbell got downhill and finished at will, but also hit multiple jumpers and set up his teammates in favorable scoring positions. At 6-foot-4, his length and explosiveness make him a consistent problem for opponents. He possesses a nice burst off the bounce and overall understanding of how to utilize angles when attacking. Campbell also involved himself for seemingly every rebound and defensive possession. He plays with IQ, pace, and unselfishness. Campbell already has a variety of next-level opportunities, but don’t be surprised if his offer sheet continues to grow.
6’7 ’24 Cal Barrett
Similar to the entry above, it’s easy to see everything Barrett brings to this group. The smooth 6-foot-7 forward possesses skill, athleticism, and inside-out ability. Over the last calendar year, Barrett has continually shown strides as an interior scorer and increased toughness as a defender and rebounder. That being said, his soft touch and reliable perimeter shooting haven’t dropped off at all. Barrett can operate from the block, high post, or beyond the arc. He moves well without the ball but is also capable of creating his own shot or making the extra pass. In this practice, Barrett hit jumpers, turnarounds, and floaters while attacking the basket and playing above the rim whenever available. He possesses great length, fluidity, and feel on both ends of the floor. Given his trajectory, Barrett should still be a target for various college coaches.
5’10 ’25 Cayden Long
Although many of their smaller guards weren’t in attendance, Long took advantage of the opportunity to showcase his steady all-around presence. He’s smart, scrappy, and knows how/when to assert himself. Long can knock down jumpers, but primarily looks to initiate the offense, set up others, and apply scoring pressure as needed. He’s a willing defender and rebounder who mixes it up well for his size.
6’3 ’26 Thomas Thompson
Though young, it’s easy to see the flashes from Thompson. He’s already long and athletic with a developing skillset and active two-way presence. Thompson knocked down a few jumpers but mainly found success at attacking the basket and finishing around the rim. He’s a solid defender with nice length. Thompson will be one to watch grow for this group.
6’3 ’26 Arop Chom
Despite also being one of the younger players in attendance, Chom displayed a lot of intrigue during practice. His length, motor, and general nose for the ball allows him to consistently get involved in the action. Chom is a quality athlete with length, toughness, and a developing skillset. He doesn’t shy away from physical play on either end of the floor. Chom hit a few jumpers but was arguably at his best when attacking the basket or finding opportunities in transition. Expect him to emerge for the Villains over the coming years.
6’2 ’26 Sam Koop, 5’11 ’25 Franke Foppe, and 5’7 ’27 Stephen Hawley
Rounding out the group, Sam Koop, Franke Foppe, and Stephen Hawley each made an impact during this session. Koop is a young guard with solid size, skill, and a willingness to mix it up as much as possible. Foppe is a quality shooter with toughness and a sturdy frame. However, Hawley was easily the biggest surprise of the practice. Though young and small, he’s one of the best pure shooters you’ll ever see.
DNP:
6’2 ’25 Patrick Graves
6’2 ’25 Nicholas Graves
6’3 ’25 Alex Waterfield
6’3 ’25 Miller Aho
5’10 ’25 Aiden Martin