On Saturday, Phenom Hoops traveled to Greensboro for a special open gym feature on the NC Gaters, a program with some of the top up-and-coming talent from the area. We had the privilege of seeing their teams for the classes of 2022 and 2024, and there was a lot to unbox. This article will take a closer look at the makeup of their 14U roster and what we can expect of them throughout the possible summer season.
6'5 Jordan Dancy (Wesleyan Christian)
Upon entering the gym, Dancy is arguably the most visually enticing prospect. He possesses excellent physical attributes in terms of length, frame, and overall athleticism. It's easy to see Dancy's upside, given his blend of interior skills and perimeter fluidity. He posts-up, attacks the basket, and has the ability to create effectively for himself or others off the dribble. Despite already having a strong defensive presence, Dancy has the tools to become a truly destructive force on that end of the floor. His opportunities for Wesleyan will probably be limited next season but should certainly expand over the foreseeable future.
5'9 Jayden Lee (Bethany Charter)
Lee is a quick, heady floor general with vision, patience, and a willingness to make the right play as much as possible. He rarely hunts for his shot but knows how to consistently penetrate and set up others. Lee is a scrappy defender with a great presence in transition and the ability to finish at a solid rate. His unselfish and team-first mentality is evident on both ends of the floor, which allows him to complement others quite well. Lee has the ability and mindset to emerge as a steady floor general sooner than later.
6'3 James Stainback (Wesleyan Christian)
Although there isn't a ton of shooting on this roster, Stainback definitely provides a quality spot-up presence. He's long, wiry, and understands how to operate without the ball in his hands. Stainback can effectively pass, dribble, and shoot the ball while offering a solid rebounding/defensive presence on the other end of the floor. He finds open space in transition and looks to make the extra pass whenever available. Stainback is a great complementary piece that can assume more responsibility as needed. Like Dancy, his role on Wesleyan should gradually grow throughout the coming years.
6'0 Cody Beck (McMichael)
Despite being easily the most unassuming player on this roster, Beck was a pleasant surprise throughout the day. He didn't really stand out during drills but really shined within the actual full-court game play. Beck is not going to be the guy hunting for forty or dunking on the opposition, but he's an absolutely vital piece when it comes to winning games. He's a natural glue-guy that simply finds a way to impact all facets of the game without forcing the action or requiring the ball in his hands. Beck is a tremendous cutter with the ability to consistently find open seams within the opposing defense. He displays a great motor and overall feel for the game, and genuinely thrives as a complementary, low-maintenance player for this group. Beck should be a contributor for McMichael in the relative future.
6'2 Stevon Harrison (Southwest Guilford)
In terms of raw talent, it's quite easy to get enticed by someone like Harrison. Arguably the most well-rounded player on this team, Harrison seems to naturally find a way to make his presence felt. He's a charismatic leader with exceptional length, vision, and toughness. Harrison also sports a quality IQ and motor on the court, which can make him an overwhelming assignment for opposing guards/wings. He handles the ball well, makes smart, unselfish decisions, and already looks comfortable as the primary cog for a team. Harrison rebounds the ball, pushes the break in transition, and makes plays at a seemingly nonstop rate. He's a destructive defender with terrific anticipation and shot-blocking instincts for a guard. Ironically, the Harrison brothers are headed to Southwest Guilford'where they could emerge as the second group of siblings to take over the program and dominate.
6'5 Alston Harrison (Southwest Guilford)
The big, strong-bodied post prospect is a perfect complement to his perimeter-based brother. Although he shows some flashes of midrange/perimeter ability, Harrison is pretty much unstoppable around the basket. If he gets the ball within five feet, he's almost guaranteed to score. Harrison possesses great hands, feet, and touch with either hand. While his strength and positioning are impressive, his craftiness is also certainly worth noting. Harrison displays IQ, footwork, and understands patience on the block as well as any middle-school post player. He runs the floor well in transition and understands how to maximize his size/defensive presence without needing to be a big-time athlete. Harrison has all the tools to emerge as a double-double machine for Southwest Guilford, especially if he embraces his identity.
5'11 Garrett Uber (Wesleyan Christian)
The value of defensive pressure and intensity is starting to get a renewed appreciation after dwindling for the last few years, which certainly makes Uber a useful contributor for this squad. He has a solid frame and plays the game with incredible energy, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Uber shows a willingness to contain the point of attack, regardless of opponent, and shows no fear of any opponent. Due to motor and positioning he's already a pretty nice defensive stopper, but could become even better with a lower stance/posture. He fights on the glass, always looks to make the smart play, and truly leaves everything on the floor. Along with the other rising Wesleyan freshman, it'll be exciting to see his role expand throughout the years.
6'2 Dominic Payne (Trinity)
The trio from Trinity is led by Payne, a big, strong, mobile wing/forward prospect with a fairly versatile game on both ends of the floor. He possesses great size, energy, and stands out as arguably the most impressive all-around athlete on the roster. Payne can defend nearly every position and looks quite comfortable switching onto anyone defensively, given his uncommon combination of speed, strength, and quickness. He's pretty skilled and fluid on the perimeter, especially for a guy who resembles the look of a post player. Though his reputation as a football player is pretty strong, Payne should be a very useful basketball contributor at Trinity for the foreseeable future.
6'3 Trace Moffitt (Trinity)
With a low-post brute like Harrison, Moffitt stands out as an ideal frontcourt complement. He's a big, strong-bodied post prospect with great interior presence and the ability to knock down midrange jumpers at a solid rate. Moffitt never looks to force the action and really just positions himself for success, which allows him to consistently make plays within the flow of the team. He utilizes his body well around the basket for rebounds and scoring opportunities, but also highlights a solid floater/in-between shot along the baseline. Moffitt is definitely a capable player with clear upside, especially if he continues to grow in size.
6'3 Brandon Campbell (Trinity)
With the Trinity trio already possessing a post and wing/forward, it's only fitting that Campbell slides in at the guard position. He's long, wiry, and shoots the ball pretty well despite fairly unorthodox mechanics. Campbell plays hard, commits to defense and rebounding, and shows a willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. He's a solid cutter and ball-handler with an unselfish mentality. Campbell knows how to operate within his role and maximize his presence within the team structure. He'll be another one worth watching over the coming years at Trinity.
Not in attendance: Braeden Leggett (Northwest) and Jasean Williams (Wesleyan)
