This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina for a variety of high-level basketball. Our Phenom Post-Grad Nationals began on Friday while the Hoopstate Championship and Spring Tip-Off Classic kicked-off on Saturday'making for an extremely entertaining weekend. There were countless notable teams and players from all three events, but Team CP3 certainly made their case as the most talented squad in attendance. It's somewhat interesting how quickly folks forget the pure dominance this organization has enjoyed throughout the last decade, yet here we are. Despite winning every game and ultimately taking the championship trophy, it appears some individuals could be sleeping on this talent-laden group.
Before diving into the makeup of their roster, let's first look at some significant details. Onlookers were so worried about Team CP3 being tested but failed to realize they were playing up an age group, their individual players (aside from Kobe and Zion) have little to no game experience together, and, like many squads, really began their travel season on Saturday morning. Sure, they played a tight contest against Seal Prep in their first showing of the year, but then proceeded to win the next three games by 27, 20, and 15, for an average win-margin of 21 PPG. The expectations are high, and understandably so, as it's Team CP3. However, even the greatest teams require fine-tuning. Let's take a closer look'
6'5 Hampton Evans (Greenfield)
Easily one of the most productive freshmen across North Carolina, Hampton Evans has made a seamless transition from being a leader for Greenfield to shining brightly with this group. It's really difficult to find much, if any, weakness within his skillset and overall identity as a player. Evans is a smart, well-rounded, fundamentally sound wing prospect with the natural ability to adapt to various roles simply based on team need. He possesses great size and leadership qualities to pair with his impressive skill level, which allows him to dictate the offensive action with relative ease. Additionally, Evans rebounds the ball at a reliable rate and high volume for his position. It's easy to see his value with this group, which should ultimately lead to a ton of traction from college coaches.
6'3 Bishop Boswell (South Mecklenburg)
Like Evans, it's difficult to find new things to say about someone who has been basically unstoppable (especially against his age group) over the last year in Bishop Boswell. The all-around guard prospect already held a Houston offer prior to even playing his first high school game, which alone should speak volumes. It didn't take long for him to make a lasting impression during the high school season, quickly showcasing an exceptional combination of IQ, skill, and athleticism. With this CP3 squad, Boswell has already shown the ability to run the team or consistently find opportunities without the ball in his hands. He offers such a smooth, steady presence and understands how to apply pressure as needed, rather than forcing the action. Boswell is certainly among the top players in his class and will only continue to become a priority amongst next-level programs.
6'7 Maurio Hanson (Vance)
Between South Meck and Vance, Boswell and Maurio Hanson are the only two players listed who had to experience a complete county-wide shutdown during the season. While he put forth quality per-game averages, Hanson could've easily dominated if presented with more than seven games of competition. In terms of IQ, polish, and footwork, one would be hard-pressed to find many better post prospects within North Carolina. Hanson possesses great hands and can reliably finish over either shoulder or with a variety of reverses and counters. He's an excellent rebounder, useful defensive presence, and simply a steady two-way force in every basketball setting. Hanson's recruitment hasn't caught up to his abilities, but it'll certainly happen sooner than later.
6'1 Zion Walker (The Burlington School)
Probably the most legitimately battle-tested player on this list, Zion Walker arguably has as much playoff experience (especially in big moments) as anyone within the roster. After receiving a ton of repetitions in the latter half of his eighth-grade season, his value more than doubled over this past season as a main cog. Walker is extremely reliable, specifically at managing a team and finding ways to affect all facets of the game from the point guard position. He's smart, unselfish, and typically only looks to apply scoring pressure as needed'though he can convert at an efficient rate from all levels. Walker already holds an offer from NC A&T, but one should expect his offer sheet to grow considerably going forward.
6'3 Kobe George (The Burlington School)
Like his teammate above, Kobe George was a massive part in The Burlington School's route to winning a state championship. His value is obvious, but calling him a glue-guy almost doesn't do George enough justice. However, his ability to make a nonstop impact cannot be overstated. While so many players have become infatuated with touches and high scoring totals, George shows clear emphasis on making winning plays and doing whatever is needed to provide his team with an edge. He possesses a strong combination of IQ, size, skill, and athleticism. Add in his versatility, high motor, and rebounding prowess, and George's value is pretty self-explanatory. He has a clear role with this group and should start becoming a notable target for college coaches over the coming months.
6'6 Bryson Cokley (United Faith Christian Academy)
While the entire roster is truly loaded and looks increasingly likely to play Division I basketball, Bryson Cokley stood out as one the most enticing prospects throughout the gym. The appeal of a skilled, athletic, legitimate 6-foot-6 wing prospect with all-around ability should be fairly obvious. Right now, it's difficult to find much he can't do at a high level. Cokley is an effortless scorer from all three levels, displaying the ability to spot-up, pull-up within two to three dribbles, or create clean looks from anywhere on the floor. He's an above-the-rim athlete with the ability and willingness to meet opponents in the air for dunks and blocks. Cokley is also a quality rebounder, passer, and overall transition player. Though he's already extremely talented, Cokley is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential greatness. Coaches should certainly be prioritizing.
6'9 Isaiah Sutherland (Northside Christian)
In terms of upside, it would be nearly impossible to ignore what Isaiah Sutherland could ultimately become within the next few years. Over the last eight months, he's aggressively trended upward as one of the top post prospects within his class'especially amongst big men. Sutherland already possesses an incredible foundation predicated on size, motor, and sheer athleticism, which allows him to naturally excel at doing the interior work. He blocks shots at a strong rate, rebounds the ball well on either end of the floor, and is capable of finishing with touch or above the rim. Sutherland also has the ability to step out and hit perimeter jumpers with nice consistency. He runs the floor hard in transition, does a great job of embracing his two-way role, and already sets himself apart from other post prospects at his age. Based on his current trajectory, expect Sutherland to become a high-level commodity for Division I programs.
5'6 Jacob Lawton (Millbrook)
Likely the most unique player on the team, Jacob Lawton is somewhat of a contrast from what people would generally expect to fill a roster spot within a premier shoe-circuit program. He's somewhat small, but possesses an incredible motor and defensive presence'essentially negating the main 'negative' label placed on smaller players. Lawton is tough as nails and stands out as a genuine pest against all types of opposing guards, regardless of whether they stand at his eye-level or six inches taller. He's extremely quick but also very instinctive and positions himself properly to overwhelm opposing ball-handlers into miscues and turnovers. At 5-foot-6, Lawton legitimately has the tools to change a game with his defensive abilities. That being said, he still makes a strong impact offensively with his creation skills and perimeter shooting. Lawton is a winner and someone college coaches will eventually prioritize.
6'8 Bobby Cannon (Quality Education)
It's easy to see the appeal with someone like Bobby Cannon, who was among North Carolina's top rebounders and shot-blockers during his freshman season. Add in his intriguing amount of skill at 6-foot-8, and continued physical development is the only thing remaining for the wiry post prospect to attain. Cannon displays natural instincts as a rebounder and rim-protector, and shows flashes of being able to handle the ball in transition given the right context. He can also finish with touch and athleticism, or effectively space the floor from the perimeter. Cannon is already quite enticing, but should only see his value increase over the foreseeable future.'
6'5 Lewis Walker (Winston-Salem Christian)
Despite not playing during their first event of the travel-ball season, Lewis Walker is going to be a definite x-factor upon his return. He's a big, strong, versatile wing/forward prospect with an incredibly sturdy, yet mobile, frame. Walker is quite skilled for his size and able to naturally cause mismatches with his ability to drag bigger/slower opponents out to the perimeter or physically punish smaller opponents around the basket. He's smart, skilled, and plays with a high motor, which naturally leads to a quality amount of rebounds on both ends of the floor. Walker can reliably pass, handle, and score the ball in a variety of different ways. He might be slightly underrated right now, so it would be wise for folks to keep their eye on Walker.