Phenom Open Gym Tour: “Myers Park, A National Level Team”
Phenom Hoops travelled to Charlotte to cover Myers Park open gym. Charlotte, Old Dominion, and Wofford were in attendance for the Friday afternoon workout and scrimmage. Last season, Myers Park finished 17-9 playing one of the most difficult and challenging schedules for a NCHSAA public school team, but coach Scott Taylor has plenty to be excited about. He returns the entire starting five; 6’6 junior Sir Mohammed (17.2 PPG), 6’7 senior Elijah Strong (17.0 PPG), 6’4 junior Santana Lynch (6.6 PPG), 6’2 senior Sam Walters (6.4 PPG), 6’9 sophomore Sadiq White (6.0 PPG), and 6’4 junior Bishop Boswell, who transferred from South Mecklenburg. Elijah Strong has verbally committed to Wofford, while Mohammed, Boswell, and White are all high major prospects. To put it mildly, Myers Park is absolutely loaded and should be in the conversation as a nationally ranked team. Now, let’s take a closer look at the impact players for coach Scott Taylor.
6’4 ’24 Bishop Boswell
From the open gym scrimmage, one would not have gathered that Boswell was the “new guy” at Myers Park. Boswell can play on or off the ball and is a high major point guard. He has all the tools. He has an excellent and strong frame, has the ability to break down defenders off the dribble to create scoring opportunities for his teammates or himself, and may just be the team’s best overall player. While Boswell will be one of the team’s top scorers, he is one of the state’s best “on ball” defenders. He plays with toughness, grit and has an excellent competitive spirit.
6’6 ’24 Sir Mohammed
Last season, Mohammed was the team’s leading scorer averaging 17.2 PPG. Like Boswell, Mohammed can play on or off the ball and the backcourt duo of Mohammed and Boswell will not only be the state’s best backcourt, but will also be in the conversation as one of the best in the country. It’s a backcourt of size, length and basketball IQ that even colleges would be envy of. In addition, Mohammed is a well-grounded and humble young man that is mature beyond his years.
6’7 ’23 Elijah Strong
Last season, Strong averaged almost a “double double” with 17.0 PPG and 9.6 RPG. He creates a “strong presence” in the paint. He has excellent hands and touch around the rim and has the ability to step out and hit the 10-15 foot face-up jumper, but more importantly will provide a reliable and steady scoring from the low block.
6’9 ’25 Sadiq White
Standing a lengthy and growing 6’9 with a 7’1 wingspan, White has the opportunity and ability to be a top 25 prospect nationally. Lofty expectations, yes, but White just continues to get better and better with every viewing. He’s an elite level rim protector and plays with endless energy on the court. White is a “run, jump” athlete that is simply oozing with upside and is only starting to scratch the surface on his long-range potential.
6’2 ’23 Sam Walters
Walters just may be Myers Park “X factor” and is the definition of heart, hustle and hard work. He may just be one of the hardest playing prospects in the state. Walters gives maximum effort on both ends of the court every possession. With Walters, he simply doesn’t take plays off and is the perfect complement to this super talented teams. We were impressed with his overall fortitude and willingness to play aggressive and tough on the ball defense.
6’4 ’24 Santana Lynch
Lynch was sidelined with an ankle injury and was unable to participate, but will provide much needed and reliable 3-point shooting this season for Myers Park. Lynch enjoyed a really productive June Live Period and has the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers off the catch.
