It was a wild Thursday hitting the road for Phenom Hoops, traveling all around the state. But the first stop that we had to make in the early morning was Providence Day, a program that has produced some incredible talent and is looking to get back in making its mark on the state of North Carolina. Head coach Ron Johnson is looking to lead the charge and get the Chargers back near the top. They have some strong talent and one you certainly will be hearing a lot of, so let’s dive into what we saw.
Leaders of the pack
When watching this team in action, it was quite evident that there were players looking to step up in a big way and be some of the true leaders for this talented group. 2022 Donovan Atwell, who just committed to UNCG, comes in and was incredibly vocal and showcasing that he is ready to make his mark in his final season. Known as a sharpshooter (and still is), Atwell continues to expand his game and really impact so many areas of the floor with his skill set and ability to knock down shots. The other senior that is looking to make his mark is 2022 Quave Propst-Allison, who returns from a strong junior season. Propst-Allison is an incredibly quick and shifty guard, with the ability to create his own opportunities as well as one that gets after it on both ends. With more talent around him, expect him to really showcase more of his overall game. Also, make sure to look out for 2022 Bryce Scott, a senior that returns as well and plays a key role for this team with his frame, ability to defend multiple positions, and to operate on multiple levels.
Adding a presence inside
One thing that will be evident is that the Chargers will have a strong presence down low in 2023 Riley Allenspach. Allenspach has only continued to grow and develop his game, really taking strong steps in showing his feel around the rim, his ability to step out with his smooth shot, and using his size in creating a presence down low in the paint. Now, there still is still a ton of potential left in his game, but expect him to just continue to expand his presence on the floor even more. Also, 2025 David Sanders is a 6’6 prospect that plays football but is one that should help as well down low with his frame and ability to get on the boards.
Players looking to step up/ Youth continuing to grow
This is the area in which I’m really interested in watching develop. If Providence Day can have these other players really step up, make their presence felt, and impact the floor in an array of ways, this is a team to really watch out for. 2023 Khamani Wertz is a known name in the program but he is becoming more and more of a leader on the floor, showing his perimeter feel but also playing under control and getting others involved. 2024 Jaxon Prunty is another one to really watch out for, as he already has eyes his way. He is long, fluid, and skilled with the ability to knock down shots from multiple levels and should continue to get stronger. 2025 Nick Hailey is another freshman that the program is excited about, as they should be. He has great size for his age, shows a smooth outside game, and is very skilled for a freshman. 2023 Trey Horton wasn’t available at practice but this is another player to really watch with his 6’5 frame, ability to get to his spots, and knockdown tough shots from all areas of the court. He is going to be counted on big time to step up for this team. They will also have another freshman in 2025 Braxton Winston, who is a 6’0 guard that defends and showcases good athleticism.