Phenom Hoops tuned in virtually to a few practices for the Burlington School, a program that certainly is bringing a lot of excitement and talent to the floor this season. With a blend of new names, returning players, and young prospects, Coach Ryan Bernardi should have the eyes of many this season. We dive into names that we saw and should watch this year.
2021 Jamarii Thomas
– There is no doubt about it, Thomas is a leader on the court as the point guard had a tremendous summer, giving everyone a glimpse of what he is able to do on the big stage. The 5’11 guard will bring that dog-mentality to the floor, showcasing his ability to attack off the dribble, finish strong, and lead on both ends of the court. Expect him to continue what he was able to show this summer.
2021 Kuluel Mading
– We can see that Mading has been putting in the work, tuning his overall game, and being even more versatile on the court. Already though, he is a 6’10 forward that runs the floor tremendously but he continues to show that he is expanding how he can attack offensively, putting the ball on the deck more, showing more handles, and continuing to be a force around the rim on both ends. Excited to see him this season on the big stages.
2024 Zion Walker
– Walker is one that many are going to love on the court and even though he is part of the 2024 class, expect him to make a big mark this season. He is a 6’2 guard that can initiate the offense or create for himself, playing with such a strong feel at an early age. Walker can score on all three levels and simply works hard on the court.
2023 Jakel Powell
– Another young prospect, Powell brings a 6’5 that he uses very well and has that scoring mentality. This summer, he showed that he can knock down shots from multiple levels but also use his tremendous early size to get to the rim. It is why schools are already coming his way and his development should only continue under Coach Bernardi.
2022 Ryan Roberts
– The 6’4 prospect continues to make strides with his game. With a good frame and strength to his game, he continues to show his ability to be effective along the perimeter, get to his spots, and knock down shots but is showing his ability to work off the bounce and attack or create for others.
2022 Shane Peterson
– Coming from Western Alamance, Peterson brings in another shooter and one that understands how to score the ball. He plays with a high motor, a high IQ, and one that shot nearly 40 percent from behind the arc last year. Peterson also continues to make strides with his game and should be able to provide help in spreading the floor.
2021 Isaiah Escobar
– One has to really like Escobar’s motor and quickness on the court. He plays with a high-motor and gets after it on both ends. But he also shows that he can score in multiple areas, knocking down shots from outside but also attacking the paint and making plays for others.
2022 Carson Croom
– Croom brings a 6’7 frame and one that will be interesting to watch this year. Coming from South Garner high school, he looks to be a prospect that can knock down shots. When also speaking more about his game, he is one that likes to make plays for others and is working on guarding 1-4. Being at Burlington School though has helped him early on in raising his focus and intensity on the floor.
2024 Kobe George
– George is another young prospect but one that certainly has made a name for himself already. He stands at 6’3 already and plays above his age. George is a long, smooth, athletic guard that has a tremendous blend of skill and physical tools already.
2021 Jay Hladik
– We previewed Hladik last year, as Jeff Bendel had this to say about the 6’5 prospect. “Hladik is a high-motor forward prospect that’ll definitely carve out a role on this team… versatile defensive player given his blend of size, strength, and athleticism.”
2021 6’2 Jadon Lewis and 2022 6’3 Kendrell Brooks should also be players that can help this program.