With all the trips we have been making during our Phenom Open Gym Tour, it has shed some light on a few players that have been going under the radar and should be ones to watch this season with their play. Coaches could certainly use players like these in their program to help their winning ways. Here is Part 2 of the series, as these players will play pivotal parts for their team.
2022 Tyrone Barbee (Lake Norman Christian)
I’m very excited to see what this year brings for Barbee at Lake Norman Christian. A program that has seen some changes in the last year, Barbee is one to really watch out for. As we mentioned before, he could be in for a breakout year on a bigger stage. With his ability to impact the floor in an array of ways, create a mismatch with his athleticism, knock down shots from multiple levels, and be an impact on the defensive end, Barbee is one to really keep an eye on. He produced last season in a big way, nearly posting a 20ppg, 10rpg season. Not sure he will be able to post those types of numbers again with the talent around him but he should open a lot more eyes his way.
2022 Charles McClennahan (Liberty Heights)
McClennahan is one that we have watched grow over the years and every season, he should be considered an under-the-radar type player. He is a 6’7 versatile prospect that produces in an array of ways without being the focal piece on a team. McClennahan moves well for his size, always seems to be in the right spot, and plays with a tremendous motor. Though he won’t be the star at Liberty Heights, he is one that simply produces while on the court on both ends. He has great touch, finds open spots on the floor for easy baskets, helps on the boards, displays good athleticism, and can defend multiple positions on the floor. He holds a few offers but should get more attention with what he provides.
2022 Nathanael Roberts (Myers Park)
One of my favorite players to watch during the first few weeks of open gym, Roberts is going to be a key piece for this Myers Park team in regards to motor, leadership, and mentality on the court. Our own, Miles Masercola, said it best: “Roberts is the kind of guy every roster needs, he simply doesn’t care about being the most liked guy in the locker room, he’s willing to be vocal to get all of his guys on the same page and just wants his team to win basketball games.” He plays so hard, makes everyone better, and pushes his team to bigger and better things. He also brings that leadership role that teams need.
2022 Josh Williams (Charlotte Catholic)
One of the smaller guards on the list, Williams is one that I think could personally help a team in an array of ways. Williams is one that works extremely hard on and off the court, puts in the extra work to get better each day, and just makes a team better. He plays so hard on the floor, gets after it defensively, and is a shifty guard in creating for himself and for others. Williams also showed that he can knock down shots consistently from multiple levels as well as score on tough drives.