6’0 2020 Anthony Allen: DTA Elite 17U
Allen enjoyed a really good junior season at Charlotte Powerhouse Independence High School, preparing him for the larger role he’s going to have to take on for his senior season and if the early travel ball season is any indicator, Allen should enjoy some great success in his senior season. He’s an elite scorer, capable of playing either guard spot, and is capable of raising up for a big time dunk in transition. Allen is a no brainer college level prospect that should have coaches watching closely throughout the summer.
5’11 2020 Payton Cooper: Upward Stars Columbia 17U
Cooper is a high level on ball defender that makes plays that turn into a greater positive impact for this Upward Stars Columbia squad. He brings the intensity and his teammates have to match it, completely setting the tone for how this team defends on a game to game basis. He takes pride in what he does at that end of the court and should get rewarded from it. He is great at the little things that help you win big games.
6’2 2019 Nasir Johnson: Carolina Knights 17U
Coming off of what was a really strong summer in 2018, Johnson was arguably the best player on a state championship runner up for his senior year of high school and it appears that he’s carried that momentum into the start of Travel Ball season after his performance today. He had 18 points (all in the 2nd half) and completely controlled the game after the half-time break with his strong drives to the rim and defensive intensity. Johnson is catching attention from most of the college coaches in attendance, expect his recruitment to further develop here in the near future.
6’4 2020 Jackeem Herbin: NC Red Storm 17U
Herbin is starting to establish himself as one of the better do it all players in NC’s 2020 class with his ability to shoot from the perimeter, create for himself, and just flat out take over the game scoring the ball. He’s extremely creative with the ball in his hands, showing the ability to break his man down off the dribble with relative ease on most occasions. He can be too passive at times, but really showed the will to be a primary scorer in NC Red Storm’s second game of the day. Expect Herbin to lay the foundation in April for his recruiting to really take off in July.
6’5 2020 Jalen King Joiner: Team Wall SE
Joiner is another guy the Phenom Staff is really familiar with and we truly love what he brings to the court each and every time he steps out. He’s gonna give you energy… a lot of it, he plays the game with a high sense of purpose and activity that is an asset for just about any wing. He does a really good job getting downhill, and his perimeter game continues to improve to a reliable status in the mid range, and capable from deep. The kid plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played and it should lead to him earning a handful of scholarship opportunities this summer.
6’4 2020 Chaunce Jenkins: BWSL Elite
Jenkins is a really smooth scoring wing guard that is one of those kids that simply finds a way to get it done at that end of the court. He has long arms and loves the catch and shoot 3, he does a really good job moving without the ball, making life easy for his teammates when they’re looking for him on the perimeter. If someone is closing out hard… no problem, Jenkins does a great job ripping by the initial defender, drawing help, and either finishing at the rim or getting to the line. Another one that will be competing for scholarships this summer.
6’3 2020 Amag Kareem Tate: NC Go Hard 17U
Tate really impressed the Phenom staff last weekend at The Stay Positive Classic with his ability to score the ball AT WILL! He had effortless back to back 25+ Point outings including a 36 point outburst on Saturday night, captivating the entire gym with his natural scoring prowess. A lot of coaches in the region aren’t familiar with Tate because he played his HS ball up in New York, but they will quickly find out that Tate is one of the best scorers this state will have to offer over the summer. A sure fire scholarship level talent.
6’8 2020 Javon Benson: Carolina Wolves
Benson is an incredibly smooth combo big with a high level of skill and touch out to the three point line. He does an excellent job assessing the defense, and methodically planning out how he’s gonna score on you, and he typically does. He plays a modern, and efficient game that translates to the next level really nicely. He already holds a few D1 offers and should see that list grow sooner rather than later.
6’3 2021 Ryan Roberts: NC Ice
Roberts has had big games before, but stringing together consecutive dominant performances from the perimeter hasn’t been a regular thing until today. In the first half of both of his games today, Roberts combined for 48 points and 9 3 pointers, showing that he is becoming one of the elite marksmen in NC’s 2021 class. His all around game has improved as well, showing his ability to put the ball on the deck and use his athleticism and vision to make plays from there. Definitely laying the foundation for a big summer next year.
6’6 2021 Treyvon Byrd: NC Ice
Treyvon Byrd is the epitome of a highlight waiting to happen and he had his share of them last night. Thunderous dunks, mean crossovers, and deep 3 pointers, Byrd has the potential to be a high major talent and is looking like he’s closer and closer to reaching his full potential in every viewing. He still has a ways to go, he has to do a better job at limiting mistakes, but seeing the progress this young man has made in the past year has been startling, really excited to see his development in the next two years, and the massive upside he brings will earn him offers down the road.
6’8 2019 Tay Williams: Carolina Pressure
Tay Williams is a high major level talent that has really started to come into his own in recent months. He’s really grasped the idea that being aggressive and demanding touches will help him showcase a really deep arsenal of tricks in his bag. He’s an elite athlete, moves like a guard, can be a reliable shooter from deep, and is a walking nightmare on the defensive end. Really excited to see how he continues to develop in the coming years.
6’2 2020 Christian Chambers: Upward Stars Upstate White
Chambers is a tough combo guard that found a way to have a big time impact at both ends of the floor this afternoon with his ability to create offense for himself and others, as well as finding a way to create turnovers on the defensive end. He can score it from all three levels, play either guard spot, and played with a high level of effort throughout the contest. Expect Chambers to garner interest from scholarship coaches in the upcoming live period.
6’7 2019 Nate Dunlop: Atlanta Timberwolves
Dunlop is a kid the Phenom Staff is familiar with and over the years he’s shown high levels of versatility, productivity, and the fact that he’s a highlight waiting to happen doesn’t hurt either. He’s got in the gym range on his jumpsuit, along with a high basketball IQ and explosive vertical athleticism. He’s looking to finalize his options after the April live period, and I’m sure there are plenty of coaches that will be quite intrigued with what Dunlop brings to the table.
6’1 2020 Aaron Ross: Team Stacked 17U
Ross has done a great job showcasing his ability to play both guard spots and knock down shots from all over the court. He’s a big strong 3 sport athlete that uses his athleticism and quickness to his advantage at both ends of the floor. As he continues to get more and more confident in his jumper, expect college coaches to watch him closely throughout the rest of the summer.