The Phenom Hoops Report high school jamboree is always a must see event to start the high school season off. Tons of the regions top teams (and top players) make the trip to Greensboro, North Carolina every year to get in on the action and put their name on the map. This year's field was no different as several teams came in to do work. Some of the under the radar names that you need to know are as follows:
Tripp Greene, 6'1 2018 G at Greensboro Day'' Trip is one of those old school players whose game would work in any era when it comes to hoops. He does so much for his team to be able to beat you while never doing anything to beat himself. He has a pretty stroke that's deadly from any spot on the floor. He has playmaking ability with his passing skills and vision. Trip can also get after you on the glass and defensively as needed proving he has all the tools needed to hold up at his position on both ends of the floor. This is the type of kid a coach loves to have on a team.
Mike Fowler, 6'9 2019 F at Greensboro Day'' We have watched Mike grow over the years and love where his game is at now. Like many bigs, it has taken some time for his game to catch up with his body but all signs point to this happening. He still has moments where he looks a bit awkward out on the floor but more often than not, he looks like a big that could soon dominate. He plays with a plus motor, has all the requisite athleticism, and has a body type made for hoops. He is still developing his game and body and the needle is still pointing up on his stock. Knowing how Greensboro Day develops players and the fact that he already has a few offers on the table, don't be shocked if he ends up as one of the more sought after bigs in the state (if not Mid-Atlantic region) by the time he is done with high school.
Bryant Randleman, 6'4 G at Durham Academy'' We love seeing a player come into his own and that is exactly what we saw here this weekend from Bryant. Bryant has been on the radar for a bit now but we were not expecting to see this version of him. He has been in the gym and has gotten visibly stronger in his body and that has translated nicely into his game. Now, not only does he have the athletic ability to around you, he also has the strength to go through you if needed. His added strength has made him that much more impactful as a rebounder as well. Make no mistake about it, while some have known about this kid for a minute now, the rest were given notice this weekend. Bryant is a college prospect and he is here to do damage.
Kellen Hodge, 6'6 2018 F at Northern Guilford HS'' Kellen had a solid performance here at this event. Though a bit undersized for a power player he proved capable of holding his own in and around the paint. Kellen has the prerequisite strength needed to battle in the lane on both ends of the floor and showed nice tough and a good stroke out to the 10-12 foot range. What got our attention in this event though was his ability as a passer from the post. He made great reads and found the right person more often than not which helped to open up the offense. The lack of ideal height may be a factor for him going forward but if I were a D3 looking for a power player with tools, I would give him a long look.
Shemar Watkins, 6'4 2018 G at East Forsyth HS'' Shemar is a good looking under the radar wing prospect in the 2018 class. While we were courtside we saw him make plays at each end of the floor, rebound, hit the 3, and even handle to rock some. Shemar has enough bounce and athletic ability to handle most of what he will see on the wing at the next level but will need to fill out his body some as he goes and gain some consistency in his game. The physical tools and mentality needed to succeed at the next level are all here. If I were a D3 looking for an impact wing to add to my class I'd look here.