Another day in June, another team camp going on within the Phenom Hoops empire, this one coming to you from Columbia, South Carolina at Ridge View High School. There’s a ton of great talent in the gym today from South Carolina and North Carolina, let’s take a look at some of the top performers from this morning’s action on court one.
6’0 2019 Walyn Napper: Ridge View High School
Napper plays like he’s on a different mental wavelength than most of the opposition, he uses that incredibly speed and agility to attack defender’s from the perimeter, drawing in help, and then kicking it to a wide open shooter on what feels like every possession. He’s the kind of kid that creates offense for others and is incredibly unselfish in the way he operates on a basketball court leading to a high level of team success. He’s a state champion due to that skillset and a competitive fire that was noticeable in a 9:00 AM team camp game against vastly inferior competition. Napper is simply a winner folks, get in on him now before it’s too late.
6’7 2020 Javon Benson: Ridge View High School
Benson is one of those young athlete’s that has incredible physical tools, but is still trying to figure out how to use them in the most efficient way possible yet. He tries to dunk just about everything in the lane, tries to block every shot attempted within 8 feet of him so his competitive fire is there, the ability to channel that energy and force is what is going to bring Benson’s game to the next level. He certainly has the tools to be one of the top players in his class in the state so don’t be surprised when a lot of coaches come flocking his way during the live period. He’s gonna have an opportunity to win another state title this year with Ridge View so expect him to start getting that attention when he inevitably makes a huge impact on a possible championship team next year.
6’6 2019 Duwe Farris: Myers Park High School/PSB Wade
Farris is one of those classic undersized 4’s that can stretch the floor and overcome some of that lack of height with an uncanny ability to shoot the ball. He’s got a real quick trigger off the catch with the ability to finish down low over defender’s his size at a high level of efficiency. One thing that’s underrated about Farris’ game is his ability to create off the dribble, he’s gotten comfortable attacking from the perimeter, largely due to that wet jumper keeping defender’s honest giving him the space to rip through and finish strong. He plays an integral role on a really solid PSB Select Wade team. He does a really good job working with setting good screens and creating pick and pop opportunities in both HS and AAU. Look out for Farris to garner some interest in the live period and make whatever coach lands him extremely happy at the next level.
6’6 2022 Julian Phillips: Blythewood High School
Phillips has the potential to be one of the top freshman in the country considering the combo of size and skill he possesses at such a young age already. At 6’6 he’s knocking down catch and shoot 3’s, mid-range pull-ups, and creating offense for others within the high post, he’s already finding his guys with incredible vision and touch on his passes. Most young kids with that kind of size are extremely raw offensively, but the opposite is the case for Phillips, he’s gonna play a major role on a really talented Blythewood team as a freshman and look out for him being one of the top names in the Palmetto State for years to come.
6’2 2019 Charles “Trey” Jackson: Blythewood High School
Jackson is simply a walking bucket, I have no other way to put it, this dude rolls out of bed with 24 points and 5 assists, it’s unlike anything I’ve seen in a while, this dude can simply fill it up. He had 26 points in the first half and the most impressive thing about Jackson is his demeanor, always calm in his approach but deadly with his actions, Jackson is one of the more exciting lead guard’s I’ve seen all summer. he currently holds a few low/mid-major D1 offers so expect his recruitment to take a leap after what should be an incredibly productive July. I’m definitely going to have to make my way back to Columbia to check him out during his senior season.