The Phenom Stay Positive brought a ton of talent to the courts in Bermuda Run. It was an exciting and thrilling event, as players really stepped up their game all throughout. But, while roaming the courts throughout, there were a few players that really seemed to grab my attention and standout from the rest, as these are POB’s Best of the Best from the event. Check out who made the list.
2022 Xavier McKelvy (Charlotte Royals):
The Charlotte Royals came in short-handed on Saturday but as long as you have McKelvy on the court, your team stands a chance. McKelvy continues to play at a high level with his game, attacking and getting downhill, finishing at the rim with authority, and scoring in multiple areas of the court. And on Saturday, he showed once again his full arsenal even though the defense was geared to slow him down. He went for a 30-ball in Game 1 and finished with 25+ in Game 2, as he continues to show why he is a player that should be garnering a lot more attention.
2023 Will Otto (Garner Road): Otto continues to make note-worthy steps in his game and at the Phenom Stay Positive, he showed it all and why he is a force to be reckoned with this summer and down the road. The young guard displays tremendous IQ, vision, and shooting ability on the court, but is also one that isn’t afraid of the big moments. He is a multi-level scorer and showed it in a big way, whether it was going for 31 points on Saturday or hitting the game-winner to secure the championship. He had one of his best tournaments and it will be interesting to see where Otto goes from here this summer.
2021 Glenn Bynum Jr (Mint Hill Lakers):
Bynum has continued to play at a high level and with the growth in his game from years ago to where he is now, Coker is looking quite smart to nab him for the future. Bynum can do a little bit of everything on the court for his team, whether it is locking up on defense and having his defense turn into offense, or if it is his offensive game of using his size to attack the paint and finish or his consistent three-point shot. Bynum isn’t afraid of the bright lights, which he shouldn’t be playing with Carmel Christian, as he stepped up big in the championship game with a game-tying, tough three with just under five seconds to go, ultimately helping his team to another championship.
2021 Shad Thomas (NC Spartans): I will be honest with you, I haven’t had a chance to watch Thomas much through his high school career but I wish I had; with what he has shown this summer, one could say that he was one of the more under-recruited players in the state with his production. That should be exciting though to hear for Catawba Valley CC. Thomas’ 6’7 frame is tough to slow down, as he brings a ton of versatility to the court with his athleticism, his power/strength, and his toughness. He impacts the floor on both sides and really can be a tough matchup wherever you place him, as he finds a way to take the upper hand on the court vs. his opponent. He consistently put up impressive numbers and stat lines all throughout the tournament.
2024 Rakease Passmore (NLPB):
There is a bright future for this young man, that is evident. Passmore had an incredible freshman season and isn’t slowing down this summer with NLPB, as the 6’6 prospect is quickly rising up the rankings for his class. Passmore is a tough matchup, as he gets downhill with ease and has tremendous athleticism, as well as his frame to go with it. He attacks the basket with a strong feel but also showed that he can knock down shots from the perimeter. The young prospect really captured a lot of eyes once more and is quickly going to be in the discussion as one of the top players in the class of 2024 in North Carolina.
2021 Jaheim Taylor (Hart Select): Taylor has been a known name for Phenom Hoops, especially even more with what he showed this past high school season as he was an absolute bucket all throughout for Princeton. But he doesn’t seem to be slowing down this summer, as he was one of the more consistent players throughout the tournament. What you have to love about Taylor’s game is the confidence and swagger that he plays with, scoring on multiple levels, knocking down shots from three, impacting the game in other ways like rebounding or finding his teammates, and his leadership on the court. Add all of that on top of his defensive instincts that he plays with and his feel in the open floor, Taylor really showcased his full game at the Phenom Stay Positive