Phenom Hoops was back in town in Rock Hill for Week 4 action in the Hoop State League.  Teams continue to make progress and prepare for the upcoming seasons, as well as players.  There were several standouts from the event but these three players really played at a high level in Week 4. 

2022 Evan Smith (Team Purple)

Smith has been a known name throughout North Carolina for some time now, but it has usually been in helping the lead the charge and showcasing his blend of scoring and getting others involved.'

This year though, his role is going to change a little bit with the team he has today and as a senior; he is showing that throughout the Hoop State League and did so again in Week 4.' Smith's ability to play within the offense but stay aggressive on offense has been impressive, being an effective scorer, getting to his spots and where he wants to operate, while also embracing contact and finishing.

Smith is really going to have to step up scoring-wise this season but he has been making it known that he is willing to take on the challenge, scoring from multiple levels and creating more opportunities for himself (while still running the offense).' He even stepped up on Day 2 with a huge buzzer-beating three to give his team the win.

2024 Dylan Deluca (Warriors)

Maybe one of the best weekends we have seen from this young, versatile prospect.' The Warriors is a program that has multiple prospects that could play at the next level but Deluca really has shown that he has elevated his play and is understanding more of the game.'

A 6'6 prospect, he is incredibly agile and moves well all throughout the floor, both offensively and defensively.' He continues to show a nice balance of scoring inside and out, embracing his role about scoring in the paint but using his quickness to his advantage, but also stepping out and stretching the floor.' With his expanding role and versatility, Deluca looks to be trending in the right direction as a player.

2023 Jaiden Thompson (Team Force)

Each week, you could have a different name for this Team Force (Central Cabarrus).' They are going to be a very exciting team to watch this season and look to be strong.' In Week 4 though, it was 2023 Jaiden Thompson started to grab the attention of many with is play.'

As a smaller guard, Thompson plays with incredible patience and IQ on the floor, understanding the defense is giving him, finding the open spot on the floor, finishing well around the rim, and showing a balanced attack with his jumper from deep and penetrating the defense and getting paint touches.' But he did all of that without taking away the flow of the offense, as others continued to get involved and all of which playing unselfish basketball.'

This Team Force is absolutely tough on both ends, with the guard play leading the charge.