The high school season has tipped off for Phenom Hoops and one of the best events tipped off in Matthews (NC) with the Carmel Tip-Off. Nationally ranked teams and players were in attendance for this one, and there were quite a few storylines that we walked away with throughout the event. But these were the ones that stood out the most for us.
2027 6’5 King Gibson makes his claim as the top prospect in NC for his class
On Day 1, one of the best sophomores in the country put his game on display as 2027 6’5 King Gibson for The Burlington School put on a show to start the event. Finishing with 35 points, he did all he could do to secure the win for his team but he certainly showed his full arsenal in his game. Gibson did a great job in creating off the bounce, showing his ability tot get to the rim or to his spots, knocking down tough shots from outside or at the rim. Also liked his ability to create and find others, his defensive impact, and his ability to be a leader on the court. Right now, he is ranked as the top prospect in the class for North Carolina and he certainly backed that up to open the event.
2025 6’7 Josiah Parker makes his statement in North Carolina
There are plenty of new names here in North Carolina and they were on display at the Carmel Tip Off. One of those players that impressed maybe the most was 2025 6’7 Josiah Parker for Combine Academy. Parker was big in both matchups and consistently created problems for his opponents. He is a 6’7 prospect who moves well and brings versatility to the court, but believe there could be more left in his game as he develops. Parker ran the floor well, used his fluidity to his advantage in just being quicker than other bigs, was engaged on the boards to create opportunities, and is comfortable in a variety of areas on the court. He finished with 17 points on Day 1 and 23 on Day 2 at the event.
2026 6’9 Heimir Helgason shouldn’t be a secret anymore
A secret prospect that has a blossoming skillset and still is continuing to develop/ work on his game is 2026 Heimir Helgason. Helgason is a very interesting prospect and I believe his best basketball is ahead of him, but he showed just how skilled he is on the court. An extremely fluid big man that runs the floor well, has a soft touch around the basket in finishing, and shows how to open up the floor with his spacing and perimeter shooting. On Day 2, he finished with 26 points (after a 35-point showing to open up the season) and was able to display his blossoming skillset. I believe he won’t be a secret anymore here in North Carolina.
2025 6’5 Isaiah Denis looking strong early on for Davidson Day
Fresh off his commitment to North Carolina, 2025 Isaiah Denis gave future UNC fans a glimpse of what is to come down in Chapel Hill. Starting out slow, Denis started to get things going often, finding ways to attack and be aggressive, make plays off the dribble and get to the rim, find open spots on the court for his jumper, and use his athleticism and long size to his advantage. Denis was able to put the pressure on the defense, get to the line consistently, and show that he can be a strong multi-level scorer.
2025 Michael Phillips II showing those flashes in what he could be at the next level
Phillips is an interesting prospect and has been rising up the ranks for many after a strong summer with Boo Williams. Phillips, who is a 6’7 athletic wing prospect, had a great showing on Day 1 with 25 points and nine rebounds and led his team on Day 2 in a tough battle with 13 points. Phillips’ game though has a chance to only grow and develop to another level at the collegiate level. The flashes can be seen with his shot-making and perimeter game, his developing game to hit tough shots over defenders, and his impact in so many other areas.
2026 Cameron Newman steps up big in leading Gaston Christian in a tight game
Newman has been a familiar name throughout the state of North Carolina for several years, and this season was going to be a great opportunity for him to lead the charge at Gaston Christian. It looks like Newman has no issue in taking the reins for this team and being that leader, as he finished with 19 points in a two-point win vs. Queen’s Grant. Newman is a trustworthy point guard with the ball in his hands, being a playmaker, making good reads, and being the straw that stirs the drink when it comes to this team offensively. Newman stepped up big late on Day 2 to help secure a big victory in a tough environment.