This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina for a highly entertaining stretch of basketball. There was truly an abundance of talent on display, coming from various directions within each of the three events'which certainly includes the NC Rim Runners (2024) from our Spring Tip-Off Classic. While they might've fallen short of winning the championship, this group stood out among the better 15U squads on display and did so without having much size, depth, or a lineup with 'true' positions. Given the fact they only had seven players available, it makes their two-day showing even more impressive. Coach Ricky Rich has done a nice job of accumulating talent and getting them to buy in on the court. So, let's take a closer look at their roster…
6'4 Jaylen Cross (Northwest Guilford)
After showing Cross extensive praise throughout the weekend and following our event, the excitement surrounding his abilities should've started rubbing off on folks throughout North Carolina. He's possessed an excellent foundation since his younger days, but has done a tremendous job of continuing to develop his body and overall skillset. Cross stood out as the all-around leader of the Rim Runners, consistently setting the tone on either end of the floor through IQ, unselfishness, and a fairly high activity level. He's a great passer, defender, and efficient three-level scorer, essentially making him a matchup nightmare. As we've stated numerous times, Cross has the chance to be special.
6'0 Drew Hollifield (Shelby)
Although Cross is arguably the star of this group, Hollifield certainly has the tools and ability to fall right in line with his lineage of noteworthy athletes. He's somewhat of a modern floor general, given his ability and willingness to set up others crossed with a clear emphasis on applying scoring pressure. With this group, Hollifield can reliably operate with or without the ball in his hands. He's a smart, timely passer with craftiness, toughness, and a quality change of pace to his game. Hollifield is equally as strong at finishing as converting jumpers along the perimeter, making him a fairly lethal all-around offensive threat. He's also a consistent defender, useful rebounder, and capable of leading a team by example on either end of the floor. Hollifield will definitely be a prospect for college coaches to monitor closely going forward.
5'11 Benny Limbacher (High Point Christian)
Given the overall construct of this roster, Limbacher fits in perfectly as a complementary piece with the ability to handle the ball as a secondary creator and apply consistent scoring pressure from all three levels. He's tough, unselfish, and plays hard on both ends of the floor. Limbacher shows a willingness to defend and compete on the glass, able to rebound well for his position while showing the ability to force turnovers by jumping into passing lanes. Between his perimeter shooting and well-rounded skillset, he finds ways to contribute in each contest.
6'1 Conner Salyer (Wesleyan Christian)
While the same argument could be made for Limbacher, Salyer is arguably the main glue-guy within this roster. He's simply a steading presence on both ends of the floor. Salyer is a well-rounded offensive threat with the understanding of how to coexist and make plays in a variety of different roles. He can assume secondary ball-handling responsibilities, where he's proven to be a solid passer, but typically finds scoring opportunities as a cutter and spot-up threat. Salyer does a nice job of producing within the flow of the team structure.
5'10 Kareem Osman (Northwest Guilford)
Different from the previous duo, Osman is another scoring guard with quickness and a scrappy presence defensively. He's more of a penetrator than perimeter shooter, but still more than capable of knocking down the open jumper. Osman moves well without the ball, both in the half-court and transition, and can create effectively off the dribble as needed. He's slightly undersized but had no issue making his presence felt against opposing guards throughout the weekend.
6'0 Nylan Battle (East Burke)
Like numerous others on this team, Battle displays the ability to do a little bit of everything within his low-maintenance role. He can pass, score, defend, or rebound, and makes a quality impact in each facet. Battle is capable of doing the little things and filling in the gaps on either end of the floor. He plays extremely well within his identity and doesn't try to force the action.
6'2 Michael Juergens (Northern Guilford)
Their main resemblance of any actual size or interior players comes directly from Juergens, who typically anchors the paint for this group. He's a wiry, active forward prospect with the necessary willingness and mentality to make plays around the basket. Juergens consistently gets involved as a rebounder while showing the ability to effectively alter shots defensively. He displays touch but can also knock down the perimeter jumper on occasion.
