by: Ethan Reece
This past week Phenom Hoops went out to cover the Triad Blue Chip Summer League at TW Andrews High School in High Point, NC. The league has been held annually for 6 years now and features a good variety of the abundance of great prospects the Triad area has to offer between both public and private schools. This article will take a look at the standouts from the second part of the week:
2026 Dane Cassada (Calvary Day)
With an already strong freshman season under his belt, and fresh off reclassing, Dane is bound to make a case for one of the top 2026 guards in the state. He’s continually put in the work since first seeing him, his game has become more well-rounded to impact more aspects and he will undoubtedly be a leader for Calvary. He’s a well-composed lead guard with a competitive spirit that can score from all over, manage the primary ball-handling role, and really just be trusted to put the game in his hands and take over in heated moments.
2023 Jaydin Spillman-Martin (Calvary Day)
The utilization of Jaydin may very well be the key to Calvary having a huge upcoming year. At 6’9 there’s really no one else to match his skill set and mobility one on one, and he has the basketball IQ to play multiple positions on both ends, primarily operating as their lead scoring option that will attract defenders but also being able to handle the ball and set up others. With the insane length Calvary has across the board, Jaydin was actually up top in the zone and applying pressure to force turnovers, a nightmare to see crossing half-court.
2023 Reid Carrier (Greensboro Day)
Reid has been a worthy subtle contributor throughout the week but really showed out tonight to close the summer league. Undoubtedly the team’s best shooter, he knocked down 7 threes and led the way in an intense battle of high execution with Andrews. What’s great about how he plays his role is that he doesn’t force bad shots, he stays ready spotting up or coming off screens, and makes you pay when he finds an opening. Regardless of his shot count, he finds ways to impact the game and be influential offensively.
2025 Ayden Johnson (Piedmont Classical)
The second of their rising sophomore guards that will be handling the PG spot, Ayden balances the equation and brings a different taste to the position than Dalton. He manages the pressure and sets others up, reading the court well but providing a more dangerous shooting presence with a quick trigger and can get hot in a hurry. Although small, he seems to play that to his advantage slipping between the defense and keeping low to the ground with his shifty handles.
2023 Jaydon Young (Greensboro Day)
It would be hard to watch a GDS game and not be impressed with Jaydon. He’s their do-it-all leader and voice of reason on both ends, being truly versatile with how many ways he can play and impact the game. He’s way longer and plays bigger than his listed 6’3 suggests and can variably change positions whether it be as a big in their small-ball lineup or operating any of the guard spots with a knack for hitting timely shots and initiating things within the system. It’s easy to see why so many coaches have already offered.
2024 Jaylen Cross (Northwest Guilford)
There shouldn’t be many in the area at this point who isn’t aware of Jaylen and what he has done in his first two years with the Vikings. He’s an insanely athletic wing that thrives in transition and getting to the basket, but also showed this week he’s been working on his threes, knocking multiple each game. You’ll have to watch your head any time in the lane, as he runs the floor and follows shots for lobs and throwdowns as well as flying in for pins against the glass. No doubt he should be exciting to watch this summer with arguably the best 16u team around in Team United.