South Carolina Phenom 150 Evaluations
Team 7
Coach: Yusuf English
#62: 5’7 ’22 Cedric Shelby (Columbia, SC)
Starting things off, we look at a player that made great contributions as a two-way team player, Cedric Shelby. He’s a guard prospect with solid strength and the ability to seamlessly play with or without the ball. Offensively, Shelby showcased signs of a quality midrange pull-up and was able to effectively enter the paint throughout the day. He plays hard on defense and shows discipline when defending the point of attack. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his quickness, as it would make him an even more dynamic offensive threat. Coach English on Shelby: “Cedric does a good job of controlling the game; he can shoot the three-pointer or make plays within the paint. He gets to the basket when he wants and looks to make the extra pass whenever possible.” Shelby had a nice showing at camp and should continue to improve throughout his first high school season.
#67: 5’8 ’21 Torrin Campbell (Mauldin, SC)
Next, we look at a player that already possesses a nice blend of potential and productivity, Torrin Campbell. He’s a guard prospect that typically plays off-ball and applies pressure as a scorer, especially in transition. Campbell knocks down shots from all levels, handles the ball when necessary, and doesn’t look to force the action on offense. He makes efficient use of his touches and understands how to attack opposing defenses. Campbell was a quality presence on defense and forced numerous turnovers throughout the day. Next in his development process is working on his footwork, as it would make him a more mechanically sound player. Coach English on Campbell: “Torrin is a nice guard that can score on all three levels, and does so especially well for his size. He has a crafty way of getting to the basket. Torrin plays within himself and is a true team-first guy.” It’ll be interesting to see how Campbell continues to build his game over these next few months, as he enters his sophomore season.
#81: 5’10 ’20 Sam Laydon (Charleston, SC)
Moving onto a player that received votes for multiple awards during his time at camp, Sam Laydon. He’s an extremely well-rounded guard that knows how to affect all facets of the game, despite his slight frame. Offensively, Laydon scores efficiently on all three levels and possesses a terrific feel for the game. He knows how to keep defenses honest through his ball-handling and ability to consistently create off the bounce. Laydon possesses an impressive IQ and fundamental approach to the game. His two-way rebounding really stands out, especially considering his size, as he outperformed bigger and stronger players throughout camp. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength and hone his team-friendly skillset, in order to prepare for the next level. Coach English on Laydon: “Sam is a great shooter! He has a great feel for the game and knocks down shots from all over the floor. Sam’s a good on-ball defender with precise footwork and the ability to make plays on both ends of the floor.” Laydon was able to inflict damage on opponents throughout the day, but never forced the issue and was able to make his teammates better. He should be one to watch going forward, considering he already has college-level ability and will only continue to get better.
#89: 5’11 ’22 Mackenzie Taylor (Florence, SC)
Continuing onto a player the showed a lot of unselfishness and willingness to do the dirty work, Mackenzie Taylor. He’s an athletic guard prospect that is just entering his first year of high school ball, yet already displays nice poise on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Taylor provides a nice blend of scoring and passing; he’s smart with his overall shot selection and makes great reads as a playmaker. He also showed no issues getting to the basket, both as a cutter and penetrating ball-handler. Taylor exerted great effort on defense and went hard throughout camp. Next in his development process is working on his off-ball defense, as it would allow him to cause even more havoc on that end of the floor. Coach English on Taylor: “Mackenzie is a great team player that likes to get others involved whenever possible. He can use either hand to get to the basket and finishes well through contact.” Taylor brought a proper approach and positive attitude to camp, which made him a two-way headache for most opponents.
#103: 6’1 ’22 Houston Graves (Spartanburg, SC)
Next, we look at a player that made an abundance of hustle plays throughout his time at camp, Houston Graves. He’s a young guard prospect that plays with relentlessness on both sides of the ball, looking to make an impact in any way possible. Graves approaches the game unselfishly and rarely forces the action on offense. He knocks down open shots and makes the extra pass whenever available. Graves is solid in transition and attacks the rim with purpose on penetration attempts. Next in his development process is improving the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach English on Graves: “Houston gave us a ton of effort during camp; he brought a great attitude to the team and hustled on both ends of the floor. He possesses a surprising ability to shoot from beyond the arc and has a lot of attainable upside.” Graves made quality contributions throughout the day and showcased his ability to complement a variety of different players. He could be one to watch grow, considering his age and non-stop work ethic.
#108: 6’2 ’21 Aidan Mauffray (Columbia, SC)
Moving onto a player that was able to affect all facets of the game throughout his time at camp, Aidan Mauffray. He’s a strong-bodied wing prospect with a selfless, high-motor approach to the game. Offensively, Mauffray displays a quality IQ and feel for the game, able to constantly apply pressure as a scorer without necessarily needing the ball in his hands. He knows how to draw the defense with his shooting ability and shows great decisiveness when looking to create for others. Mauffray does a decent job of forcing turnovers on defense, but can still improve as an on-ball presence. Next in his development process is working on becoming quicker, as it would make him a more useful two-way player. Coach English on Mauffray: “Aidan is always able to find a way to get open and shoot jumpers. He shot the ball well from beyond the arc and was a good off-ball defender with a strong rebounding sense, especially for his position.” Mauffray displayed a strong skillset at camp, but should continue improving over the next few months.
#109: 6’2 ’20 Marc Haight (Charleston, SC)
Continuing onto a player that showcased his complementary skillset on both sides of the ball, Marc Haight. He’s a long-bodied forward with nice fundamentals and the ability to stretch out the opposing defense. Haight plays an intelligent brand of basketball, never forcing the action and consistently scoring from all three levels. He passed the ball exceptionally well throughout camp, especially in transition, and displayed a natural sense for moving the ball. Haight showcased solid all-around defensive ability, even though he can still improve on that end of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his pursuit of rebounds, as it would allow him to push the break in transition and accumulate quality point totals. Coach English on Haight: “Marc is a crafty player that showcased a great feel for the game on both sides of the ball. He’s a good shooter and can get to the rim at will. He brought a great attitude and work ethic to camp.” Haight appears ready to contribute this upcoming season and could be a candidate to enjoy a breakout year on the hardwood.
#122: 6’3 ’21 Russell Felton Jr. (Aiken, SC)
Next, we look at a player that has a real chance to emerge as a two-way star in the near future, Russell Felton Jr. He’s a strong, athletic wing prospect with a high IQ and exceptional feel for the game. Offensively, Felton is very dynamic and attacks defenses in a variety of different ways, but he still maintains the same unselfish mindset. He’s a true leader, both on and off the court, and is willing to do anything to make his teammates better. No opponent could stop Felton from scoring, assisting, and rebounding throughout the day, regardless of their approach. He was arguably the most bloodthirsty defender on display, but actually took home the Mr. Hustle award for his incredible efforts. Next in his development process is continuing to take the necessary steps to prepare for the next level, because he’s inevitably going to breakout within the next year. Coach English on Felton: “Russell is a high-energy player that can score effectively from all three levels. He has a great feel for the game and understands how to make plays on both sides of the ball.” There is no doubting Felton’s talent level, it’ll just be interesting to see how long it takes him to ascend into the national spotlight.
#127: 6’4 ’21 Alec Bowie (Columbia, SC)
Moving onto a player that utilized his body throughout camp to make a constant two-way impact, Alec Bowie. He’s a strong-bodied forward with quality rebounding instincts and a terrific motor. Bowie runs the floor with purpose and scored an abundance of second-chance opportunities from offensive rebounds. He moves swiftly without the ball and displays a decent understanding of positioning on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his ability to handle the ball, as it would allow him to attack from the perimeter more often. Coach English on Bowie: “Alec is a tough player that did a great job giving effort on both ends of the floor. He does a great job of moving without the ball and making his presence felt. Alec was willing to make any hustle play possible to give our team an edge.” Bowie is somewhat between positions right now, but that’s okay, because he has ample time to determine his long-term basketball identity.
#141: 6’6 ’22 Julian Phillips (Blythewood, SC)
Finishing up with a player that possesses an incredible amount of two-way potential, Julian Phillips. He’s a long, wiry forward prospect with an intriguing overall skillset and excellent feel for the game. Right now, Phillips is between forward positions, but he’s very polished when slotted against other power forwards. He displays a smooth face-up game with a variety of moves and counter moves. Phillips plays with a chip on his shoulder and aggressively looks to punish opponents on both ends of the floor. His length makes him a difficult assignment for most opponents, especially as a rebounder. Phillips showcases a strong amount of perimeter skills on both ends of the floor and looks comfortable defending out beyond the arc. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength while becoming a more polished ball-handler, as it would allow him to potentially emerge as a small forward in the foreseeable future. Coach English on Phillips: “Julian is a great shot-blocker and rebounder with phenomenal instincts, and an amazing motor. He can shoot efficiently from midrange and beyond the arc while showcasing his ability to score with his back to the basket or facing up.” It’s only a matter of time before Phillips is nationally-ranked, but he’s already shown an exceptional blend of upside and production. We’ll be sure to keep a close eye on his continued progression; he could start dominating as soon as this upcoming season.