Phenom Hoops was on deck throughout the weekend at Forsyth Country Day for the NCISAA Live Period (Session 2), where teams throughout the state of North Carolina came to compete in front of college coaches. It was great to see all the teams and players in action over the weekend, as we are looking to bring you the stars and stock risers for each class from the weekend. We will continue with the stars that showed out from the class of 2023.
2023 Emanuel Richards (Christ School)
Coming from South Carolina, North Carolina fans better quickly get familiar with Richards' game because he is going to make some noise in the state. Richards has been a known name in SC with his game and strength but now he looks to be one of the go-to players at his new school, Christ School. Richards has only elevated his play, not just being a bully on the court with is frame and getting into the paint at will… now he has expanded his game, showing his improved range and helping run the offense. He was consistent throughout the LIVE Period and he should quickly be rising up the ranks in NC.
2023 Callum Richard (Gaston Day)
The growth that Richards has made from when we first started watching him to where he is now should only make scouts, fans, and college coaches excited. The 6'11 big continues to build on his game, get stronger down low, and is showing improved footwork down in the paint. Becoming a very skilled big but with room still to grow, the future looks bright for Richards and it seems that everything is starting to click in his favor, as he is becoming more assertive on the floor.
2023 Wesley Tubbs (Northside Christian)
When you watched Northside the last few years, they had players like Hubbard and upperclassmen helping lead the way but now they are gone and Tubbs is looking ready to take over that role. We already knew what Tubbs brought to the court, with his long frame, his energy, and versatility, but now Tubbs looks to be elevating his game even more and showing he can be that lead dog, getting it done defensively, becoming the go-to leader, and showing he can carry the load for his team. It is why schools continue to come his way quickly.
2023 Riley Allenspach (Providence Day)
Another big man that is quickly rising up the ranks with his play, Allenspach gave us a glimpse of his improving game. Personally, for myself, it had been a while since seeing Allenspach in action from the start of the high school season. Though he is still developing and filling out his frame, Riley showcased his much-improved feel for the game, his touch, and his understanding of how he can impact the game. He has good timing in blocking shots while also a great feel around the basket and his timing in scoring. Allenspach really has transformed his game but there is still room for growth, which makes him even scarier.
2023 Comeh Emuobor (Ravenscroft)
Emuobor is a star in the making… it is looking evident that he is going to quickly be a name around the country that everyone will know and when watching him, it is easy to see why. To put it simply, he looks like a grown man at times against his opponents, doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants. At his size at 6'4/6'5, Emuobor simply bullies against guards, whether it is rising up to knock down shots or force his way into the paint and finishing at the rim. But what is also crazy to watch is that he can do the same against bigs, getting by them and scoring at will. Add that to his big-time IQ, his leadership on the court, his motor, and his ability to take the big shot when needed, Emuobor checks off a ton of boxes early on.
2023 Jakwon Moore (Trinity Academy)
Moore is another special prospect to watch in the 2023 class. When he steps on the court, you can quickly see why so many schools are coming his way as he passes the eye test with his physicality, his size, and his impact on both ends. But when you watch more of his game, you add his exceptional athleticism, his defensive impact, and his continuing improvement with his perimeter game, Moore should have colleges drooling of what he could be by the time he touches the college courts. And if he continues his trajectory in his game, Moore could be someone special for a future college school.