This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual Rise Showcase at Rise Indoor Sports and the new Kernersville Sports Center. Between the two sites and various age groups, there was an abundance of talent on display. Although many organizations have been playing over the last month, several programs kicked off their season during this event. SW15H Elite made their debut and ultimately made the championship game. They have a roster full of intriguing pieces, so let’s take a closer look…
The duo of Darius Whitner and Jadon Green typically do most of the initiation and dictating of the offensive action. Whitner is a tough, heady guard who offers great balance between scoring, playmaking, and on-ball defense. He’s at his best when getting downhill and finishing or setting up others, but can also knock down jumpers and fill in the gaps as needed. Meanwhile, Green offers a steady all-around presence and can expand his production as needed. He’s a quick, scrappy guard who can initiate or make plays without the ball in his hands.
Although the team is currently without Trey Jones, he and Zion Wells should form a reliable shooting duo on the wings. Both long, fluid athletes with the ability to space the floor, move without the ball, and attack closeouts as needed. In addition, Hudson Fitzgerald is another low-maintenance option and reliable spot-up threat who knocks down shots at a high clip.
While this group has a fairly balanced structure, one could argue that Ryder Strand, Aidan Rousseau, and Julian Adigun were their most valuable pieces from this past event. Strand naturally works his way into production through his nonstop energy, terrific rebounding sense, and general nose for the ball. Beyond the hustle plays, he displayed the ability to hit jumpers, finish at the rim, and make the extra pass. Rousseau has clearly added strength as a forward who can post-up or space the floor. At 6-foot-6, he’s a very skilled player who can operate in a variety of different roles. Rounding out this group, Adigun is as intriguing as any prospect on the roster. He’s an extremely long, fluid athlete with incredible size and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Adigun is a capable finisher, useful floor-spacer, and quality interior defender with great instincts for blocking shots. Expect this team to be a priority for coaches throughout the summer season.