On Saturday, Phenom Hoops will travel to Carmel Christian in Matthews, North Carolina to host our sixth annual Phenom Hoops MLK Showcase. The one-day event will begin at noon and the final game will start at 7:30, featuring six games of exciting action between twelve highly talented programs—both from public and private ranks. In preparation for the event, we will take a closer look at each matchup and highlight individual players to monitor…
The fifth contest of our MLK Showcase will feature Concord Academy (20-3) and Hickory Ridge (7-8). Clearly one of the better private school teams across North Carolina, Concord Academy looks poised to have another championship-bound season. Between the coaching, talent, and team structure, it’s easy to see why they’ve had success. Sophomore James Minlend is having a breakout year and visibly progressing as a prospect. Additionally, each guy within the productive, veteran-laden core of Lincoln Raper, Jake Benham, Alek Kornacki, Gray Madeira, and Icare Bakadisula has a definite place at the next level. It’s also worth noting that Raper (45%), Minlend (43%), Benham (39%), and Madeira (36%) have combined to hit 159-391 three-pointers this season—an impressive 40.6% clip. On the other side, Hickory Ridge has managed to weather the storm while one of their best players in Parker Watkins has been sidelined. Sophomore Travien Williams has taken a massive step forward as a leader and focal point, but there are several pieces worth noting on this roster. Guys like Braylen Hill, Dakoda Daniel, Tyzhir Dyer, Zeke Kelly, and Tyson Durant each play vital roles for the Ragin Bulls. There’s an abundance of talent between these two programs, which should make for a highly entertaining showdown.
