At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today's edition will highlight Chris Beam of Atkins High School.'

There are a lot of factors that go into winning. Some prospects are scorers, playmakers, or defensive-minded, but being able to accept and embrace one's role is arguably more valuable than any type of identity label. Beam is a guy that fits the mold of being able to make plays and involve himself in the action without necessarily needing to be the ultimate decision-maker on offense. He can pass, handle, shoot, defend, rebound, and make plays in transition, which really allows him to affect all facets of the game within the flow of the team. Beam can effectively create off the bounce or work without the ball, both proving to be fairly useful.     

We've seen Beam at multiple camps, including prior to the start of his high school season, where we stated: 'Continuing onto a player that seemed to shine brightest whenever his team needed it most, Christopher Beam. He's a smart, strong, skilled guard prospect that can operate from either backcourt position, given his blend of shooting and ball-handling. Beam scores on all three levels and possesses a high motor, which allows him to cause havoc on the defensive end of the floor. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would allow him to become a craftier finisher around the basket. Coach Jones on Beam: 'Chris is a great point guard with a high IQ. He plays with a high motor at all times. Chris showed that he is college-level material. He played hard on both ends of the floor. Chris maintained a positive attitude, accepted coaching well, and was a good teammate.' Beam was vital at camp, leading his team through the playoffs and securing the Tournament MVP with relative ease, so it'll be exciting to see how performs during the upcoming season at Atkins.'

His stellar play from camp transitioned quite nicely into the high school season, where Beam was among the main two or three leaders for a tough Atkins squad. He understands how to operate in a complementary role but can also expand his production and take over as needed. Beam is the type of player that can carve out a role with basically any collection of teammates, given his motor and unselfishness. There are numerous programs that could utilize someone like Beam, especially if he continues to progress.