Phenom Hoops is diving into the upcoming season, and we are bringing several previews and discussions about teams and players to watch out for. We are looking into several conferences to see who could be looking strong early on based on the information we have and from last year’s results. Take a look at these teams below, as we think these could be programs to watch out for in each.
1A Northwest Piedmont
Bethany
Bishop McGuinness
Carver
College Prep & Leadership Academy
Cornerstone Charter
Leadership Academy
Millennium
Piedmont Classical
Triad Math and Science Academy
Winston-Salem Prep
Bishop McGuinness
Last year, this team finished 27-4 and went undefeated in conference play. And though they lost some strong and experienced talent from last year, the Villains still have plenty of talent returning to make this team dangerous and in the hunt again. The Graves brothers (2025 Patrick Graves and 2025 Nicholas Graves) bring value and experience to lead the team. Still, they also have several other seniors that will help them including 2025 Alex Waterfield and company. This should be a team that has depth once again along with a strong coaching staff.
Carver
Can the Yellowjackets compete for a conference championship? They could be a team to watch out for, finishing around .500 overall last year but returning a lot of firepower with more experience from last year. 2027 Jeremiah Glaspie is back after a fantastic freshman season in which he averaged 15ppg, while 2026 Kejuan Bruton and 2026 Jaqarius Houston should be right there to help lead the pack. With a year under their belt, could they take the next step this upcoming season?
College Prep & Leadership Academy
This team was right there and ultimately finished third in the conference last year. And what has to impress you is that this team returns nearly everyone who racked up close to 20 wins last year. 2025 Jayden Davis led the way at 15.6ppg last year while 2025 Robert Knotts wasn’t far behind. But what will be key is the development of last year’s freshmen, as 2027 Tyrie Pressley, 2027 Marlon Carson, and 2027 Bryce McKenzie should all take the next step in their development, especially Pressley being one to watch for.
Piedmont Classical
This team finished second in the conference last year and continues to bring depth to the table, as 2026 Nick Daniel returns to lead the way while players like 2026 Cameron Anderson, 2025 Jalen Ferrell, and others should all chip in and help bring a balanced attack. Will they be able to build off last year’s success? We shall see.
Winston Salem Prep
Another team to just keep an eye on to see if they can take that next step and compete is Winston-Salem Prep, as they will be returning their top three players last year and all are seniors. 2025 Jace Covington led the charge but he will be one of many names that can help bring a balanced attack, as they hope to build off last year’s team.