It’s July which means travel ball is back and in action, the Phenom Crew has invaded the other Carolina for a weekend full of hoops and storylines!
Fort Mill, South Carolina– The action didn’t waste any time picking up here at Comenius School, we had the pleasure of getting a jump on the new wave of talent 13U-15U, at this stage a lot of these underclassmen are relatively unknown and looking to break into the scene!
6'4 2021 Logan Blair (Team Charlotte)– Blair is a versatile wing prospect with nice upside, today he talked the talk and walked the walk on the court. At a lengthy 6'4 Blair has a build ideal for a natural slasher, he's got a nice first step Blair has a long smooth stride that covers a lot of ground, it allows him to slide by defenders and do damage at the rim. Blair is a kid who will out work his opponent on both ends his versatility allows him to line up all over the floor, he runs the floor hard and pursues the important 50/50 balls. Blair gave an impressive effort on the boards as well, he gets off the ground quicker than most. Blair can take contact on the finish, and he showed some touch from mid range.
5'10 2023 Caleb Senyo (WNC Warriors)- One of the better floor generals I watched on Saturday, Senyo had a productive spring and he's continued to carry that momentum into summer. Senyo won't blow anyone away during the initial eye test, but if the defense is lacking Senyo can light it up. Senyo is money from behind the arc, he can spot up or create opportunities off the dribble. Senyo isn't trigger shy, but he's not a bad shot taker, today he found looks within the flow of the offense. Senyo is also a reliable finisher at the cup, he's got the running floater along with a creative layup package in the bag. What stands out almost immediately is his poise and feel for the game, the court vision is advanced already in the early stages. Senyo plays with good pace the entire game, physical play and traps won't shake him.
6'3 2021 Trever Kelly (PSB)– Kelly really got off to a hot start against a talented Team Charlotte team, the effort included three made field goals to kick start his side. Kelly has a nice fluid release, off ball he was constantly in motion coming off screens and carving out space around the perimeter. Kelly comes off screens tight and showed the ability to lose his man. Kelly doesn't need much space to let it fly, Kelly was able to utilize his height to make shots over smaller guards on catch and shoot opportunities. Kelly wasn't bothered by late closeouts, if he's got breathing room and the feet get set then defenses are in trouble. Kelly is a guard with high intangibles, he understands the importance of floor spacing and utilizing the entire court. Defensively Kelly was scrappy, he wasn't afraid to get a bit physical and get after his man.
6'6 2022 Luke Bracey (Upward Stars)- Bracey came out early and made an impact on the block for a very scrappy York County squad. Bracey looks noticeably stronger this summer, he utilized that brute strength to carve out space in the lane. On the block Bracey showed patience and some improved footwork with his back to the basket, Bracey played like he had something the prove in game one. Bracey finished with either hand around the rim, he showed strong hands squeezing the rock and soft touch dropping it in around the cup. Bracey also made the mid range jumper consistently when the defense left him open, Bracey also flashed some range behind the arc. Bracey plays bigger than 6'6 especially on the glass, he was relentless following his shots and creating second chance opportunities.
6'1 2022 Manny Elliot (Greensboro Warriors)- Another kid who really set the tone early, Elliot led the Warriors to the very first W on the day, he absolutely got smooth buckets in this one. Elliot proved to be a three level scorer, he made some tough shots off the bounce from mid range. Elliot did most of his damage from mid range, but he's a capable slasher and finisher at the cup as well, he won't shy away from contact on the finish, and he's creative around the rim. Elliot is a tough guard in space, he's got a smooth handle and tight crossover to match, and Elliot gets nice elevation on the jumper when he rises for pull ups. Elliot can change direction and speeds almost effortlessly, he poured in a strong 17 points, and threw out several assists as well.