Coach Rick’s Observations from the Phenom National Showcase Part 2
Part 1: https://phenomhoopreport.com/2018/11/18/coach-ricks-observations-from-the-phenom-national-showcase/
CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK: 6’1 2020 Creighton Lebo (Greenfield School)
Creighton’s father Jeff Lebo was an McDonald All-American and a four year starter for the University of North Carolina. Like his father, Creighton is a cerebral, high IQ point guard that simply knows how to play the game. In their game Friday, Creighton enjoyed a game high 26 points, including four 3-pointers. We were impressed with his poise, maturity and command of the game, not to mention his ability to control tempo.
READY FOR THE NEXT STEP: 6’6 2020 Josh Massey (United Faith)
Versatility and consistency are the calling cards for the long and athletic wing forward. The lefty can score from all three levels and has the ability to play/guard multiple positions on the court. In the two games at the Phenom National Showcase, Massey demonstrated the ability to take the next step in his overall development, which in turn should see an increase in his recruitment. Massey scored 14 and 20 points respectively. We were impressed with his hustle and full throttle approach. His game translates to the next level and coaches at all levels will enjoy his work ethic and great attitude on and off the court.
STOCK ON THE RISE: 6’8 2020 Jaden Seymour (Northside Christian)
We currently have Jaden Seymour ranked sixth in our North Carolina 2020 rankings. He sports offers from Virginia Tech and NC State. You may ask how can a player ranked sixth in the state and has two ACC offers be a player who stock is on the rise. We have stated repeatedly that Seymour has tremendous upside. He’s has excellent length and athleticism and has always been a player that excels in the open court and in transition. However, at the Phenom National Showcase, he tallied a game high 26 points, showcased a must improved jumper, including knocking down two 3-pointers.
WELCOME TO THE HOOP STATE: 6’1 2020 Kamari Smith (Word of God)
Coach Brian Clifton has to have a big smile on his face. The ultra quick guard brings instant energy to both ends of the court. We were impressed with his hustle and full throttle approach to the game. In his first game, he only scored four points, but in the win over Northside Christian, Smith had 19 points including four 3-pointers. Smith will bring court leadership and a command of the game. Without question, Smith will an integral part of Word of God’s success this season.
SHOOTERS TRANSLATE: 6’6 2019 Max Farthing (Word of God)
In the two games at the Phenom National Showcase, 6’6 wing Max Farthing scored 25 (Seven 3-pointers) and 27 points ((Six 3-pointers) respectively. That’s a total of 13 made 3-pointers in two games against high level competition. We have always been impressed with his poise and maturity, not to mention his overall feel for the game. He’s a high level shooter with a quick release and scores nicely within the framework of the game. Shooters translate and all teams at levels needs shooters, especially one that can convert into instant offense.
MR. FUNDAMENTALS: 6’3 2019 Michael Green (Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach)
You won’t find many players ANYWHERE in the country that is more fundamentally sound that Michael Green, not to mention a high basketball IQ, great feel for the game and absolutely makes his teammates better. In the two games at the Phenom National Showcase, Green averaged 25 PPG and knocked down 10 3-pointers. The silky smooth southpaw has a velvet shooting touch and has advanced basketball instincts. More importantly, Green is a high academic and high character young man and should be a high priority for regional schools in the Big South and SoCon conference.
