EVENT NEWS
To filter articles by a specific event, use the dropdown below.
Diving Into Phenom Hoops’ 2028 Rankings
Updating rankings can be one of the most stressful events in the yearly high school calendar. Though it should be fairly common knowledge, there is no “correct” order or proper way of ranking these players. While subjectivity naturally plays a role, objectivity typically leads the way when determining who belongs where. Between statistics, accolades, team success, and long-term projection,...
read more
Diving Into Phenom Hoops’ 2027 Rankings
Updating rankings can be one of the most stressful events in the yearly high school calendar. Though it should be fairly common knowledge, there is no “correct” order or proper way of ranking these players. While subjectivity naturally plays a role, objectivity typically leads the way when determining who belongs where. Between statistics, accolades, team success, and long-term projection,...
read more
Diving Into Phenom Hoops’ 2026 Rankings
Updating rankings can be one of the most stressful events in the yearly high school calendar. Though it should be fairly common knowledge, there is no “correct” order or proper way of ranking these players. While subjectivity naturally plays a role, objectivity typically leads the way when determining who belongs where. Between statistics, accolades, team success, and long-term projection,...
read more
What Makes Phenom Hoops’ Freshman 40 Camp Important?
Arguably the most fun, entertaining part of each new high school season is the individual camps featuring high-level players and matchups. The North Carolina Top 80 has been a staple of the Phenom Hoops brand for over a decade, and it’s only continued to expand over the years. In addition to our annual South Carolina Top 80 (and previous camps in Virginia and Indiana), the newer Freshman 40 and...
read more
South Carolina Prospects at CP3 Rising Stars Camp (2028 & 2029)
2028 6’4 Antoine Caughman (Keenan) 6’6 RJ Davis (Ridge View) 6’7 Kazaveon Frierson (Westwood) 6’8 Ian Gause Jr. (Marion) 6’4 JJ Gray (Carolina Forest) 6’10 Hudson Hatch (Christ School) 6’5 Ricky Hood III (Greer) 6’7 CJ Moore (Ridge View) 6’8 Jaden Ray (Darlington) 6’7 Brice Wiersma (TL Hanna) 2029 6’6 Flory Kuminga (The Patrick...
read more
Translatable Ability: Stephano Farrington
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or have stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the later...
read more
Highly Intriguing: Aden Jeffries
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or have stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the later...
read more
Why College Coaches Should Pursue Trent Clark
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or have stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the late...
read more
Why 2028 Micah Gunter should be looked at more as a national prospect
Player: Micah GunterClass: 2028Height: 6’3School: Greensboro Day The Class of 2028 is really starting to take shape here in North Carolina, as we have had a chance to view a lot of rising stars that will be talked about extensively in the coming years. With national rankings being released now for the class, there is one guard that I believe should be earning more attention on the national...
read more
Young Stars Look to Capture Ultimate Prize this Season at Queen’s Grant
Queen’s Grant was a familiar face last year with Phenom Hoops, and they certainly showed why they were one of the top teams in the state. Finishing the season last year with a 27-8 overall record before falling last in the playoffs to Corvian, Queen’s Grant looks to be back once again and in the hunt for the ultimate prize… a state title. Coach Joe Badgett is back and leading the way, as...
read more
North Carolina Prospects at CP3 Rising Stars Camp (2028 & 2029)
2028 6’1 Rob Beasley (Hibriten) 5’10 Josh Caldwell (West Forsyth) 6’5 Hunter Gerould (Carmel Christian) 6’4 Ian Gesner (Cushing Academy) 6’4 Kingston Hardie (West Forsyth) 6’6 Ian Hazard (Green Hope) 6’7 Camden Hill (Panther Creek) 6’4 Trevor Holland (Caldwell Academy) 6’3 TJ Holmes (Winston-Salem Christian) 6’4 Nouri Karkouki (Panther Creek) 5’8 O’Brian Lowery Jr. (South Point) 6’0 Sherod...
read more
Elhadji Diallo Returns to Combine Academy
In an era where it feels like so many high-level prospects are looking to exit the state, the return of Elhadji Diallo to Combine Academy is a refreshing change of pace. For those who aren’t familiar, he was a young, blossoming prospect on multiple veteran-laden teams for the Goats. Diallo possessed an enticing physical profile and obvious intrigue as a long-term prospect prior to his departure....
read more
Legitimate Offensive Weapon: Karsten Swinney
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the later...
read more
Displaying Potential and Intrigue: 2027 Noah Dobyns
Player: Noah DobynsClass: 2027Height: 6’8School: Wesleyan Christian The Class of 2027 here in North Carolina has been shaping up nicely and certainly interesting with new names, the rising of prospects, and development overall. We continue to dive into players in the class, as we look at 2027 6’8 Noah Dobyns from Wesleyan Christian. Dobyns is one of those players that you are watching closely to...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings (Part Three)
6’4 Blake Smith (Salisbury) While most people will know him as the younger brother of Myles, Smith will definitely blaze his own path this season. After being a standout this summer with Carolina Riptide, he has a ton of momentum heading into the high school year. Smith is a long, wiry, versatile wing who can impact all facets of the game. At 6-foot-4, he has the size, skill, and athleticism to...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings (Part Two)
6’5 Dylan Bradley (Providence Day) Given some roster turnover at Providence Day, there should be ample opportunity for Bradley to showcase his abilities. He’s a big, strong guard with a sturdy frame and nice scoring polish. Bradley is able to consistently get downhill and finish, but is more than capable of filling it up from the perimeter. His shooting mechanics are somewhat unorthodox, yet...
read more
Future Impact Player: Why 2027’s James Minlend Deserves Attention
With the summer ending and we start looking into the upcoming high school season, Phenom Hoops is also looking at players that college coaches need to take a bit more seriously. And one player that came to mind is 2027 6’6 James Minlend from Concord Academy. Minlend is a classic prospect that you can see has talent for the game, but also a ton of potential still to come. Standing at 6’6 and now...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part Three)
6’5 Jim Gatehouse (South Meck) There are so many players who have trended up throughout the recent months, but Gatehouse has arguably generated as much buzz as anyone. He’s long, skilled, and explosive with excellent positional size. Gatehouse is a versatile piece whose size, creation ability, and scoring prowess from all levels make him a matchup problem for opponents. He’s a lethal shooter...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part Two)
6’0 Lincoln Raper (Concord Academy) Although he should’ve been higher initially, Raper takes a massive leap forward after simply being one of the best, most consistent floor generals in the state. He controls the action in an extremely poised, intelligent manner with phenomenal balance between scoring and playmaking. Raper breaks down opponents and touches the paint with regularity, where he’s...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part One)
6’5 Dacen Petty (Christ School) Given so many talented pieces on the Christ School roster, it can be somewhat easy for folks to overlook Petty. However, his incredibly steady, well-rounded presence makes him an asset on legitimately any team. Petty is a long, fluid athlete who shines as a natural glue-guy on both ends of the floor. He’s a useful, malleable offensive piece with the ability to do...
read more
Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings
6’5 Thomas Vickery (Myers Park) Anyone who has followed Vickery throughout the summer should already know about his burst onto the scene with Upward Stars. Now, he should seamlessly transition into being one of the most productive high school players in North Carolina. Vickery will be the clear focal point for a talented Myers Park team that features several college players. His combination of...
read more
Who Are the Top Prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2028?
Rankings are always an interesting discussion point. We know it’s an opinion-based practice heavily predicated on what the viewer values in a player. Some people value a pure scorer more than a true point guard, and assuming the players are of equal level, they could both form legitimate arguments. As we approach the halfway point of the travel ball season, there’s no better time to take a...
read more
Welcoming to North Carolina: 2026 Lattimore Ford joins Combine Academy
Player: Lattimore FordClass: 2026School: Combine Academy With so many players leaving North Carolina, it is a nice change to welcome new talent to the state. It was recently announced that 20256 Lattimore Ford, who comes from Snowualmie (WA), will be heading to Lincolnton and joining Combine Academy this upcoming season. So, we had to learn a bit more about our newest prospect in the state. Game...
read more
Southern Durham Secures Notable Transfer in KJ Terry
Last night, unexpected shockwaves were sent through North Carolina public-school basketball as KJ Terry announced his decision to transfer to Southern Durham. Previously at South Granville, he was headed to Crossroads Christian before changing course and joining the Spartans. After finishing as the NCHSAA 3A runner-up last season and graduating Jackson Keith (among other key seniors), the road...
read more
Is Caldwell Academy Becoming Underrated?
It’s amazing how quickly things change in the high school basketball scene. Player movement is somewhat expected, as it’s more common than ever before, but it now directly correlates with teams capable of contending for state championships. Each year, various teams increase their likelihood to win it all simply by bolstering their roster…this is nothing new. However, it feels like folks are...
read more
Rookies Who Could Outperform Draft Position (First Round)
#6- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards) It’s probably a little overzealous to say that a top-six draft pick could outperform his draft position, as they’re already expected to be quite useful. However, Johnson looks like a steal for the Wizards. During two games of summer league, he more than solidified his status as an elite all-around shooting threat, and the numbers back this sentiment. He’ll...
read more
Carson Crew Ready to Turn Heads
As the high school season rapidly approaches, there’s no better time to start taking a closer look at programs throughout the state. Given the restructuring of the public-school classifications, things will look quite different for the first time in a while. The NCHSAA has expanded from four classifications to eight, subsequently doubling the number of champions and contenders across the board....
read more
Expected Breakout Seasons for 2028 Prospects
6’6 Mekhi Allen (Queens Grant) Despite already being widely regarded as a top prospect in North Carolina’s Class of 2028 (and rightfully so), it feels like Allen is poised to take the next step in his progression. The 6-foot-6 wing is coming off an impressive travel ball season where he found a lot of success playing up an age group for 4:44 Athletics. Allen was already a double-digit scorer as...
read more
Trio of Underrated Pieces Worthy of Offers
6’8 ’27 Dylan Twitty (Christ School) After announcing his decision to transfer to Christ School and reclassify, one would’ve thought Twitty’s recruitment would’ve already taken a major leap. Regardless, he’ll be a key piece for arguably the top program in North Carolina. Twitty is an elite rebounder whose physicality, nonstop motor, and nose for the ball make him a clear asset. He excels at...
read more
Next Wave of Talent in South Carolina: Class of 2028
2028 6’5 Antoine Caughman Jr. (Keenan) Caughman is a highly intriguing young prospect who already shows the tools to have his name near the top of the list in his class. With his size, college-ready frame, and overall impact, he immediately stands out on the court. At his position, he carries a strong physical presence but pairs it with an impressive feel for the game. Offensively, he proves to...
read more