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Player Standouts at Phenom Opening/Post Grad Nationals
6’0 ’22 Cole Sinclair (Winston-Salem Christian) Given the healthy mix of talent in the gym, Sinclair was easily among the most impressive post-grad performers on display. He’s a lethal shooting threat with deep range and an effortless release, but can also attack the basket and create for others. Sinclair does a great job of dictating the offense, yet also consistently finds success without the...
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Reece’s Standouts from Phenom Opening (Day 1: Part 1)
by: Ethan Reece 2025 Amare Adams (Shotcallers Elite)Amare doesn’t have much explosiveness, but there’s still just so much power in his game. He’s a legit bruiser inside that habitually crashes the boards and bullies his defender. Very capable operator with his ability to clear space and take his time, because it’s hard for any defender to get in front so the post feed is there every time. He...
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Phenom Game Report: Lake Norman wins thrilling 61-59 win over Cox Mill
In the nightcap of the inaugural Greater Metro 4A conference tournament semifinal, it was the No.1 seed, Cox Mill (18-6; 11-1) vs. the No. 4 seed, Lake Norman (15-10; 5-7). For Cox Mill, coached by Ty Cox, they have already secured the No. 1 seed from the Greater Metro 4A conference. As for Lake Norman, coached by Grant Hodges, it’s win or go home scenario. Lake Norman must win the conference...
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Freshman Duo Making Noise at Lake Norman
The last few years have resulted in unchartered territory within the high school basketball landscape, due to both Covid and the increased amount of player movement. While this definitely poses some challenging obstacles for public school programs, many schools have shown adaptability to the current times. Think about how many freshmen play significant minutes in comparison to three, five, or...
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Lake Norman High School Open Gym Report
On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops also traveled to Mooresville to watch Lake Norman High School practice. Coach Grant Hodges has done an impressive job of building teams with an identity. They are fundamentally sound. They play together with one another. Although they lose several key contributors in Clay Hodges, Seth Aeschliman, Camden Kepley, and Christian Taylor, the Wildcats have added quality new...
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“Getting to Know” 6’7 2025 Trent Steinour
We’ve seen a lot of players come through our doors over the years, varying in appearance, skill level, and everything in between. We decided to put forth a “Getting to Know” series on some players who have attended events but still remain on the lesser-known side of things. Each of these prospects embody being a student-athlete and getting it done in the classroom as well as on the basketball...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Phenom Rise Showcase (Day 2)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 6’2 2023 Dallas Gardner (Flight 9) Easily one of the most talented players of the entire event, Gardner most certainly stands apart from his competition. The springy athlete has the scoring prowess, competitiveness, and athletic ability to compete at the next level. After transferring to Charlotte Country Day, there were many questions as to whether or not Gardner would...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Summer Finale
6’7 ’24 Richard Goods (Carolina Clutch) After watching his recruitment steadily increase, it should come as no surprise to see Goods continuing to operate as a leader for this group. He’s long, mobile, and fluid with the necessary blend of feel, touch, and footwork to attract various types of coaches. Goods is a quality two-way rebounder with a useful motor and the ability to alter shots at a...
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Noah’s Hoopers from Coach Rick’s TOC (Day 2, Part 2)
By: Noah Hooper 6’6 2025 Trent Steinour (Riptide 2025) When I look at Trent on the floor, the first thing I notice is how well he is able to use his length to be a disruptive asset defensively for his team. He also uses his length very well to gain positioning and grab rebounds for his team which helps them tremendously. Not only did he use his long frame well, but he also had very solid...
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The Expansion of the Carolina Riptide
Just four years ago, Grant Hodges, Greg Forest, and seven kids from the greater Lake Norman area came together to form the Carolina Riptide. Despite some roster changes over the years, the core grouping of Clay “Smoke” Hodges, Trace Forest, Christian Taylor, and Callahan Reed have remained firmly intact since first forming. Thereafter, the Riptide players could be seen attending various camps...
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