QUEEN CITY MS SHOWCASE EVENT RECAPS

Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’0 Delani Hammonds

At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...

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POB's Thoughts: Best of the Best from Phenom Hoop State League (PG)

The Phenom Hoop State Fall League has been tremendous and we are heading into championship weekend. But there have been plenty of storylines and players that have grabbed my attention. Even though this list could go on a lot longer, here are the top players who have left their mark on me so far at the Fall League at the point guard position. 2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian): Newman is one...

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POB’s Thoughts: Top Guards at Hoop State League (Through 2 Weeks)

The Hoop State League has been tremendous so far… a lot of talent, a great chance to watch these teams in action early on, and players are competing. Trust me, there are a lot of names that have been catching my eye so far, which is why I wanted to share JUST A FEW NAMES that have really stood out to me through two weeks at the Hoop State League. Check out the guards that have impressed me...

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Hoop State Fall League (West) Standouts (Week 1) (Part 1)

2024 Jordan Patton (Cougars): Patton continues to flourish as a prospect for this team, and college coaches should be all over this young man. He does so much for a team, and it is easy to see.' Patton brings size and versatility, can score from an array of levels and positions, defends multiple positions, finishes at the rim, and can be aggressive, but also does all the little things to help...

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Phenom Hoops Player Profile:'Delani Hammonds

Height: 6'0 Class: 2024 School: Ardrey Kell Travel Team: Team Synergy What Was Recently Said: There will always be value in having a legitimate floor general, and few guys in North Carolina are more apt at running a team than Delani Hammonds. He's smart, quick, and heady, which allows him to comfortably set the tone on either side of the ball. Hammonds utilizes...

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Team Synergy Full of Next-Level Talent

6'3 '24 DJ Boyce In a world where shooters will always have value, Boyce should be a priority for various programs. He's always been a notable marksman, but it's easy to see how he's developed his identity over the years. Boyce is smart, fairly well-rounded guard with a muscular physique and understanding of how to impact the game as an off-ball threat. He's a solid passer and ball-handler with...

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Bendel's Best: Summer Havoc

On Thursday, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Fort Mill, South Carolina to host our annual Summer Havoc Live. Between Catawba Ridge, Fort Mill, Nation Ford, and Indian Land, there was talent across all age groups. College coaches attended and a considerable number of players saw their recruitment take a leap. Although there were several standouts over the four-day period, this article will take a...

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Summer Havoc Player Preview: Delani Hammonds (Team Synergy)

Given the fact that July is right around the corner, it feels like no better time to start introducing some of the players that college coaches should be monitoring. Going into the busiest recruiting month of the year, our Summer Havoc should be a hotbed for coaches and players alike. As usual, Phenom Hoops will have prospects of all levels in attendance. This series will continue by taking a...

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Olympic Remains Undefeated

Olympic Remains Undefeated Second year head coach, Jeff Bishop, and Olympic is one of the biggest surprise stories in the South Meck 4A conference this season. Last year, Olympic finished with a 2-8 conference record, 11-12 overall. After a convincing home win over traditional 4A power Ardrey Kell, Olympic moves to 16-0 and 5-0 in conference play. Now, they travel to Myers Park on Friday for...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Week 1, Day 1 at #HoopStateLeague (Cox Mill)

2025 Miles Leaks (Panthers): Leaks was tremendous to start the day, as I was incredibly impressed with how the young guard operated on the floor.' He looked like a strong floor general on the floor, playing with a great pace and vision, finding his teammates and setting them up well, but also taking quality shots also.' Really enjoyed watching how he was able to operate on the court. Leaks is a...

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Underrated Guards to Watch More: Class of 2024

The class of 2024 is loaded with talent and there are players that could and should be targets for many programs at multiplel levels. The players at the top of the class are certainly gaining the recognition and eyes of college coaches but I believe that there are guards in that class that may be considered a bit underrated but could be in for big season this upcoming high school season. Here...

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Expected Breakouts in North Carolina High School Basketball

Each year, the grassroots basketball scene shifts from travel ball to the high school season. College coaches have been out for months, seen countless kids, and should be in pursuit of their priority-level prospects. That being said, there are plenty of players whose ability don't match their recruitment. Sure, most rising juniors aren't receiving a ton of offers right now. However, given the...

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Top July Performers in North Carolina's Class of 2024

The month of July is finally concluding, which should provide these young players with an opportunity to take a well-deserved break from days of nonstop basketball. Given the significance of the actual month, we decided to take a closer look at some of the top standouts from each class. Obviously, we can only speak on what we have seen, so the names listed will be based on their performances at...

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Start noticing more of: Coach Rick’s TOC (Class of 2024)

2024 Jayden Pretty (Carolina Pressure): Pretty was consistent all week long in Rock Hill, as the 6'6 prospect from Carolina Pressure really opened eyes in how big of a difference-maker he could be.' It seemed like the forward had his hands in everything, finding ways to get his hands on the ball, always moving well without the ball, displaying a tremendous motor in the paint and on the boards,...

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Reece's Standouts: Coach Rick's TOC (Day 2)

by: Ethan Reece 2024 Delani Hammonds (Team Synergy)Usually versatility is used when scouting on wings and forwards because you expect athletic playmaking, shooting and ball handling from your lead guards. But it makes sense with Delani, because he can play the point in two different ways or combine them together at the same time and provide an all around floor game. He can be a big time scorer,...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Lamelo Ball Invitational

5'8 '24 Jeremiah Benthall (Big Business Ballerz) Though slightly undersized, it's easy to appreciate how much Benthall does as a leader for this group. He's a smart, unselfish, passer-friendly point guard prospect with an understanding of how to run a team and locate the best available shot on seemingly every possession. Benthall handles the ball with care, passes to the open man, and scores the...

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2024 Delani Hammonds (Ardrey Kell) seeing his role increase

Player: Delani HammondsClass: 2024School: Ardrey KellHeight: 6'0 It was great to get a better glimpse of players on the public-school side of things at the Phenom Team Camp, as we had a chance to see several talents.  Hammonds, a 2024 6'0 point guard with Ardrey Kell, was one that really captured the attention of our scouts with his play.  With the key loss of Evan Smith from last...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Team Camp (Day 1, Part 3)

Delani Hammonds 2023 Darius Abraham (Harding): Abraham had a solid day on the floor, as the senior leader played like he usually does; strong and created. He continues to produce, finishing strong around the basket, a scorer from multiple levels, and one that can really get after it on both ends.  He continues to be a key piece for his team to help win games. 2025 Wesley White (West...

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Player Standouts at Phenom Team Camp

6'1 '23 Kobe Parker (Ragsdale) Although they lost multiple key pieces, Ragsdale should still be one of the more competitive programs in Greensboro behind the leadership of Parker. He's clearly the focal point of this group, but understands how to dictate the action in a poised, unselfish, methodical manner. Parker has maintained his status as a lethal perimeter shooter, especially from beyond...

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Players stepping up at Ardrey Kell

Ardrey Kell, led by head coach Mike Craft, has certainly been a well-known program in North Carolina over the years, producing some strong talent over the years.  This year isn't anything different, as many already know about the senior guard Evan Smith who is committed to Army.  But there are others to look at for this team, as the Knights are playing extremely well to start the...

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Phenom Open Gym Tour: Ardrey Kell

Ardrey Kell had a special season last year, making a deep run in the playoffs before ultimately falling just short in taking home the championship.' But now the Knights are back under Coach Craft and though they may look a little different than last season, they are still a very dangerous team.' Let's dive into what we saw on the court. When you talk about Ardrey Kell, you have to start with...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Fall Finale/ Hoop State League (Day 1)

2022 Takai Simpkins (Liberty Heights): Both Simpkins twins are strong and play hard but Takai was especially strong and continuing to show why more schools are starting to look their way.  Takai does a tremendous job is using his length at a guard, covering a ton of ground, and finishing over defenders and at the rim, while also being able to step out. 2022 Syncere Lynch (Bull City Prep):...

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Noah’s Hoopers from Summer Havoc Session 2 (Day 2)

By: Noah Hooper 6'2 2025 Cedric Kenan (TSB 2024) I have been familiar with Cedric's game since session one and he impressed me, but after his performance this afternoon against Virginia Warriors Elite, I felt that it was only right to talk about him from a more in-depth perspective. When I watch Kenan, the first thing I notice about him is how high his motor is as he is always the first one to...

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Brandon’s Big-Time Ballers at Summer Havoc, Sunday Edition

6'3 2022 Lebron Thomas (FibaSC)- Thomas has been somewhat passive at times in the past but those days are obviously over, he has been in full attack mode all weekend, Thomas came down to Rock Hill with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. Thomas absolutely lived in the paint, defenders struggled to stay in front of him and zones didn't suffice either. Thomas has an advanced layup...

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Galvani’s Top Players from Day 1 at #PhenomMDC

By; Lauren Galvani 2024 6’6 Trevor Rayborn (PSB Elite 15u) Used his length to his advantage on both ends of the floor. Aggressive on the boards and was consistent at protecting the rim. Good use of both hands and had a nice mid-range jump shot. Runs the floor well for his size. Good for a pick and roll or pick and pop. 2023 6’5 Caiden Gibson (TSB 2023) Hardest worker on the floor....

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Team Synergy 2023 brings new, intriguing talent at Phenom Stay Positive

Sean Rose Playing in the brand-new facility at the Rise Indoor Sports Complex, as it was a terrific atmosphere.' But it also brought us some new, intriguing talent as well to the eyes of our scouts at Phenom Hoops. One team that quickly grabbed our attention was Team Synergy 2023, a roster that had good, young size, and playmakers on the court.' One thing that popped out immediately is the...

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Player Standouts from Day 2 of Phenom Stay Positive

By: Ethan Reece 2023 Cam Oates (Garner Road Bryant)Garner Road Bryant had a lot of big intriguing prospects but it was PG Cam Oates stood out leading the charge.' Managed their offense as the primary ball-handler and decision-maker but also put the ball in the basket as well.' Cam shot the three-ball well and made nice moves in transition off of his defensive pressure forcing turnovers. 2024...

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Queen City Showcase Team Preview: Team Synergy 16u

The Queen City Showcase in Rock Hill this weekend is going to be off the charts.  With talent all on the floor, livestreams streaming the games, and a ton of coverage from Phenom Hoops, this is going to be one of the best events to start the travel ball season. That is why we wanted to get a leg up on it, as we spoke to several coaches that will be bringing their teams to South Carolina...

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Queen City Middle School Showcase Team Preview: TSB Elite 2023

The Queen City Middle School Showcase brings a fantastic event to the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, giving families, friends, and fans a chance to see the next upcoming talent around the area.''' Every year, players and teams showcase their abilities in front of hundreds of fans and scouts with Phenom Hoops.' It is also a chance to learn early and gain national exposure at an early age, as...

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