The Phenom Top 80 event is the top showcase in the state, if not one of the more talent packed ones in the nation. Every year Phenom brings the best freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in the state under one roof and let them measure themselves versus the best of the best. Look on the rosters of college programs all over the nation and you will find kids that have played in this prestigious event. With so much talent on hand kids know coming in the door that they need to bring their A games. Show well and see your stock rise like never before. Don't bring it, and you miss out on a tremendous opportunity. With that being said, who caught our eye' Some of the standouts from this event were as follows:
Daniel Lobach, 6'7 2019 F at Cape Fear Christian
Lobach came into the 150 last weekend and really impressed us with his play. He has the perfect type of strong frame that you look for at the next level. He has a top flight motor as well on him and a skill set that allows that motor to drive his production. He can play inside or out, rebound, and defend with the best of them. 2 weeks ago he was an unknown. Now, he's a name to know after showing up and showing out 2 weekends in a row and versus some of the best the state has to offer. Kid is about to blow up. Expect schools to start putting offers on the table for this talented young man.
Jalen Cone, 5'11 2020 G at Walkertown HS
Every year the Top 80 features a ton of kids that are top scorers but few ever put the biscuit in the basket as often as Jalen did this year. Dude put up 34 a game in his sophomore season in HS. He showed why scoring comes easy to him here versus the best in the state. He is explosive and can score in any fashion you like. He is more than just a scorer though, proving more than capable of finding others in spots to be successful almost as easily as he can go get his own. At 6'4 this kid is a top player in the country. Don't let the tape measure talk you out of taking a run on this kid if you are a college coach. Some kids can just go get it like others can't. Jalen is one of those kids.
Patrick Williams, 6'8 2019 F at West Charlotte HS
In an event full of top prospects, few can match the tools and raw ability this kid possesses. We watched him in one of our holiday showcase events this year and he put on a show. We saw nothing here at this event to take the shine off his star. He has a great shot with easy range past the 3, great hops, a fantastic body, and can handle the rock. D1 schools are all over this kid and for god reason. He will be an impact piece at the next level.
Jace McKenney, 6'5 2019 F at South Brunswick HS
We have seen Jace play several times at Phenom events. Each time we have seen him he has given us some explosive plays. This kids game is all about power and explosion. Strong enough to go through, athletic enough to go over, and has the type of mentality you look for out on the floor. He will fall in love with his jumper a bit too much at times but when allowed just to go attack on both ends he shines. Huge wingspan here as well.
Perez Bowser, 6'2 2020 G at Arborbrook Christian Academy
Perez came in to do damage in this event and showed it from the second the games tipped off. Kid has cat-like quickness to him, plus handles, and can knock down shots from anywhere on the floor. Game has a natural rhythm to it that is just at a higher level than most guards you will see. Is on the slender side but he will fil out and when he does, with his quickness, look out.