This weekend, Phenom Hoops is hosting our annual North Carolina Top 80, Sophomore 40, and Freshman 40 Camps at Rise Indoor Sports. These camps bring together top players throughout the state and pit them against each other in competition. There have been countless memorable moments, storylines, and performances over the past decade. However, the emergence of the Sophomore 40 and Freshman 40 has expanded the pool of campers considerably. In preparation for the weekend, here are some potential matchups that could be intriguing. Remember, these are hypothetical matchups and storylines, as rosters are still being finalized. Let’s take a look…
Dionte Neal vs. Kobe Edwards
Although both players are already preparing for the next level, having Neal and Edwards should bring a lot of buzz and excitement to the event. Arguably the two top guards in North Carolina’s Class of 2026, they each warrant attention every time they enter the gym. Neal is quite possibly the most successful, winningest player to ever come through the state. He’s propelled both Reidsville and Team CP3 to incredible heights over the last three years. Meanwhile, Edwards has also enjoyed a ton of success as a focal point for Greenfield and a quality producer for several shoe-circuit squads. Should they compete against one another, there would be considerable intrigue for spectators.
Kamari Nicholson vs. Top Bigs
We know the camp setting tends to favor guys who can score and handle the ball, but Nicholson could also be a beneficiary of this setting. While others might try to stand out through their individual numbers, he will inevitably shine through his incredibly low-maintenance identity. Nicholson is arguably the top rim-protector on display and should give considerable problems to opposing big men. He’s going to block shots, run the floor, and finish on a consistent basis. Seeing him go against guys like Cannon DeBerry, Deuce Haynes, Dylan Twitty, Prince Nwokemodo, Stephano Farirngton, Ny’Zion Ballard, Duka Vuksanovic, or Tyson Thompson would be highly entertaining.
Nick Arnold vs. Top Guards
Similar to the entry above, Arnold is a guy widely known for his ability to make life difficult for opponents. He’s easily one of the best defensive players you’ll find, especially given his lack of size, and constantly suffocates opposing guards into making mistakes. Arnold is more than capable of scoring in various ways and applying strong pressure as a playmaker. He probably won’t lead the camp in scoring, but he could easily be one of the most impactful players on display. Those chasing the top scoring spot should hope to avoid Arnold at all costs.