This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Showcase Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Given the abundance of talent in the gym, there were plenty of standouts worth acknowledging. Let’s take a closer look at some top performers from the weekend…
6’4 ’28 Kaharri Coleman (West Charlotte)
The Lions were easily one of the most exciting teams on display, and Coleman is a big reason why. He’s an incredibly explosive floor general with sharp instincts as a playmaker and penetrator. Coleman is able to break down opponents with relative ease, touch the paint, and finish or set up others. He’s clearly at his best when getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim, but can also knock down jumpers when needed. Coleman is a solid defender with the anticipation to intercept passing lanes and force turnovers. He possesses a ton of upside.
6’6 ’26 Lajalin Overton (Mallard Creek)
After returning back to Mallard Creek, Overton has shown a ton of enticing flashes. He’s a strong, explosive forward with great size and a quality frame. Overton is capable of dominating around the basket when he desires, showing the touch, power, and physicality to regularly cause problems for opponents. That being said, he can apply pressure from midrange or beyond the arc, but is at his best when slotted near the paint. Overton is a useful rebounder and interior defender who carves out space well to secure position.
6’3 ’30 Braylen Weaks (Cannon)
Despite being only an eighth-grader, Weaks continues to impress with his general ability on the court. He’s a smart, well-rounded guard who already knows how to contribute effectively on both ends of the floor. Weaks did a little bit of everything. He knocked down open jumpers, attacked closeouts as needed, and made quality decisions with the ball in his hands. Weaks also rebounds his position and defends with toughness. Though young, the foundation of a notable player is clearly in place.
6’4 ’26 Matthew Rivlin (Marvin Ridge)
Although Marvin Ridge is a highly balanced group, Rivlin consistently stands out as a leader. He’s made tremendous strides within his development over the last year and should now be a legitimate priority for several college programs. Rivlin possesses a very nice blend of size, skill, and athleticism. He’s a well-rounded offensive piece who can initiate, create for himself and others, and apply scoring pressure from all levels. Rivlin also moves well without the ball and provides a reliable defensive presence.
6’2 ’26 James Wood (Carmel Christian)
Rounding out this group, Wood always seems to be one of the most consistent guys on this Carmel Christian roster. He’s a skilled guard who simply finds ways to score the ball within the flow of the action. Wood attacks the basket well and hits jumpers from midrange and beyond the arc at a quality percentage. He’s a capable playmaker with solid vision and a willingness to make the right play. Wood offers a scrappy defensive presence and does a nice job of making his presence felt on the glass.