This past weekend, Phenom Hoops had a special opportunity to travel down to Lafayette, Louisiana for Mal Mundy’s Louisiana Top 40 Statement Session. Between the talent, competition, and general hospitality, it made for an amazing weekend. The slew of prospects on display at Southside High School made for an entertaining day and ultimately led to a variety of offers for these players. Although there was an abundance of talent in attendance, this article will take a closer look at a few personal favorites…
6’4 ’23 Deion Ware (Hamilton Christian)
In terms of sheer talent and long-term upside, it would be impossible to ignore the appeal surrounding Deion Ware. Despite being one of the youngest prospects in attendance, he arguably stood in a class of his own as a dynamic, balanced, all-around offensive threat. Ware possesses IQ, athleticism, and efficient scoring ability with or without the ball in his hands. Although he proved to be an extremely crafty creator for himself and others, Ware also made an incredible impact as a spot-up threat. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with legitimately all the tools to be a high-level prospect. Ware was able to get whatever shot he wanted, against pretty much any opponent in his path. He rebounds the ball well for his position and understands how to push transition play. Additionally, Ware has clear potential to become an excellent defender and will only continue to progress with physical maturation. Expect Division I programs to watch closely.
6’1 ’23 Fred Payne (Legacy)
Albeit some ups and downs, one could make a legitimate argument that Fred Payne was the most complete floor general on display. It’s just so easy to appreciate his steady, patient, methodical approach when running a team. Payne offers a strong balance between IQ, skill, and athleticism, which often allows him to take whatever the opposition gives him. However, he also has no issue dictating the action, asserting himself, and getting wherever he wants on the court. Payne displayed sharp vision, crafty ball-handling, and efficient scoring prowess from all three levels. Despite his young age, he possesses no glaring weaknesses within his skillset. Payne also showed the ability to produce and make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. He’s a capable spot-up threat, but still at his best when tasked with running the team. With another two full seasons of high school, scholarship-level coaches should be laying groundwork.
6’2 ’22 De’vondrake Arvie (Beau Chene)
Upon walking into a gym full of notable prospects, De’vondrake Arvie was the first player to stand out. Between his toughness, vision, rugged defensive nature, and shot-creation skills, he proved to be an absolute problem for opponents. Arvie consistently got downhill and attacked, where he showed the ability to finish or access his lethal midrange pull-up. He utilized his IQ, sharp handle, and quick first step to actively set up his teammates in scoring positions. On the other side of the ball, Arvie suffocated opposing guards and hounded them into turnovers on a regular basis. Although Arvie basically got whatever he wanted in transition, he proved to be equally reliable in the half court. Additionally, he knocked down three-pointers at a quality percentage, totaled the most steals of anyone, and simply proved to be an asset to his team throughout camp. Folks should expect to ultimately see Arvie finding success at the next level.
6’3 ’22 Leland Smith (Edna Karr)
There are various players whose identity would draw a ton of excitement inside North Carolina, and Leland Smith is arguably atop that list. In the current landscape, there are a ton of tough shot-makers—but Smith is as crafty as any of them. He’s extremely creative at generating shots from all levels, showing little to no regard for defensive pressure. Although Smith takes some highly difficult attempts, he’s genuinely capable of hitting pretty much any shot. That being said, he doesn’t require the ball or countless dribbles to apply scoring pressure. Smith can easily spot-up, move without the ball, or access clean looks within two to three dribbles. He’s also a reliable finisher and useful passer with the necessary instincts to operate as a secondary playmaker. Smith brings a definitely electricity to the game, and scholarship-level coaches should pursue accordingly.
6’0 ’23 Jahiem Johnson (Archbishop Hannan)
Although there were a ton of useful pieces on Team Corardo, they didn’t hit their stride until Jahiem Johnson emerged as their leader. He set the tone and led by example through his tough, rugged, heady presence on both ends of the floor. Johnson regularly forced turnovers and converted (or made the necessary pass) on a ton of fast-break opportunities. He found ways to get downhill, attack the opposition, and finish through contact. Johnson is a quality athlete who plays bigger than his size as a defender and rebounder. He’s the type of gamer and overall competitor that coaches will always prefer to go with instead of against. Johnson’s showing at camp should lead to traction from college coaches sooner than later.
6’7 ’22 Solomon Washington (Carver)
The final inclusion on this list should probably double as the most obvious, seeing as how Solomon Washington is already widely-regarded as a national name. Most folks know Washington as a tough, versatile, lockdown defender, but he showcased the full arsenal on Saturday. He still made his presence felt as an overwhelming defensive presence, but also put forth a dominant offensive performance in each possible showing. Washington displayed range, vision, and the ability to cause mismatches (especially against bigger opponents) with the ball in his hands. He also rebounded the ball very well and looked to push transition play whenever possible. Though somewhat unsurprising, Washington secured the award for leading the entire camp in points, rebounds, and blocked shots. Already holding offers from the likes of Alabama, LSU, and a flock of other programs, he will have plenty of options on where to further his playing career.