This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina for our annual Phenom Challenge. The venue holds a lot of history and countless fond memories, and that only continued during this most recent two-day stretch. There was an impressive mix of notable teams and individuals on display, including several of the top programs in South Carolina, and this article will highlight some of the top performers within the field. Let’s take a closer look…
6’1 ’28 Tre Jefferson (CC Elite)
Anyone who truly enjoys basketball seems to fall in love with this CC Elite group, and Tre Jefferson is usually a massive reason why. Despite playing up an age group, he was often the best player on the floor. Jefferson possesses a very high IQ with the quickness, tight handle, and creation instincts to consistently generate offense for himself and others. He breaks down opponents to touch the paint at a constant rate, where he’s able to finish with craftiness, score through contact, or highlight his sharp vision to set up teammates in scoring positions. Jefferson’s pace and change of direction make him extremely difficult for opponents to contain. However, he’s also a quality shooter from midrange and beyond the arc with a nice in-between game. Jefferson is comfortable cutting or finding spot-up opportunities alongside another primary ball-handler as well. On the other end, he does a terrific job of being a pest at the point of attack, mirroring opposing guards, and anticipating to force turnovers. He’s a solid rebounder for his size/position. Given all the ways he stands out as a leader, Jefferson should already be emerging as a target for college coaches.
6’5 ’29 Babar Johnson (Upward Stars)
The young, blossoming Upward Stars group had a trio of noteworthy standouts, which certainly includes Babar Johnson and his highly productive, well-rounded game. Already standing at 6-foot-5 with impressive length and fluidity, he has an amazing array of physical tools. Johnson is strong, tough, and athletic with excellent instincts on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he showcased the ability to do basically everything on the court. Johnson applied relentless pressure as a scorer from all levels. He excels at getting downhill and putting pressure on the basket, where he’s able to finish through contact or above the rim, but can also knock down jumpers at an efficient rate along the perimeter. Johnson is a capable playmaker with nice vision and a willingness to locate teammates when open. Although he highlighted a complete offensive game, Johnson also has considerable appeal on the other end of the floor. He’s able to naturally overwhelm opponents with his instincts and physicality while toggling between multiple positions defensively. Johnson is a strong rebounder who knows how to effectively push the break in transition. Still loaded with potential, it’ll be fascinating to follow his continued progression.
6’7 ’27 Harry Burgess (Next Level Elite)
Although there are several highly recruitable pieces on this roster, it feels like Harry Burgess should be an obvious target for college coaches this summer. He’s a smooth, skilled forward with a highly malleable, low-maintenance identity and the ability to produce in various different roles. Burgess offers a very valuable inside-out presence offensively. He’s comfortable operating (and scoring) from the block, elbow, beyond the arc, and in screening actions with the ability to roll or pop. Burgess displays terrific touch and footwork around the basket, but is also very comfortable at stepping out and knocking down perimeter jumpers at a quality percentage. He moves very well for his size, which allows him to effectively run the floor in transition and hedge and recover quickly as a defender. Burgess competes hard on the glass to rebound his position and utilizes his length well to alter shots around the basket. He stepped up to assert himself in several key moments on both ends of the floor. Expect Burgess to attract a variety of scholarship-level coaches over the coming months.
6’7 ’29 Job Gresham (Upward Stars)
Given the fact that size and shooting will always be coveted, it’s easy to see that Job Gresham has the foundational tools to be a high-level player. He’s a very skilled forward with an impressive combination of IQ, vision, and perimeter shooting ability. Gresham is comfortable operating on the block or attacking closeouts and finishing or setting up others, but typically looks to assert his presence from beyond the arc as often as possible. This makes sense, as it seems like he’s going to convert legitimately anything he attempts in spot-up situations. Gresham displays deep range and a lot of confidence, but still understands how to operate within the flow of the action. Defensively, he plays hard and positions himself well to get involved in the action. Gresham rebounds his position and runs the floor effectively to pick his spots in transition. However, his elite shooting prowess, ability to heat up quickly, and consistent production in a low-maintenance role make him an obvious asset. Already a very useful piece, expect Gresham to continue increasing his stock over the foreseeable future.
5’11 ’29 Kellen Leverett (Upward Stars)
Although there are several notable pieces on this roster, it feels like Kellen Leverett is someone who should warrant more attention from the masses. He’s such a smart, steady, well-rounded piece who always seems to provide exactly what his team needs. Leverett is a reliable floor general who displays excellent balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. When the team needs points, he knocks down jumpers and applies constant pressure as a penetrating threat. If other guys are heating up, he looks to get them the ball in scoring positions. Leverett displays terrific pace and poise with the ball in his hands, but is also very comfortable finding spot-up chances along the perimeter. He’s simply a steady guard who knows how to pick his spots, run a team, and expand his production as needed. Leverett utilizes his strength, quickness, and instincts to contain opposing guards defensively. He also rebounds well for his size/position. Leverett clearly stands out as a difference-maker for this group.