This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility in Advance, North Carolina for another exciting two-day stretch of basketball. There were over one hundred teams on display, including a few high school groups preparing for the upcoming LIVE periods, which ultimately led to quality competition. We saw various new faces, but also got updated viewings of countless prospects. Let’s take a look at some personal standouts…
6’6 ’24 Rakease Passmore (NLPB)
In a gym with four and five-star prospects, one could make a real argument that Rakease Passmore was the most dominant player in attendance. He’s a long, fluid athlete with an incredible frame and the all-around skillset to be truly special. Like many other explosive players, Passmore often receives the “athlete” label pretty quickly from spectators. However, he’s so much more dynamic than those who typically receive that tag. Although Passmore can definitely bite the rim, his array of crafty combos and separation moves allow him to get whatever shot he wants on a given possession. He finishes everything around the basket, displays sharp passing vision (and overall understanding of timing/angles), and regularly hits jumpers from everywhere on the floor. Passmore is an absolute force in transition, both with and without the ball, and consistently positions himself for success. He also highlights excellent defensive instincts and versatility, which allows him to toggle across multiple positions while blocking shots and forcing steals at a frequent rate. Passmore rebounds the ball very well for his size/position on both ends of the floor. Though most discussions have been halted surrounding the top spot in North Carolina’s Class of 2024, Passmore should force that conversation to be resumed.
6’3 ’24 Austin Swartz (CB Hoops)
Aside from the previous entry, no player on display was a better all-around leader than Austin Swartz. Between his IQ, mentality, and well-rounded skillset, it would be impossible to find any negatives in his showing from this past weekend. Playing up an age group with CB Hoops, Swartz effortlessly dictated the tempo and overall action for this squad from start to finish. He shot the ball at a high level from beyond the arc, but also highlighted vision and an array of finishes and pull-ups. Swartz really embraced setting the tone in every facet of the game, which was especially evident in his approach as a defender and rebounder. His willingness to battle on the glass allowed him to push transition play at a seemingly nonstop rate, where he made intelligent decisions with the ball in his hands. He also looked comfortable containing multiple positions defensively. Although Swartz has already been a quality, productive player for quite a while, he seems to continue making clear strides within his progression. Expect Swartz to be a major contributor for Cannon next season.
6’8 ’23 Kahlif Barnes (Piedmont Classical)
Rebounding is one of the few traits that seem to translate at every level, and Kahlif Barnes continues to make his case as the best rebounder across North Carolina. It might not be as sexy as forty-foot stepbacks or crossing opponents onto the floor, but rebounding has a direct correlation with on-court success. Barnes has always possessed this foundation as a physical, high-motor presence with an incredible nose for the ball. However, the development of all other facets of his game is what has stood out as of late. Without compromising his phenomenal interior presence, Barnes is beginning to space the floor at an increasingly reliable rate. Being able to hit midrange jumpers and three-pointers off the catch seamlessly complements his bouncy, explosive nature. Barnes plays hard at all times, doesn’t require the ball to be impactful, and more than carries his weight as a hustle player. He will go chest-to-chest with opponents above the rim, but can also finish around or through contact effectively. Barnes is already a very useful addition to any collection of players, which should have the attention of scholarship-coaches going forward.
6’2 ’25 Jerron Blackwell (Page)
Playing experience at an early age is commonly seen as a defining point for the long-term projection of an advanced young player, which should have folks excited about Jerron Blackwell and his future with the program. On one hand, Blackwell has already shown a ton of abilities at camp and with Team Bond. However, his comfortability as the primary decision-maker truly vaults his stock to another level. Blackwell displayed clear IQ and poise from the point guard position, calmly and methodically setting up the offense and seizing opportunities as needed. He’s already a great game manager with the vision, scoring instincts, and balanced approach to be extremely successful at the high school level. Blackwell possesses great size and shows some understanding of how to effectively utilize his body when attacking. He’s a willing passer, reliable defender, and steady all-around player with no glaring weaknesses in his current identity. It’s early, but folks should start to familiarize themselves with the potentially special Blackwell.
5’9 ’26 Dionte Neal (CSB Elite)
It’s easy to be overly tantalized with advanced young prospects, but it’s difficult to envision a scenario where Dionte Neal doesn’t become a notable player over the foreseeable future. Although young and fairly small, Neal is an absolute gamer. He played up an age group for CSB Elite this past weekend and legitimately dominated all challengers in his path. Neal is a smart, quick, dynamic guard prospect with the necessary leadership and all-around skillset to reliably dictate the action with the ball in his hands. He’s a lethal scoring threat from all levels, but also highlights an unselfish mentality and sharp playmaking sense. Neal does a terrific job of mirroring opposing ball-handlers at the point of attack, yet also knows how to intercept passing lanes at a high volume. He was largely unstoppable throughout the weekend, which should only amplify the buzz surrounding his name. Neal will definitely be a name worth noting.