This past weekend, Phenom Hoops had yet another loaded series of events being hosted throughout the region. Between Hampton, Rocky Mount, Rock Hill, and Bermuda Run, there was a ton of noteworthy talent on display. It was easy to find next-level talent and intriguing young pieces between both Kernersville and Rise. As always, we will highlight five personal favorites from the event. Let’s take a closer look…
5’10 ’28 Austin Youngs (The Guys)
Although there were plenty of impressive performers, arguably no one was better than Austin Youngs. Even though “The Guys” were largely formed with no real intention other than having fun, they found real success behind his steady production and two-way leadership. Youngs operated as the main creator, highlighting sharp playmaking ability while applying consistent pressure as a scorer from all levels. He knocked down three-pointers at a high volume and percentage, picked his spots in the midrange with ease, and touched the paint seemingly whenever he desired. Youngs’ pace and tight, crafty handle allow him to reliably break down opponents off the bounce, navigate through traffic, and make intelligent decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s smart and unselfish enough to always hunt for the best possible shot. Youngs sees the floor extremely well and understands how to properly locate open teammates when defenses shift or collapse. He defends with energy and toughness, and anticipates well to force turnovers. Youngs is also a solid rebounder for his size/position. Despite his unassuming nature, he will absolutely be an asset at the next level.
6’7 ’28 Kade Flowers (Carolina Riptide)
Given the fact that we’ve seen Kade Flowers countless times this travel ball season, it’s fair to say we have a pretty firm grasp on his current trajectory. He’s a blossoming big man with long arms, soft touch, and a game that seems to progress each time he takes the court. Flowers is a double-double machine who already appears comfortable burdening a sizable offensive load. He’s a quality scorer on the block, showing the ability to finish, use his footwork to deceive defenders, and effectively play through contact. When opponents went zone, Flowers plopped right in the middle of the zone and consistently made plays from midrange. He understands how to turn, faceup, and either attack or set up others. He’s also comfortable spacing the floor as needed. Flowers utilizes his length and strength very well inside the paint. He’s a quality rebounder who is capable of dominating the glass and filling the lane or pushing the break in transition himself. Flowers did a nice job of blocking and altering shots around the basket. We’ve become somewhat accustomed to his consistent scoring, rebounding, and interior defense at this point, but the vision and willingness to make the right play shows that his game is continuing to evolve. Although Flowers is already capable of dominating a game on both ends of the floor, there is still considerable upside (and potential physical growth) remaining.
6’7 ’27 Jalen Crayton (Team Stacked)
It’s no secret that size and rim-protection (though somewhat hand-in-hand) will always be coveted by next-level programs, which is a massive reason why Jalen Crayton should already be a priority for college coaches. Though somewhat overlooked by the masses, he’s quietly one of the best shot-blockers throughout North Carolina. Crayton is extremely long and athletic with the toughness, physicality, and high motor to cause constant problems for opponents. He shines as a low-maintenance piece who flies around to rebound, block shots, and force turnovers at a healthy rate. Although so much of his value comes from his interior defense, Crayton is a useful offensive contributor who finishes lobs, putbacks, and drop-offs with an understanding of how to properly run the floor in transition. While he still has appeal as a long-term prospect, Crayton clearly has the tools and ability to be a difference-maker at the next level.
6’4 ’30 CJ Dial (High Point Power)
Talented young prospects always seem to showcase meaningful flashes or strides within their progression at an early age, and that rings especially true for CJ Dial. He’s already an incredibly long, smooth guard with IQ, exceptional shooting ability, and a game that continues to expand with each new viewing. Dial’s knockdown shooting prowess is clearly his elite skill and the main separator between he and his peers. He’s extremely comfortable in spot-up situations and can absolutely dismantle teams with his ability to hit jumpers at a high percentage. Dial shoots the ball with supreme confidence and heats up quickly from beyond the arc. That being said, he’s clearly more than just a standstill shooter. Despite playing up two age groups, Dial showed the ability to consistently create with the ball in his hands and mix it up as a scorer from all levels. He’s still growing as a playmaker, but appeared capable of identifying open teammates and making quality passes at a respectable rate. Dial also plays hard, moves without the ball, and utilizes his length well on both ends of the floor. Though early, he has a lot of similarities (particularly early on) to one of college basketball’s top marksmen. Expect Dial to be a noteworthy prospect.
6’3 ’28 Donnie Fairley (Midstate Magic)
In an era when so many players are obsessed with overdribbling and taking bad shots, Donnie Fairley is a true breath of fresh air. He’s a long, explosive, physically imposing piece with the versatility to effortlessly produce in a variety of different roles. Fairley is a well-rounded offensive threat who can initiate, set up others, or create off the bounce, but often finds production through his nose for the ball and ability to fill in the gaps. He excels at getting downhill and putting pressure on the basket, both as a finisher through contact and above the rim, but can also knock down open jumpers or outwork opponents for extra possessions. Fairley plays with incredible energy and toughness to constantly secure rebounds and suffocate opponents defensively. Fairley defends way bigger than his size and is comfortable toggling up or down a lineup to wreak havoc. In addition to everything stated, he’s simply a guy everyone should want on their team. No one plays harder or leaves it all on the court more consistently. There’s never a question surrounding his effort, intensity, or willingness to do the little things. Fairley is a winner in every sense of the word, as evidenced by the fact that he’s a vital piece playing up an age group on arguably the top independent team in the state.