On Saturday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Valor Prep in Concord, North Carolina for the fifth-annual Middle School Expo Camp hosted by Chris Ewell/Underrated Athletes. This is our third opportunity to attend the event; per usual, several names were worth noting. Multiple immediate varsity contributors seem to emerge from this camp each season, and this edition was no different. Various prospects caught my eye throughout the day, so let’s take a closer look at a few personal standouts…
6’4 ’29 Jeremiah Thomas (Homeschool)
Despite having previously seen Thomas during the travel ball season, this setting really allowed him to flourish. Although he was the tallest player in attendance, Thomas showcased a complete game. He physically dominated around the basket through his combination of length, motor, and athleticism. Thomas wanted to see the ball go through the hoop on every single possession and was more than capable of executing his vision. He was willing to defer to teammates and set up others but didn’t shy away from simply taking over. Thomas’ highly versatile game allowed him to handle the ball, create off the bounce, and consistently score from anywhere on the floor. His nonstop energy as a rebounder is a massive part of what makes him so problematic for opponents. He has a very quick second/third jump and is physically strong enough to absorb contact and finish or get his own rebound. Thomas also hit jumpers, attacked in transition, and moved effectively without the ball. Add in his ability to guard multiple positions defensively, and he’s certainly a name to monitor.
2029 Brayden McCrimmon (Francis Bradley)
In terms of intrigue and long-term upside, McCrimmon highlighted a lot of appeal. He’s truly just beginning to grow into his frame, yet already has feel, fluidity, and blossoming skill. McCrimmon already finds a lot of success around the basket, where he utilizes his length and touch to finish consistently. However, he appears comfortable handling the ball, creating off the bounce, and hitting jumpers when available. McCrimmon displayed instincts as a rebounder, defender, and transition threat. He’s still scratching the surface, but McCrimmon could be a legitimate force with time and development.
2029 Brady Rivera (Homeschool)
There were a lot of impressive guards on display, and Rivera certainly captured attention with his crafty, polished identity. Although he’s a quick, shifty athlete, the floor general mainly stood out through his poise and control of the game. Rivera plays with impressive IQ, pace, and unselfishness. He’s able to get legitimately anywhere he wants off the bounce, identify the correct read, and execute with ease. Rivera showed the ability to score from all levels and mix it up enough to keep defenses unsure. That being said, he’s a phenomenal playmaker who prioritizes getting others involved in scoring positions. Rivera also made plays defensively and anticipated well to force turnovers. In addition to being an entertaining player, he stood out as a leader from start to finish.
2029 Jason Southerland (Jamestown)
Arguably the most physically overwhelming guard in attendance, Southerland regularly found ways to outwork opponents on both ends of the floor. Although he might receive more attention for his strong frame, dynamic athleticism, and ability to touch the paint at will, he also made a quality impact defensively. Southerland is quick enough to break down opponents and possesses the necessary strength to absorb contact when finishing. He displays nice vision and touch around the basket. On the other end, Southerland positions himself well to keep opponents in front and force turnovers at a solid rate. It’ll be interesting to follow his progression going forward.
2029 Antonio Cureton (WGCS)
Similar to the entries above, Cureton was an absolute nightmare for opposing guards. He’s slightly smaller but strong, tough, and physical. Cureton is a crafty, heady point guard who can effortlessly create shots and touch the paint as a penetrator. He displays great vision as a playmaker, yet understands how and when to assert himself as a scorer. Cureton is at his best getting downhill but can also knock down jumpers at a respectable rate. Defensively, he mirrors opponents and forces a ton of miscues. Cureton is excellent in transition but also appeared quite comfortable dictating the action in the half-court set. He was easily one of the most productive players at camp.
2029 Makai McKnight-Spencer (Homeschool)
Several guys made the game look easy, and that sentiment applies to McKnight-Spencer as much as anyone. Whether attacking the basket, setting up others, or hitting perimeter jumpers, he looked largely unbothered by the opposition. McKnight-Spencer never appeared rushed or lacking composure with the ball in his hands. He made smart decisions as a creator, scored with efficiency, and generated clean looks for his teammates. McKnight-Spencer displayed great instincts defensively and secured rebounds very well for his size/position. Should he continue to develop, expect him to turn heads.
2029 Deron James Brown (San Lee)
Between his ability, production, and overall leadership, there was definitely a lot to like about Brown. It came as no surprise to find out that he was the sibling of DeVaughn Brown, as he possesses a similar level of IQ, poise, and maturity to his older brother at the same stage. That being said, Brown is also a great athlete with a high motor and understanding of how to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He displayed the ability to score from all levels, but was arguably at his best when breaking down opponents and touching the paint—where he’s able to finish or kick out to open teammates. Brown is a strong defender and willing rebounder who pushes properly in transition. Expect him to continue trending upward.
2030 Terrence “TJ” Hicks (Harris Road)
Despite being the lone seventh-grader (and least physically developed player) featured on this list, Hicks did a lot of things well. He hit shots with confidence and displayed feel when attacking off the dribble, but also excelled at simply filling in the gaps. Hicks is phenomenal at knowing where to be and how to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. He’s a smart cutter, scrappy defender, and displays a terrific nose for the ball. Hicks consistently burned opponents as a spot-up option and then used the threat of his shooting to open up driving lanes. He’s an unselfish teammate who plays hard and produces within the flow of the action. Hicks should be a name to follow over the coming years.