Phenom Hoops LIVE took over Raleigh in a major way, packing out the Raleigh Convention Center with 20 courts of non-stop hoops action and a buzz that echoed throughout the weekend. With emerging talent from across the region taking the stage, this wasn’t just another event — it was a proving ground. College coaches were courtside, scouting the next wave of stars, and the intensity on the floor matched the energy in the building. From breakout performances to deep team runs, there was no shortage of storylines — and we’re diving into a few programs that truly made their mark at Phenom LIVE.
Harvest Development Academy
A team that I was highly interested in checking out again this time in Raleigh was Harvest Development Academy, with a ton of local talent looking to shine on the big stage. They certainly did just that on several occasions, as this is a group to closely monitor this summer and heading into the upcoming high school season. Let’s dive into some of the players that earned our attention.
2028 Colinn Morris
Morris is one who has garnered our attention and deserves it, too. He was thrown into the fire last high school season, but it allowed him to earn valuable knowledge and understanding of how to play the game at a high level. Now, he looks to be one of the clear leaders for his team, not only displaying IQ and feel, but also being an effective offensive option. Morris looks bigger and stronger, allowing him to score off the bounce, finish through contact, and knock down shots. But he does a great job in simply running the show, finding teammates, and also running an efficient offense.
2026 Braylen McRae/ 2028 Christopher Phillips
These are two guards that played well down in Raleigh, really stepping up and proving that can be effective options on the court. McRae is a scrappy, quick guard that was able to flourish in making plays off the bounce. He finished well over defenders and stayed in attack mode throughout when watching him. Phillips is a young, strong guard who embraces contact and brings a physical feel to his position. He was able to capitalize on strong drives as well as make smart decisions on the court.
2029 James Nelson/ 2029 Gideon Anum
Two young prospects playing up, they to were able to shine in their own way down in Raleigh. Nelson is a scrappy 5’9 guard who showed a good overall understanding of the game. He had no issues in not only attacking the defense off the dribble but also hurting you from the perimeter. Anum, who is a 6’2 prospect with a great frame at his age, is one I would keep an eye on. You can see the potential he has, showing a good comfort from behind the arc, and I’m eager to see how he continues to develop with his overall game. He brings versatility along with upside, though time will tell if it all comes together.