It is a big week for Phenom Hoops as we continue to release our newest rankings here in North Carolina, as we started off with the Class of 2025. This is a class that has plenty of talent of all levels, as several names saw a significant uptick with what they have shown as of late. We dive in a little on a few players that saw a big uptick in our latest rankings.
2025 Rankings: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2025-north-carolina-rankings/
2025 6’7 Michael Phillips (Grace Christian)
Phillips has seen a tremendous rise over the years, whether it was in the Class of 2025 or 2026. Now part of the Class of 2025, the 6’7 prospect has shown he has all the tools to be something special with room for growth still, which is why Marquette should be excited about his commitment. His blend of athleticism, length, two-way impact, shot-making, and potential is all there.
2025 6’3 Chadlyn Traylor (North Meck)
Traylor has really seen an uptick in his game, and we are excited to see what he could do this upcoming season with 2024 Isaiah Evans now at Duke. Traylor is a strong, dynamic guard who has been putting his team on his back more and showing more of his overall game, whether it is creating off the dribble, scoring strong and penetrating, and producing in a variety of ways. Not only has his ranking increased now being in the Top 10, but his recruitment has only continued to rise as well.
2025 6’4 Will James (Holly Springs)
Couldn’t be happier for James and his rise; many people in the past had questions about James and his game but he has put in the work and proven many wrong. Now committed to Toledo, James has shown that he can be a proven offensive weapon, using his strong frame to score from multiple levels, displaying a confident release from deep and mid-range, and simply finding ways to be productive. Now he finds himself as a Top 20 prospect with Phenom Hoops.
2025 6’4 KJ Younger (Weddington)
Another player that we have been on for quite some time now and now finds himself as a Top 20 prospect is Younger. He had a breakout season last year in which he averaged nearly a double-double, and that trend could only continue this year with him being the clear leader of this team. Younger is what he is, as he excels in being that downhill physical prospect who embraces contact, finishes strong through defenders, and continues to develop more levels of his game.
2025 6’3 Johnniyus Sharpe (Reidsville)
Sharpe has had a huge summer and one can see that this is a young man who has put in the work. This is a 6’3 guard who has earned and deserves more attention from college programs and looks to be in for another big season. He has blossomed as a true scorer on the court, excelling in getting to his spots and being an effective three-level scorer. Comfortable in getting to his spots and knocking down shots from behind the arc, as well as attacking off the bounce, creating for himself, and finishing at the rim. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and now finds himself as a Top 25 prospect.
2025 6’0 MJ Williams (Farmville Central)
A hidden gem here in North Carolina, Williams had a huge summer with Phenom Hoops and proved himself as a guard that must be taken seriously. The 6’0 guard has speed and creativity, as he can simply put his team on his back and be a true offensive threat. He plays bigger and impacts the game in a variety of ways, but he also doesn’t back down from any opponents and understands how to be effective at his size. We expect more traction to come his way with what we have seen this summer.
2025 6’6 Christian Ananaba (SE Raleigh)
Talk about a player many aren’t talking about, but he has clearly opened the eyes of our scouts here at Phenom Hoops, and there is a lot to like when you watch him operate. At 6’6 and with his length along with versatility, Ananaba offers a lot to like on the court. He can be explosive at the rim, has excellent length and fluidity to his game, can be effective offensively in an array of ways, and understands how to bring value in other areas on the court. A hidden gem that should see more traction his way.