What’s up to all my hoops heads, it’s your guy Brandon Blakney and I’m live from Rock Hill, SC, for some travel ball action! The Phenom Challenge kicked off this weekend and the talent hasn’t disappointed early! This group of standouts is a diverse group of five that college coaches at multiple levels will want to take a look at!
5’9 2021 Jordan Mcphatter (Anthony Morrow Elite)- Proved to be one of the most complete floor generals I’ve seen today, Mcphatter continuously makes winning plays and doesn’t commit many turnovers. Mcphatter has elite court vision, he can get flashy at times but usually, his deliveries are timely and accurate. Mcphatter has continued to sharpen the offensive arsenal as well and looks comfortable picking his spots and taking what the defense gives. Along with a handful of assists he also poured in 16 points to lead his side in a tough scoring effort.
5’7 2022 Mike Henderson (Carolina Pressure)- Henderson is the definition of heart over height, the kid is an absolute gamer. Henderson found his squad down 20 points in the second half, they never gave up and kept on fighting. Henderson was a real catalyst for the offense creating for himself and others, and he can score it in an array of ways. In space Henderson is a blur, he absolutely has the snatch in his bag, and Henderson is a legit shot maker. Henderson snatches a pair of ankles and banked in a floater to win Carolina Pressure an absolute dog fight.
6’9 2021 Dre Watson came up big for (TBLA), Watson is an extremely springy forward, he has pogo stick getting off the floor and usually is one of the first ones to leave the ground in anticipation. Watson is an explosive finisher at the cup he fills running lanes and was prepared to finish on catches. Watson can play above the rim, and also he showed some nice footwork on the block. Watson was patient in the lane, he runs the floor well and Watson’s length allows him to cover a ton of ground #PhenomChallenge
6’2 2022 Shane Peterson (Durham Hurricanes) was one of the purest shooters I saw today, if his feet are set, the defense is in trouble. Peterson is one of those shooters that always looks like a sure make when it’s in the air. Peterson connected on four attempts from deep, Peterson is constantly moving without the ball dodging defenders and looking to carve out space for clean looks. Peterson was strong with the ball today when defenders attempted to smother the ball. Peterson is a willing defender himself, he’s unselfish and seems coachable.
6’7 2022 Charles Mcclennahan Jr (19 pts) had an explosive outing for PSB Charlotte this afternoon on court 3. Mcclennahan came into this weekend under the radar, but Mcclennhan almost took the rim home with him when he left. He threw down several monstrous dunks, made open jumpers, and ran the floor hard non stop. Mcclennahan plays hard on both ends, he’s a long rangy athlete with upside, and he moves extremely well. Mcclennahan has good size for the position, and his frame and athleticism offer the upside of potential above-average defender capable of guarding multiple spots.