Take a deep breath because that time of year once again, AAU season is here and in full swing! Phenom Hoops kicked things with an absolute bang with Phenom Opening, a two day tournament featuring some of the top travel ball programs around the Southeast.
Greensboro, High School- Smith High School was one of the sights for a full weekend slate of games, prospects from the 2023-2021 classes battled it out on court one for bragging rights, and a chance to play for a championship during opening weekend. A number of prospects put themselves on the radar with strong performances, lets dive in and examine some of these stock risers.
5'7 2023 KeShawn Brown (Team CEBA)
Brown had a quiet first half in CEBA's opening game, he made one field goal to contribute to his eventual 20. Brown absolutely took over in the second half, it literally felt like watching two completely different players.
Brown got to the cup at will and finished over defenders and through contact, at 5'7 Brown gets nice lift off the jump and has the body control to adjust and avoid defenders as well. Brown made a couple shots from behind the arc to show the range. Brown's first step is serious, kid is a blow by waiting to happen.
6’3 2021 Cade Darr (Team Winston)-
Nice two way wing prospect, Darr is a knockdown shooter and he's got some explosion off the bounce. Darr got loose on a fast break and cocked back to flush a stern one handed tomahawk.
Darr got mvp for his team Winston 16U side in their first contest, Darr gradually got more comfortable putting the rock on the floor. Darr is a scrappy defender, he has nice size for the guard position, his length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and Darr moves well laterally.
6'2 2022 Johnathan Shaw (NC Wildcats)-
Another big second half performer, Shaw got busy for the Wildcats yesterday. Shaw saw his side fall down big by double digits, but he helped propel this group back into the contest.
Shaw is a natural slasher, his crossover is a weapon, and his strides are agile, Shaw covers a good amount of ground to slip past defenders to the cup. Shaw is tough to keep out of the lane, he showed capability finishing with both hands, Shaw had a slender frame but he's able to take on contact and finish through it. Shaw plays with a chip, after he was knocked to the floor several times, Shaw continuously popped back up and persisted to knockdown his free throws.
5'9 2022 Dominic Reid Jr (Mooresville Wolfpack)-
I'll always admire the pass first point guard, they make everything easier for the guys around them. That being said Reid Jr fits the mold, this isn't to say Reid Jr can't score the basketball, it's more of a testament to his passing capabilities and unselfish nature.
Reid Jr is the conductor for this explosive Wolfpack offense, he is poised with the basketball, Reid plays at his pace and doesn't turn the ball over. A rare trait for a young lead guard I realize, the stat wasn't officially taken but I imagine the assist to turnover ratio for Reid Jr was among the best on the day. Reid Jr put on a passing expedition, he runs the break well and has an understanding of what his teammates do well. Reid is also a pesky on ball defender, he worked hard to make opposing ball handlers extremely uncomfortable.
6'2 2022 Zane Redman (Team Hickory)-
Two way wing prospect with upside, the more I saw Redman the more the athletic slashing wing showed. Redman is at his best slashing in space, he's very effective in transition filling lanes, actively ready to catch and finish dump offs.
Redman has a slender build but he takes contact and powers through the lane off the dribble, he's a long 6'2 and utilizes that length to fully extend at the rim. Redman is confident from behind the arc, he can create looks for himself off the dribble, Redman also rebounds well for the wing position, he will follow his shot and battle down low against the trees. Redman is a committed defender and his length allows for versatility, he can guard either guard spot.