Grimsley entered the summer with high expectations, and after watching the Whirlies at Phenom Team Camp, it’s easy to understand why. Returning the core of a team that finished 22-4 a season ago, Grimsley showcased the experience, chemistry, and talent needed to make another deep postseason run. The Whirlies were the most complete team in attendance, going undefeated while displaying elite balance, scoring, depth, and defensive intensity. With proven stars leading the way and a supporting cast ready to take another step forward, Grimsley appears to have all the ingredients to compete for a state championship this season.
Watching them at the Phenom Team Camp, it was clear that Grimsley was the top team at the camp with balance, scoring power, impact players, and experience, as they were able to go undefeated throughout the event. When you talk about this team, you look to start with a senior and a rising sophomore that has a ton of talent. 2027 Shyla Simms is coming off a season in which she averaged nearly 20 points per game and impacted the game all around, as she brings a scrappy and competitive nature to the court. Then you have to look at 2029 Zoey Goodman who already holds multiple D1 offers and will only continue to elevate her play. She was exceptional with her play and feel at the event, scoring from all levels, creating and displaying strong handles, tremendous IQ, and such an impactful player on both sides of the court.
Then you have others who clearly look to step up even more for this year’s team. 2028 Ryann Brown was strong overall with her presence on the glass and using her size. 2027 Destinee Gardner is back and ready to impact the game down in the paint as well as attack the boards. 2027 Sanaya Blount is ready to take on a bigger role for this year’s team as a senior guard, being a scorer as well as find other ways to impact the game. And there are many others who could clearly elevate their play and bring balance as well as depth for this team.
No matter how you put it, Grimsley looked primed and ready to compete for a title this season. They have the talent to do just that and a year under their belt to build off of. If Grimsley plays to its potential, the Whirlies should once again be among the premier teams in North Carolina. They possess the star power, experience, depth, and chemistry that every championship contender hopes to have, and their performance at Phenom Team Camp only reinforced those expectations.