Coach Rick’s WNC Phenom 150 Super Six and More

Phenom Hoop Report traveled to Cherokee, North Carolina for the inaugural WNC Phenom 150 camp. The camp was a huge success and the gym was filled with talent at every level. Now, let’s take a closer look at the standout players for the day.

 

6’9 2022 Deante Green (Christ School)

Known for his inside presence, Deante Green has made refining his perimeter skills a major priority and has done so with flying colors. Green was showcasing a “point forward” mentality handling the ball and being the team’s facilitator. We were impressed with his ability to set up the offense in the half-court and was constantly looking to make the “pitch ahead” pass. In addition, Green showcased the outstanding range and was quite efficient from the 3-point line. While Green is silky smooth and very fluid, the next step in his development is to play with more intensity at times, especially when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands. That being said, Green was the top prospect in attendance and was named the WNC Phenom 150 MVP as he averaged 18.7 PPG, dished out numerous assists and grabbed rebounds on both ends of the court.

 

5’8 2025 Eli Ellis (Homeschool)

Eli Ellis is simply advanced beyond his years in terms of basketball skill and knowledge of the game. The young “gym rat” has game and plays with poise, maturity and most of all, confidence. Ellis has a repertoire of offensive moves and is as crafty as they come, not to mention he has an outstanding range on his perimeter jumper. Ellis was the camp’s second-leading scorer with 22.3 PPG, but is also underrated as a skilled passer. He has outstanding court vision and simply understands how to come off the “pick and roll” and most of all creating space. For Ellis, the sky’s the limit. Ellis was named the WNC Phenom 150 Mr. Playmaker.

 

6’1 2021 Austin Johnson (TC Roberman HS)

This was our first viewing of Austin Johnson and we liked what we saw. The “do it all” guard led the camp in scoring with 24.7 PPG while showcasing uncanny range on his 3-point shooting. The fundamentally sound, high IQ and skillful scorer played with confidence and proved he could score from all three levels. In the second game of the day, Johnson erupted for a camp high 40 points. That being said, we were simply impressed with his hustle, work ethic and overall outstanding attitude throughout the day. In addition, it was his work ethic that earned him the camp’s prestigious Mr. Station Award.

 

6’4 2021 Solomon Todd (Asheville Christian)

This was our first viewing of Solomon Todd and we were totally impressed with is athleticism, quickness, and full-throttle approach displayed throughout the day. The speedy guard got to the rim with ease and was able to get where he wanted when he wanted. Todd was able to score from all three levels, but was best at going downhill and was one of the toughest guards to contain in the open court. In addition, Todd has the size, strength, and athleticism to become an outstanding “on ball” defender which would elevate him quickly into a sure-fire D1 prospect. Todd averaged 16.7 PPG and was named the WNC Phenom 150 Mr. Hustle Award.

 

6’1 2021 Collin Mills (Asheville Christian)

Talk about a quick on quick point guard! Collin Mills showcased explosive offensive moves throughout the day and was simply a blur with the ball in his hands in the open court. Sporting a nifty “inside out” and crossover dribble, Mills left defenders in their tracks for the majority of the day. In addition, Mills is a willing and skillful passer and has the ability to score and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. While Mills showcased a strong offensive game, it was his play on the defensive end of the court that impressed us more and earned the WNC Phenom 150 Mr. Defense Award.

 

6’5 2020 Solomon King (Rabun Gap)

What’s not to like about a lengthy, ultra-smooth and fluid wing that plays with an abundance of energy and effort! King impressed us with his playmaking abilities, but also showcased a nice touch beyond the 3-point line. The “do it all” wing plays with a high level of enthusiasm and does make it a habit of being in the right place at the right time. In addition, King was constantly making hustle plays and didn’t mind getting on the floor for loose balls.

Be sure to check out Coach Rick’s WNC Phenom 150 Super Six and More (Part 2)'https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/coach-ricks-wnc-phenom-150-super-six-and-more-part-2/