West Virginia Wildcats Select (16U)
This coming weekend, Phenom Hoop Report will be heading to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for our first annual CP3 Live Tournament. Our staff will be teaming up with NBA All-Star Chris Paul to put on an event unlike any other. Over 60 teams from across five different states will be making their way to the Twin City to showcase their talents to a plethora of college coaches at all levels. One team to keep a close eye on this weekend' The West Virginia Wildcats 16U squad.
The West Virginia Wildcats are one of the most under the radar programs that will be competing in Winston-Salem this coming weekend. They’re smart, talented, and eager to make their name known to a variety of scouts and coaches. Listed below are a group of players that could draw a little attention their way at CP3 Live.
PLAYER: Chase Johnson
HIGH SCHOOL: Ripley (Ripley, WV)
CLASS: 2017
THOUGHTS ON JOHNSON:
Chase Johnson is one of the most freakishly athletic kids we’ve seen play from West Virginia in quite some time. When we first arrived at Parkersburg Memorial Gymnasium early last month for the Court XIV Exposure Camp, we weren’t exactly familiar with Johnson’s game. We had heard nothing but positive things, but we wanted to make sure we played close attention before drawing any immediate assumptions. Right from the start, the 6’7” big caught our attention. Johnson is a quick, versatile player with a true gifted skill set on the offensive side of the ball. He has tremendous bounce, a nice mid-range jumper, and pure dedication whenever he steps foot on the floor. Dunk after dunk, bucket after bucket, no one in WV had an answer for my man that afternoon. We would like to see this kid pack on a few extra pounds down the line, but keep in mind; he’s a rising junior. Johnson will definitely be a player to look out for this weekend in Winston-Salem.
PLAYER: Justin Phillips
HIGH SCHOOL: George Washington (Charleston, WV)
CLASS: 2018
THOUGHTS ON PHILLIPS:
Justin Phillips is a very interesting type of player with an unreal amount of potential. After watching this young gun practice at George Washington High School a few weeks back, it was easy to determine he has what it takes to be a serious player here in the coming years. Although he may be a tad bit undersized, Phillips plays with an unreal amount of heart. He hustles hard, runs the floor well, and always finds a way to make big time plays down the stretch in crucial moments. After an impressive freshman year, Phillips caught the attention of many scouts around the West Virginia area. He’s the type of player you want on your roster. He’s consistent, fierce, and electric on both sides of the floor. Playing up in a division may be a struggle for some, but Phillips takes pride in embracing the older competition. The GW Patriots may currently be in a rebuilding stage, but Phillips is doing a phenomenal job bringing hope to HC Rick Greene and company. Look out for Jud to develop into an absolute animal in due time.
PLAYER: Nicky Solomon
HIGH SCHOOL: Morgantown (Morgantown, WV)
CLASS: 2017
THOUGHTS ON SOLOMON:
Nicky Solomon is the type of player that everyone hates to matchup against. Although he is completely undersized for the PG position, this kid gives it his all every time he steps foot on the floor. After watching him annoy defenders with his serious on-ball defense and scrappy style of play, we immediately knew we had to add little Nicky to our radar. Offensively, Solomon has the showings of a future team leader. He doesn’t care about his statistics and doesn’t exactly blow you off your feet, but he works hard and creates endless amounts of opportunities for his teammates. He will need to get stronger and will have to work on his overall craft, but with the proper dedication and a devoted mindset, this Morgantown Mohigan will provide a serious spark for his school as he progresses. HC David Tallman has a stud developing in the Mo!