Breakout Performances – 2018
The great thing about Phenom Hoops events is it allows kids a chance to become known. Phenom Hoops always brings in the top talent, but it also gives a lot of local unknown talent the stage to step up and write their futures.
Here are some players who started their story this weekend from the 2018 class.
Dontarius James 6’6” Upward Stars 15s
(Andrew Jackson HS)
James is a load, who utterly dominated the competition in South Carolina. For his freshman year, James averaged 18 points and 8 boards per game. James has a very developed frame a skill set around the rim. During the event, James did well playing within himself. He played a role within 10 feet of the basket, absorbed contact and attacked the rim. Watch this one going forward.
Jayden Gardner 6’6” Team Loaded NC 15s
(Heritage HS)
When thinking about upside, this one has it. Traditionally he has played closer to the basket. Well, his game is expanding out to the wing. He showed comfort attacking the basket in the half court set, and used his length and sturdy frame to finish at the rim. Defensively, Gardner has the ability to be a high level performer. He defends multiple areas, using great length and a non stop motor. Gardner still has some ball skills and fluidity to work on, however he has time and a lot of games to go.
Seneca Louis 6’4” River City Reign 15s
(Benedictine)
Louis has tools to work with, and each time out he shows a different side. A natural wing, Louis played the point a lot this weekend. He did well in that role, getting his team into sets. When playing at his more natural wing position, Louis attacked the rim and showed the athleticism to finish in the paint. We would like to see Louis continue to really tighten his ball skills, but as his jump shot continues to soften this one has the chance to be a national level guy.
Gerrale Gates 6’5” Team Charlotte 15s
(Hopewell HS)
This kid works hard. He has a great motor, and really gets after it in the paint. Gerrale scored 31 points on opening night, and did not look back for the rest of the weekend. Gates averaged over 24 points per game and saw his team win the 15U D2 championship, without much doubt. Gates next step is to start expanding his game and becoming comfortable away from the basket.