This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our annual Stay Positive Showcase in Kernersville, North Carolina. Although we only had games on Friday and Saturday, there was still an abundance of overall talent in the gym. We caught all the action on Friday, including a closer look at Dub Salem—a squad that has the pieces and collective mentality to shine against all types of opponents. Not only are they talented, but they quietly have one of the better, more underrated coaches throughout the state in Whit Holcomb-Faye. Let’s highlight their roster…
It’s assumed that 6’7 Jayon Connor only joined this squad for the weekend, yet still had no issue dominating the game in various ways. His combination of motor, strength, physicality, and powerful athleticism makes him a real nightmare for opponents on both ends of the floor. Connor constantly flies around to grab rebounds, swarm defensively, and put nonstop pressure on the rim. He excels in transition, but also found success blowing by defenders and attacking the basket hard off the dribble. Connor is an imposing defender across multiple positions and displays quality instincts for forcing turnovers. He should capture a lot of attention this summer.
We stated it last weekend, but there’s no problem reaffirming that 6’0 CP Perry, 5’10 Owen Hancock, and 6’3 Jacob Mills will likely be the most prolific three-point shooting backcourt trio in the state. This team is obviously loaded with marksmen, but each of these three poses a major threat from distance every time the ball touches their hands. Perry is a dynamic creator who utilizes his quickness, craftiness, vision, and scoring polish to aggressively apply pressure with the ball in his hands. He mixes it up as a scorer from all levels and sets up others at a high volume. Hancock is an elite spot-up threat with deep range and a smooth, quick release. He’s capable of initiating the offense, making the extra pass, or attacking closeouts, but is legitimately someone that opposing defenses should never leave alone. Every shot he attempts from beyond the arc truly looks like it’s going in. In a similar vein, Mills is a knockdown shooter with the ability to excel as a spot-up option along the perimeter. He also has deep range and consistent shot mechanics. However, he’s done a lot to improve his ability to attack closeouts and finish, knock down pull-ups, or locate open teammates. Mills is a scrappy defender who embraces his identity extremely well. Each of these three will be definite targets for college coaches over the coming months.
Versatility has consistently become a bigger and bigger part of the game, which is a massive part of what makes guys like Will Hall and Drew Neve such x-factors for this group. Hall is long, wiry, and possesses an intriguing level of skill for his size/position. He’s a bouncy finisher who constantly lurks around the rim for rebounds and putbacks, but can also regularly hit jumpers and attack off the bounce. Hall is comfortable operating with or without the ball in his hands. He’s also an active defender who will only get better as his body continues to add strength. Meanwhile, Neve remains one of the tougher, more physically imposing guys you’ll find throughout the state. He’s a strong, rugged, athletic forward who plays with a high motor and unselfish mentality. Neve can finish, knock down jumpers, and make plays with the ball in his hands, but operates well within the flow of the action. He rebounds well and defends much bigger than his size would imply. Both guys are critical to the success of this group.
Rounding out this group, 6’4 Aiden Horton and 6’5 Seth Reynolds both bring a valuable dynamic to the table. Horton is a natural glue-guy who reliably fills in the gaps with his blend of passing, defense, and perimeter shooting. He’s willing to adapt to various roles and consistently do the little things on both ends of the floor. Similarly, Reynolds does a nice job of finding opportunities within the flow of the team structure. He’s a mobile interior piece with strength, touch, and a quality frame. Reynolds plays bigger than his listed height on both ends of the floor.