As expected, the Phenom’s Sophomore 40 brought together some of the top talent in the state’s sophomore class, giving these young athletes a chance to compete and showcase their abilities. The atmosphere was electric, and the level of competition was high, with players pushing each other to elevate their game. This year’s event did not disappoint, as an abundance of talent was on full display, leaving no doubt that the future of basketball in the region is bright.
Nathan Jones was a standout at camp, consistently demonstrating his ability to make an impact across various facets of the game. Offensively, he excels at attacking the basket, using his quickness and control to navigate tight spaces and finish through traffic. He’s also shown a knack for hitting difficult perimeter shots, providing a reliable scoring option from outside. Defensively, Jones plays with high energy, disrupting opponents with his relentless on-ball pressure and ability to force turnovers. His efficient style of play ensures that he makes the most of every opportunity, whether scoring, facilitating, or locking down his assignment on defense. With his well-rounded skill set, Jones has proven to be a valuable asset and a consistent game-changer.
Christian Jones is the kind of guard every coach wants on their team. He thrives without needing the ball in his hands, constantly finding ways to contribute through hustle plays and smart decisions. Whether it’s setting screens, diving for loose balls, or making the right pass, Jones does all the little things that often go unnoticed but are crucial to winning. His basketball IQ allows him to be in the right place at the right time, whether filling lanes in transition or rotating defensively. When he does have the ball, he shows poise and skill, capable of handling pressure, making the right reads, and scoring when needed. Jones’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him an invaluable asset, and his selfless play style elevates the performance of everyone around him.
Jr Adams has been relentless in his approach, using his change of pace masterfully to keep defenders guessing and create separation. He’s shown excellent court vision, delivering precise passes that put his teammates in scoring positions. Not one to shy away from contact, Adams attacks the rim fearlessly, demonstrating a variety of finishing techniques to score over taller defenders. What sets him apart is his ability to stay composed under pressure, maintaining ball security and making sound decisions in high-pressure moments. His poise, combined with his aggressive style, makes him a reliable playmaker who consistently creates opportunities without sacrificing control or efficiency.
6’6 Kam Witherspoon is a prospect worth keeping a close eye on. His athleticism and mobility allow him to impact the game on both ends, competing with intensity from start to finish. Defensively, he’s highly active consistently deflecting passes, contesting shots, and providing excellent rim protection. Offensively, Witherspoon’s ability to finish above the rim adds a dynamic element to his game, and his relentless motor ensures multiple efforts around the basket, whether on put-backs or second-chance plays. As his skill set continues to develop, he’s poised to become an even more versatile force. His progress will be exciting to watch in the coming seasons.
6’4 Julian Lowe made an immediate impact, starting the camp on fire from beyond the arc. He runs the floor exceptionally well, consistently putting himself in positions to score, and gets his shot off quickly without hesitation. His ability to relocate and find open spaces makes him a constant threat from deep. Lowe’s athletic frame allows him to contribute in various ways, providing versatility on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions, and offensively, he’s more than just a shooter—his size and athleticism make him effective at finishing around the rim and creating opportunities for teammates. His well-rounded game will make him a key asset moving forward.
Preston Scott has been a relentless presence across the court, making an impact in every facet of the game. His hustle is unmatched, diving for loose balls, crashing the boards, and applying full-court pressure on defense. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively, and he’s tallied several steals, turning defense into instant offense by creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. On the offensive end, Scott is a strong driver, using his physicality and quickness to attack the rim. He also displays a smooth pull-up jumper off the dribble, adding another dimension to his scoring ability. With his high energy and consistent production on both ends, he stands out as a dependable two-way threat.
6’5 Dylan Bradley is a dynamic downhill threat with impressive size and strength for a guard. His combination of athleticism and physicality allows him to finish through contact at the rim, making him a challenging matchup for defenders. Beyond scoring, Bradley is a highly effective rebounder for his position, using his frame to battle on the boards at both ends of the floor. In transition, Bradley thrives, whether pushing the pace himself or making smart reads to set up teammates for easy buckets. His ability to blend power with finesse makes him a well-rounded asset, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. Known for his high energy and competitive drive, Bradley consistently elevates the intensity on the floor, setting the tone for his team.
Cruz Miller has utilized his quickness effectively on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s been a disruptive force, staying in front of his assignment, applying relentless pressure, and making it difficult for ball handlers to get comfortable. Offensively, Miller thrives at penetrating defenses, consistently getting paint touches to generate high-percentage looks. His ability to create off the dribble makes him a dual threat, him being able to finish at the rim or make smart reads to find open teammates makes the game easier for everyone. With a smooth handle and excellent court awareness, Miller efficiently gets to his spots and maintains control under pressure, making him a reliable playmaker and an asset in both transition and half-court settings.
Alex Dauska is a well-rounded, high-IQ wing prospect who consistently impacts the game on both ends. He’s an efficient scorer at all three levels, capable of hitting shots from the perimeter, creating off the dribble, and finishing around the rim. Dauska doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, using his instincts to find scoring opportunities through smart movement and floor spacing. He’s effective at playing through contact but also shows finesse with crafty finishes near the basket. On the defensive side, Dauska adds value by guarding multiple positions and being active on the glass, helping secure important rebounds. His size and versatility make him a key contributor, but enhancing his quickness will be a crucial step in unlocking even more of his potential.