This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to the Raleigh Convention Center to host our annual G3 Live Showcase. The event featured over 280 teams across several age groups. College coaches of all levels were able to attend and extend scholarships to worthy prospects. Among those teams was Foothills Basketball, a squad that has shown flashes of intrigue throughout the travel ball season. Coached by former North Surry legend Carter Phillips, this squad consists of several players from Surry County and the surrounding areas. Let’s look at some of their top pieces…
Although committed, guys like Derek Studer and Kam McKnight seem to be having an enjoyable time playing with their peers. Studer has visibly added strength over the recent months while maintaining his status as a skilled post player with touch, footwork, and a polished skillset. He scored, rebounded, and altered shots defensively. Despite going to play football in college, McKnight still possesses a lot of ability on the basketball court. He created for himself and others while picking his spots as a scorer, securing rebounds, and making plays in transition. Both players showed the ability to lead or play within a role.
It doesn’t take long to recognize everything Cade Atkins does to assert himself for this group. He’s smart, unselfish, and offers terrific balance from the point guard position. Atkins dictates the action with pace while getting everyone involved and picking his spots as a scorer. He mixes it up well from all levels, but is arguably at his best when getting downhill and finishing or locating open teammates. Atkins finishes and rebounds very well for his size. That being said, he also shoots the ball at a high clip along the perimeter and is comfortable spotting-up without the ball. He’s a scrappy defender who works for extra possessions and doesn’t shy away from physical play. Atkins should appeal to college coaches as a steady, well-rounded floor general.
Versatility is particularly important for teams who don’t possess elite size, which makes players like Bryce Peters and Fisher Leftwich key pieces for this group. At 6-foot-4 with long arms and a wiry frame, Peters highlighted quite an intriguing blend of size, skill, and athleticism. He displayed the ability to knock down jumpers, attack off the bounce, and finish above the rim. Peters plays hard, displays a terrific nose for the ball, and utilizes his length to make his presence felt as a defender and rebounder. Meanwhile, Leftwich is a tough, gritty, blue-collar guy who plays much bigger than his listed height. His motor and physicality allow him to regularly defend and outwork bigger opponents on the glass. He fills in the gaps offensively, but Leftwich doesn’t need a ton of touches to make an impact.
Rounding out this roster, guys like Carter Motsinger, Zach Goins, and Jax Whitaker each provide valuable minutes. Motsinger asserts his presence as a reliable initiator, quality three-point shooter, and generally unselfish player. He’s a willing passer and scrappy defender. Goins is a phenomenal defender with quickness, toughness, and the ability to score from all levels. He understands how to make proper reads with the ball in his hands. Lastly, Whitaker is a smooth shooting threat who plays hard and offers a scrappy defensive presence. Like everyone on this roster, he also knows how to consistently produce within his role.