What to Watch at Phenom Team Camp Session II
This upcoming weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel to Bermuda Run, North Carolina, to host our annual June Team Camp (Session II). The event always features a slew of the most talented teams and individuals within the Carolinas, and this year’s will be no different. Leading up to the event, we will take a closer look at players and subplots to monitor. Despite some ups and downs last season, all signs point to Hickory Ridge emerging as one of the top programs in the greater Charlotte area. Let’s take a closer look….
Although their record (16-12) might seem slightly underwhelming, it’s worth noting that the team was quite young. Seven of their top eight scorers were non-seniors. Given another year of experience under their respective belts, the expectations should continue to increase. Guys like Travien Williams, Braylen Hill, Parker Watkins, Tyson Durant, Zeke Kelly, and Rodney Gidney should return as key pieces for the Ragin’ Bulls.
Williams solidified himself as the clear leader and focal point for this group last season. He’s a smart, polished lead guard with impressive abilities as a scorer and playmaker. Williams applies consistent downhill pressure to finish or set up others, but also possesses a smooth midrange pull-up and jumper from beyond the arc. He’s a quality defender and rebounder with the toughness, motor, and instincts to overwhelm opponents. Hill shines as an adaptable, well-rounded guard who can score the ball with efficiency and alter his approach based on team needs. Watkins is a skilled, shot-making guard whose return from injury should be extremely significant for this squad. In addition to his scoring punch, Watkins will provide defensive energy and secondary ball-handling ability. Durant is a major x-factor, Kelly provides meaningful minutes from the point guard spot, and Gidney simply excels at making hustle plays or doing the dirty work. All signs point to this team taking the next step.