Every season, some programs fly just under the radar before making their mark—and Marvin Ridge could be one of those teams this year. With an intriguing blend of talent, depth, and underrated prospects, the Mavericks have all the ingredients to surprise opponents and turn heads across the state. They may not carry the preseason hype of some others, but their ability to compete, develop, and elevate their game makes them one of the sneakiest, must-watch teams heading into the season.
2026 6’4 Henry Smith
Smith is an underrated player here in NC, and I expect him to have another big season. Versatile prospect that is proving he can be a force from the perimeter, creates well, embraces physicality and contact, can be a strong scoring threat, and impacts the game in a variety of other areas.
2027 6’4 Mac Habenicht
A junior who has really flourished with this team, as he has been a huge weapon from outside. Constantly finding ways to knock down shots, be a threat from behind the arc, and using his size in other ways to make an impact.
2028 6’4 Fleet Payne
Payne is a player I would really watch in the Class of 2028; he checks a lot of boxes with his size, his comfort in helping run the offense, his scoring capabilities, and his overall IQ on the court. Payne is going to be a name you hear more about in the coming years.
These three were the main prospects that have shined over the last few weeks at the Hoop State Fall League, and then when you add two prospects that have been out in 2026 6’4 Matthew Rivlin and 2026 6’2 Marshall Payne along with a rising player to keep an eye on in 2028 6’4 Ty Lorenzo, Marvin Ridge has a chance to make a lot of noise this upcoming season.
You heard it first here from Phenom Hoops, the Mavericks will be a hot topic this season and has a chance to make legitimate noise this season. They are also a program that college coaches should be looking at hard this coming season.
Other Notes:
What has been said about 2026 Matthew Rivlin: “Rivlin made a lasting impression with his ability to produce within the flow of the action. He’s another skilled, well-rounded wing who can find success with or without the ball in his hands. Rivlin is a capable creator and quality shooting threat with the ability to mix it up from all levels. He possesses great size and instincts on both ends of the floor. Both guys were popular names among onlooking college coaches.”
What has been said about 2026 Marshall Payne: “2026 Marshall Payne (Marvin Ridge) will be vital to this team’s success, as his intelligence, strength, and shooting talents from the off-guard position will inevitably put him amongst the more notable players his conference. Rising junior guard to monitor.”