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 Young & Motivated—a squad that has an intriguing mix of developing prospects. They’ve been a consistent squad in Phenom Hoops’ events throughout the early season, but have the tools to only continue to trend upward. Let’s highlight a few of the main pieces within the roster…
The lone unsigned senior on the team, Jon Ross, naturally sets the tone through his motor and tough, rugged approach to the game. He’s a well-rounded offensive piece with the size, skill, and athleticism to create matchup problems for opponents. Ross excels at getting downhill as a penetrator and applying pressure as a finisher. He plays well through contact, sees the floor to make quality passes, and can knock down jumpers from midrange or beyond the arc. On the other end, Ross is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and overwhelm opponents with his physical nature. He also secures rebounds well for his size/position on both ends of the floor. Ross certainly has the tools to play at the next level.
Although this group mainly consists of 2027 prospects, the 2028 duo of Xae Mills and Kingston Hardie have consistently stood out for this team. Mills is a tough, scrappy guard with a terrific penetration sense and the ability to finish basically everything he attempts around the basket. Whether in transition or the half-court, he’s able to consistently find ways to score the ball. Although he’s at his best getting downhill, Mills displayed the ability to knock down jumpers at a respectable rate and set up others when necessary. He also defends the ball well at the point of attack. Meanwhile, Hardie brings a nice blend of size and skill as a sturdy, mobile forward. He’s able to post-up smaller opponents and use his strength to his advantage or cause problems for bigger defenders with his ability to attack off the bounce. Hardie operates well in the midrange and can space the floor as needed. He offers nice activity on the glass and battles to make his presence felt defensively. Although this group has a variety of notable pieces, it’s difficult to ignore the production of these three throughout the weekend.