Phenom Hoops is diving into the upcoming season, and we are bringing several previews and discussions about teams and players to watch out for. We are looking into several conferences to see who could be looking strong early on based on the information we have and from last year’s results. Take a look at these teams below, as we think these could be programs to watch out for in each.
Chatham Charter
Chatham Charter has been one of the top programs in the conference and they have produced well over the years. So, I expect them to be competing once again to claim the top spot here, but they will need players to step up to replace key prospects from last year. 2024 Jonah Ridgill was really good last year, nearly posting a double-double and finishing the season averaging 20 points per game. 2024 Aidan Allred was also really consistent, as they will be losing two key pieces from last year. However, they do have some strong talent returning in 2025 Brennan LaVelle leading the way.
River Mill
The Jaguars of River Mill finished 6-6 in conference play and will be losing their top scorer from last year in 2024 Will Jones (12.4ppg) but they do return some key players who will be seniors and looking to lead the charge. 2025 Anthony Brown and 2025 Jackson Osbourne will be counted on to continue to lead the offense but the Jaguars will need others to step up if they want to compete for a conference title.
Southern Wake Academy
The Lions had a really good season last year, finishing 23-10 overall and coming in first in the conference at 10-2. And though they lose their top two scorers from last year who combined for nearly 30 points, they will also be returning plenty of talent that was able to gain valuable experience from last year and will be looking to step up. 2025 Seung Surmons will be counted on big time but they have plenty of young players that will now be experienced veterans in hopes of claiming the top spot once again.
Woods Charter
The Wolves would be a team of interest and one to watch in this conference. Nearly finishing at .500 last season overall, this is a team that has a chance to really take the next step. Last year, they had so many freshmen and sophomores leading the way and now they mostly all return heading into the season. If players like 2027 Grant Richardson, 2027 Alden Phillips, 2027 Levi Haygood, and others can take that next step, Woods Charter has a chance to compete.