What a day at camp. The middle school version was exciting, with each team having numerous players to watch. The talent was so good, in fact, it was tough to narrow down only five to list here.
In its fifteen years, Phenom camps have prided themselves on providing exposure to anyone, first come first served for anyone who wants to be seen. Year after year, players come from across the region to play on this platform. True to form, the 2nd Annual Tennessee Junior Phenom Exposure Camp “List of 5” had players from Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee … Three different states.
Here is the List of 5 from #TNPhenom150
6’ 2024 Trent Noah
Baxter, Kentucky
Noah plays the game well beyond his years. He has the savvy and swagger that really excites those watching. Noah has great size for a point guard at his age. He gets where he wants on the floor with the ball. He is able to score beyond the arc or post up smaller guys on the block. A true point guard, with the vision and the ability to make everyone better. His career will be a fun one to monitor with Kentucky being able to have middle schoolers on varsity, it would not surprise to see him have a 5+ year varsity career. Noah won the Mr. Station Award for the camp.
5’2 2023 Keenan Wilkins
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Wilkins took the camp by storm, from game one when he went for 33 points on 8 made threes. It was a truly exciting game as he was knocking down step-back threes and even had a game winner. Wilkins has a natural feel for the game, and a swagger that far exceeds his size. Wilkins won the Mr. Playmaker award for the camp.
6’4 2023 Brandon Dufore
Johnson City, Tennessee
This was our first viewing of Dufore and he put on a show for all watching. He is one who should find his name popping up in the national conversation soon, for his age group. With Dufore, we are talking about a wing who is bigger than everyone else he is playing against. He has a good handle and a smooth jump shot with the ability to knock down the 3 off the catch or get into the mid-range with one or two dribbles. After leading the camp in scoring average, Dufore won the Mr. 150 award for the camp’s MVP.
6’2” 2023 Athan Gill
Salisbury, North Carolina
While others had more defined positions and skill sets, Gill’s best attribute was his hustle. He is a strong 8th grader with good size, but he also played with a great motor. With the ball he was able to get downhill in the half court and he did a great job finishing at the rim. Gill turned defense into offense as both a tough, anticipatory defender and a good rebounder. Gill won the Mr. Defense award for the camp.
6’2” 2023 Wade Witcher
Bluff City, Tennessee
Witcher is flat out wired to score the ball. He catches the ball with is his head down ready to attack, attack, attack. Witcher showcased great touch in the mid-range, as he had his floater and pull up working all day. He also showed deep range off the catch, knocking down numerous threes each game. Witcher has a nice frame, with good size on a body that looks like it will continue growing. He plays with an all out effort that is easy to notice. Witcher won the camp’s Mr. Hustle award.