This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Methodist College in Fayetteville, North Carolina, for our eighth annual Hoops and Dreams Showcase. The event returned to its original debut spot for a quality two-day stretch of basketball featuring many of the top local teams. Across the 14 games, there were several standouts, storylines, and meaningful takeaways that we will examine closer. Let’s start by taking a closer look at the incredibly talented core of Trinity Christian…
Despite being a new addition, it’s clear that JaVon Motta has already seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role for this group. He’s a long, wiry guard with a terrific blend of size, skill, and athleticism. Motta is quick and crafty enough to constantly keep defenses on their toes. He breaks down opponents well off the bounce to touch the paint, where he’s able to consistently score or set up others. Motta shoots the ball at a quality rate from midrange and beyond the arc, both off the catch and bounce. His three-level scoring polish allows him to put nonstop pressure on opponents. That being said, Motta is a willing playmaker and useful off-ball threat. He utilizes his length well to make his presence felt as a defender and rebounder. Given everything he showed, it feels like Motta is clearly trending upward.
Another new addition, Winston Waite, also stands out as a focal point for this group. He brings a nice leadership presence as a veteran guard who can fill it up in a variety of ways. Waite is a lethal shooter who can heat up quickly from beyond the arc—both off the catch and bounce. He displays deep range with smooth mechanics and the ability to come off movement. Waite is a useful playmaker who sees the floor well and is willing to make the extra pass. However, he does a great job of taking advantage of open looks when available. Waite is a scrappy defender and an excellent spot-up threat. He should appeal to college coaches.
Where so many programs don’t have the luxury of having one legitimate big man, this group has several. Baganley Donzo is a strong, physically overwhelming athlete who naturally causes problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. He’s built like an absolute tank and doesn’t hesitate to utilize his ridiculous strength to finish, rebound, and anchor the paint defensively. Donzo doesn’t necessarily require touches to make an impact, as he’s capable of producing in several different roles. He plays extremely well through contact and displays nice mobility for his size. Meanwhile, Mamadi Sinoh continues to rapidly improve. We saw him several times throughout the summer and he highlighted a lot of intrigue with his length, fluidity, and rim-protection instincts. Fast-forward to now, and he’s only continued to make strides. Sinoh has maintained his terrific interior defense and steady rebounding while developing his IQ and finishing ability. Although his best basketball is still ahead, it’s clear that he has the tools to be a notable prospect.
Guys like TJ Farrior, AJ Sanford, and Mohamed Donzo also found ways to contribute. Farrior is a versatile forward with a strong frame and useful ball skills. Sanford is a capable shooter and scrappy defender who does a great job of making hustle plays. Donzo, like his brother above, is a strong, physically overpowering post player who provides consistent effort on both ends of the floor. It’s also worth noting that Jeremiah Harper was sidelined during the event, and should immediately be a leader and focal point upon his return.