This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our inaugural Phenom Hoops League Finals in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The event featured teams that participated in the PHL and accumulated enough points throughout the travel ball season to qualify for the season-ending tournament. Although each of the brackets were highly competitive, there was still a ton of excitement surrounding the 16U age group. The final four came down to Carolina Bulldogs, SC Blazers, Upward Stars Rock Hill, and Upward Stars Columbia. Ultimately, Upward Stars Columbia would defeat Upward Stars Rock Hill in a battle between two quality South Carolina programs. Let’s take a closer look at the title-winners…
Despite playing up an age group, CJ Moore was arguably the most impressive performer in this division. He possesses so much appeal as an incredibly long, explosive wing with ball skills and a skillset that continues to expand with each new viewing. Whether cutting, attacking off the bounce, or getting out in transition, Moore knows how to apply constant pressure around the basket. He’s still at his best as a penetrating threat, but he showed the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers at an improved rate. Moore stood out as a willing passer and rebounded the ball very well on both ends of the floor. He also utilizes his length and anticipation to intercept passing lanes on a regular basis. Moore has the tools to be an exceptional prospect if he continues on his current trajectory.
The only other non-junior on this roster, Zy’ion Jones, is another guy folks should be watching closely. It seems like he continues to get stronger and improve his game every time we see him, and this was no different. Jones is already able to consistently impact the game as a long, athlete with a high motor, strong rebounding presence, and quality defensive instincts. He finishes well around the basket, both out of the post and as a cutter/short corner threat, and runs the floor properly in transition. Jones stands out through his low-maintenance production and obvious appeal as a long-term prospect. Like his teammate above, the upside is immense. Should Jones continue to develop, he will be a name worthy of increased attention.
Although the young pieces made a lasting impression with their play, guys like Ja’Nolan Mathis, Carson Johnson, and Desmond Harrington definitely stood out as key pieces. Mathis is an incredibly long, wiry wing with an intriguing blend of physical tools and perimeter skills. He consistently caused havoc defensively, rebounded his position, and made plays with the ball in his hands. Johnson is a versatile piece with the size, skill, and athleticism to create matchup problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. He’s a useful rebounder and appears comfortable defending multiple positions. Meanwhile, Harrington has clearly added strength while maintaining his status as an athletic, physical forward with an appealing blend of energy, toughness, and physicality. He possesses useful ball skills and the understanding of how to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Each of these three guys has a lot of current ability and visible upside, so it’ll be fascinating to follow their respective developments going forward.
Guard play is always valuable, and guys like Elijah Major and Brayden Mack stand out through their ability to dictate the action. Major is strong and physical and applies consistent pressure as a downhill force. He finishes at the basket, makes smart passes, and knocks down jumpers at a nice rate. Major also rebounds his position well and provides a tough, scrappy defensive presence. Similarly, Mack is a younger guard who offers a steady presence on both ends of the floor. He knows how to initiate the offense, get others involved, and pick his spots as a scorer. Mack offers consistent activity as a defender at the point of attack.
Rounding out this group, guys like Miles Campbell and Ford Stratton found ways to make an impact. Campbell is long, wiry, and possesses useful ability with the ball in his hands. He displays an understanding of how to initiate the offense, set up others, and make plays defensively. Although Stratton missed a day of action, he has appeal as a long, athletic forward with ball skills and shooting ability.