Final Thoughts, takeaways and stock risers
The 3rd Annual Phenom Low Country Showcase was held at the beautiful campus of Porter Gaud in historic Charleston, South Carolina. There were many quality teams, games, players and coaches. Now, let’s take a closer look at our “Final thoughts, takeaways, and stock risers.”
Carmel Christian is ready for another title run
It bears repeating, Carmel Christian went 31-3 last year and lost five D1 players due to graduation. You usually don’t lose this much talent and expect to be in contention for another run at the NCISAA 3A state championship. Look no further, but coach Joe Badgett has Carmel sitting 16-3 and that’s without the services of 6’8 junior Ben Burnham, who has been sidelined with a hand injury. This year’s team has balance, coaching and chemistry.
6’3 ’21 Justin Taylor (Carmel Christian)
Expectations were high for Justin Taylor coming into the season with his new team. Looking spectacular in pre-season workouts and scrimmages, Taylor had a few adjustments transitioning from scoring guard to point guard, all natural and expected, but Taylor would be the first to tell you his production was not up to standard. In the game against Jeff Davis High School (GA), Taylor finished with a game high 24 points, including four 3-pointers. He is developing more confidence as the team’s floor general and “sliced and diced” the defense with dribble penetration making one nifty assist after another. Coach Badgett expects great things from his junior point guard and his performance at the Low Country Showcase should be a definite stock booster for the second half of the year.
6’6 ’20 Ja’Queze Kirby (Jeff Davis HS/GA)
The Murray State signee has size, strength, power, athleticism and skill all rolled into one. In addition, he has advanced ball handling and passing skills for his size/position and impressed us with his rebounding and defense, not to mention he also finished with 20 points. Kirby is another high quality find for coach Matt McMahon of Murray State. His toughness and blue-collar approach will be welcomed on day one arrival.
6’3 ’22 LeBron Thomas (Lee Central)
LeBron Thomas has been on the Phenom Hoops radar for quite some time. First, seeing him as a youthful eight grader, we were impressed with his handles, court vision and advanced passing skills. We’ve seen firsthand, the growth, development and maturation as a complete all-around player. At the Phenom Low Country Showcase, Thomas showcased his overall skill set, whether it was scoring from all three levels, rebounding, defending or just making one nifty pass after another.
Coach Frank Cantadore (Concord First Assembly)
Give credit where credit is due and coach Frank Cantadore can flat out coach. First of all, coach Cantadore may be one of the most underrated coaches in the state. Broad statement' Maybe, but let’s check his record over the past seven seasons. He has averaged 24.2 wins per season compared to only losing 7.4 games. That’s a 77% winning percentage. In addition, he has played for numerous state championships and won the NCISAA 2A during the 2014-15 season. This year, Concord First Assembly has another impressive 18-3 record and is also poised to make another title run. Watching him up close at the Low Country Showcase, we were impressed with “in-game” adjustments and ability to adapt, not to mention maximizing his team’s ability on the court.
6’3 ’21 RJ Felton (Aiken HS/SC)
The “do it all” guard has completely elevated his play. He had a game high 28 points, eight rebounds in the loss at the Low Country Showcase. That being said, we’re talking about a high energy scoring guard that can score from all three levels. He defends, rebounds, and is a vocal leader on the court. He’s the type of player, you simply love to coach. First of all, he’s a willing listener and most of all, a very coachable young man. Off the court, he is polite, humble and well-mannered and in our opinion, has the complete package.
6’4 ’21 Mason Grant (Porter Gaud)
Mason Grant is a definite “must buy.” We’re talking about a strong, extremely long armed wing that has the ability to play on the interior or step out and knock down 3-pointers with consistency. More importantly, he is growing and evolving in his role and game. Each outing, we see tremendous strides in becoming a more complete player. That being said, he a high energy player that will give you all he has in the tank.