This past weekend, Phenom Hoops had yet another loaded series of events being hosted throughout the region. Between Hampton, Rocky Mount, Rock Hill, and Bermuda Run, there was a ton of noteworthy talent on display. It was easy to find next-level talent and intriguing prospects between both Kernersville and Rise. Among the top teams on display was Midstate Magic, a squad that has continually reaffirmed itself as one of the top independent programs throughout North Carolina. That being said, this might be their best team in recent memory. Let’s take a closer look…
The lone unsigned senior on the roster, LaDario Johnson, provides an enticing combination of size, motor, and athleticism. He does an excellent job of playing hard to outwork opponents on both ends of the floor. Johnson is a useful interior scorer who can finish through contact or above the rim. He’s a terrific rebounder for his size/position and simply wants it more than the majority of opponents he faces. Johnson defends with toughness and physicality, and truly doesn’t need a ton of touches to impact the game. His low-maintenance identity should appeal to various programs.
Although we wrote about both guys earlier this week, Mason Murphy and Donnie Fairley play critical roles to the success of this group. Murphy is a blossoming wing/forward with the feel, versatility, and adaptability to do a lot of different things on the court. He’s already an impactful two-way piece but continues to make strides on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Fairley is an absolute beast whose combination of toughness, physicality, and nonstop energy seems to bleed into every game. He’s a phenomenal athlete with useful ball skills, strong downhill ability, and an impressive nose for the ball. Fairley’s defense, rebounding, and ruggedness allow him to legitimately punish opponents on both ends of the floor.
In terms of their upcoming seniors, Micah Woods, Jamyr Coleman, and Joshua Akers continue to stand out as difference-makers. Woods is clearly a focal point whose consistent three-level scoring punch makes him as valuable as anyone on the roster. He’s an excellent shooter who can create his own shot, move without the ball, and make plays off the bounce. Woods defends his position, rebounds well, and shows a very smooth, adaptable offensive game. Coleman does a great job of dictating the action with IQ, poise, and balance. He’s quick and crafty enough to get to his spots off the bounce, set up others, and knock down jumpers from midrange or beyond the arc. He’s also a pesky defender. Akers has a lot of intrigue as a long, wiry post player with inside-out ability and clear upside on both ends of the floor. He’s a solid finisher, rebounder, and shooting threat who alters shots and runs the floor well in transition.
That being said, Jamarious Toney, Landon Gardner, Stormur Traustason, Jaiden Franklin, and James Kenan each find a way to make an impact for this group. Given their slew of next-level talent, college coaches should be laying serious groundwork with this entire roster.