NC Phenom 150 Session 1
During this weekend’s event, it was evident that there were three groups (teams) of young men who really drew my attention. They were from various communities and varied in years of experience, yet they were a joy to watch playing the game. The teams captured the essence of playing a team sport in what is called an “individualistic” event.
Any event where players are being evaluated can lead to the “get mine” mentality. It is understandable because they come in separate vehicles, from different locations, different schools and grade levels, placed on teams with coaches unfamiliar with their talent offerings. The stage is set for selfish play and lack of cohesiveness. We inserted rules to help insure that selfishness would be regulated and encourage team play. Yet, when the players bring that to the floor without any need to enforce any of those rules, you watch great ball movement, high basketball IQ and players you can see at the next level.
The teams I am discussing were Team 1, Team 11 and Team 13. Yes there were some individuals that stood out on each team but they stood out in the team concept manner to showcase their talents in a variety of ways. Also, there were signs of leadership exhibited by several players on these teams that really made an evaluator want to stop play on other courts and bring players to the court and say see this is how you play the game.
You have to write about the players, so this how I am going to do it. At the end of this write-up I am going to list the entire team but for right now here we go.
Team 1
Jalen Hayes (73) a combo guard that can defend everywhere and score when he wanted in a variety of ways. Blan Hodges (74) showed leadership and deep range. DeShawn Mason (37) was one of the fastest players with the ball in the event. Emmanuel Izunabor (181) was dominant post player that exhibited to cover aggressive play by teammates with shot blocking. Finally, Christian Martin (110) one of the most well rounded players in the event, exhibited multiple skills to play at a big time level.
Team 11
Kojak Thompson (26) point guard with great bounce and skill level to finish at the rim. Davier Dixon (84) skills at both guard positions and leadership. Asa White (171) young wing player playing inside due to size but outplayed some established post players with his desire and his speed to go end to end.
Team 13
Williams Onyeodi (169) very mature playing individual. Finished at the rim with regularity, rebounding with a determination that limited other team number of shots per trip down the floor and showed a nice range for the jump shot. Alexander Wesig (133), “Mr. Complete”, rebounding, defending, passing and scoring.
OUTSTANDING PLAYERS/TEAMS
| Nathan | Hutchins | Advance | NC | FCDS | 2021 | 1 |
| Kendyl | Lloyd | Huntersville | NC | Hopewell | 2019 | 36 |
| DaShawn | Mason | Concord | NC | Concord | 2019 | 37 |
| Jalen | Hayes | Lawrenceville | GA | Mountain View | 2018 | 73 |
| Blan | Hodges | Hiddenite | NC | Alexander Central | 2018 | 74 |
| Cameron | Holbrook | Kernersville | NC | NW Guilford | 2019 | 109 |
| Christian | Martin | High Point | NC | SW Guilford | 2019 | 110 |
| Kendall | Latney | Dacula | GA | Mill Creek | 2020 | 145 |
| Jaden | Bradley | Fayetteville | NC | Terry Sanford | 2021 | 146 |
| Emmanuel | Izunabor | Fayetteville | NC | Fayetteville Academy | 2019 | 181 |
TEAM 1
| Jim | Fagan | Winston-Salem | NC | Reagan | 2021 | 11 |
| Kojack | Thompson | Mauldin | SC | Christ School | 2019 | 26 |
| Drayton | Watson | Spartanburg | SC | Spartanburg | 2021 | 47 |
| Andrew | Smith | Warrenton | NC | Warrenton County | 2020 | 62 |
| Davier | Dixon | Winston-Salem | NC | Liberty Heights | 2019 | 84 |
| Darion | Green | Franklinville | NC | St. Davids | 2018 | 99 |
| Joey | McMullin | Rougement | NC | Orange | 2020 | 120 |
| Caleb | Cudak | Wake Forest | NC | Falls Lake Academy | 2019 | 135 |
| Jalen | O’Neal | Concord | NC | Concord | 2019 | 156 |
| Asa | White | Garner | NC | East Garner MS | 2022 | 171 |
TEAM 11
| Jatorri | McKenzie | Durham | NC | Faith Assembly Christian | 2021 | 13 |
| Sidney | McKnight | Charlotte | NC | North Meck | 2019 | 24 |
| Robert | Guyton | Myrtle Beach | SC | Myrtle Beach Christian | 2018 | 49 |
| Kris | Robinson | Lincolnton | NC | krobinson_22 | 2020 | 60 |
| Jake | Smith | Asheville | NC | Enka | 2019 | 86 |
| CJ | Cappuccio | Greensboro | NC | Bishop McGuiness | 2018 | 97 |
| Jacari | Outlaw | Goldsboro | NC | Greenfield | 2020 | 122 |
| Alexander | Wesig | Lawrenceville | GA | Mountain View | 2018 | 133 |
| Kurtis | Taylor | Raleigh | NC | Neuse Christian | 2020 | 158 |
| Williams | Onyeobi | Fayetteville | NC | Fayetteville Academy | 2019 | 169 |
TEAM 13