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 was highly competitive, lots of eyes were directed at the oldest division and the players who likely played in their last showcase of the summer. The final four came down to ACE SD Elite Scriven, BBB Elite, Dub Salem, and Team Charlotte. Ultimately, Team Charlotte would defeat Dub Salem in the title. Let’s take a closer look at their pieces…
After massive performances throughout the weekend, Wilson Estwick earned MVP honors following the championship contest. He’s a heady, two-way point guard with the ability to consistently touch the paint, set up others, and score within the flow of the action. Estwick made the extra pass and knocked down open jumpers at a quality rate along the perimeter. He provided a reliable defensive presence at the point of attack, utilizing his blend of strength and quickness to make life difficult for opposing ball-handlers. Although Estwick is somewhat under the radar, expect to hear his name a lot more over the next six months.
Though his teammate above secured the award, Cameron Thompson was as valuable as anyone to the success of this group. He’s a versatile, well-rounded wing with the ability to consistently impact all facets of the game. Thompson displays excellent feel and adaptability, which allows him to operate in various roles, defend multiple positions, and naturally set the tone as a leader on both ends of the floor. He’s a long, fluid athlete with useful creation skills and scoring all-around prowess. Thompson can initiate the offense and create for himself and others, or find success without the ball. He finishes above the rim and through contact, but also knocks down jumpers at a respectable rate. Given his switchable, malleable, naturally productive game, it’s easy to see why Thompson stands out as a difference-maker in every possible setting.
Guys like Nick Arnold, Malik Tinsley, Tre Raymon, and Taurean McKinnon each played significant roles for this group. Despite missing the second day of competition, Arnold was undeniably valuable as a two-way floor general. He’s a legitimate game-changer defensively with his ability to shut down opposing guards, stifle paint touches, and force turnovers as an on or off-ball threat. Offensively, Arnold consistently breaks down opponents and sets up others while scoring with efficiency. Meanwhile, Tinsley offers a lot of similar qualities. He’s a quick, pesky, heady lead guard who knows how to get downhill and make plays. Tinsley is another guy with the ability to penetrate and defend the point of attack. Raymon is a highly skilled forward who naturally causes matchup problems with his unique game. He’s confident making plays with the ball in his hands, both as a scorer and playmaker, and is capable of doing a lot of different things on the court. Lastly, McKinnon is a terrific low-maintenance piece who doesn’t require a ton of touches to make an impact. He’s a great athlete with length, toughness, and anticipation. McKinnon sets the tone with his motor, defensive prowess, and willingness to consistently do the dirty work. Each of these three should be definite targets for college coaches.
Rounding out the roster, Chief Hunter and Les Otis produce well within their respective roles. Hunter is a pesky guard who can find success with or without the ball. He’s able to penetrate and finish or knock down the open jumper. Meanwhile, Otis looks to impact the game as a scrappy, high-motor guy. Both players stand out for their energy and ability to produce within the flow of the action.