Phenom Team Camp is a great opportunity for many to not only get a glimpse of what their team will look like this upcoming season, but also a chance for coaches to figure out what they have for the season. One team that we were eager to see was Ardrey kell, who will be looking to replace plenty of production from last year.
Losing players like Brett Freeman (24.2ppg), Bryceton Thomas (9.6ppg), Owen Wacker (4.5ppg), and others will be tough to replace, especially losing the production and leadership they provided. But two guards that we believe should step up even more this season for Ardrey Kell are 2026 Matthew Craft and 2027 Braden Suggs.
Both return for another season after a strong season last year, both of which averaged around nine points per game. Now, they will be counted on to elevate their play even more to lead this team under Coach Craft.
Craft, the coach’s son and a 5’11 guard, brings a lot of poise, experience, and IQ to the table for this team. He understands how to control the game and run the offense, finding ways to get others involved but also being able to create and knock down shots on his own. He makes good decisions and competes on both sides of the ball, but he will need to take the next step in his game this season as a senior and as a leader.
Suggs, a 5’10 guard that averaged just under nine points per game last year, will be another prospect to watch for. He was able to show some strong flashes, but this is a real opportunity for him to step up more and lead this team. And he has shown that he is up to the task, being able to score well from multiple levels, knock down shots, bring energy and impact the game in other ways, and be a vital overall leader.
Both of these guards will be heavily depended on for Ardrey Kell this year, while other names will step up also in helping lead this team in what they hope is another strong season.