EVENT NEWS
To filter articles by a specific event, use the dropdown below.
2025 Robert Moore announces commitment to Tulane
Each and every time Phenom Hoops gets to report or see a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player. Here is the latest commitment. Player: Robert MooreClass: 2025Committed to: Tulane What Has Been Said by Phenom Hoops: “He...
read more
2026 Lance Barnes (Upward Stars) Looking for Strong Summer; Updates Latest in Recruitment
Player: Lance BarnesSchool: Legacy CharterClass: 2026AAU: Upward Stars 2026 Lance Barnes has been a strong prospect in the state of South Carolina, which has consistently produced over the years. He has been able to shine at SC Top 80 camps with Phenom Hoops, at LEC this past high school season, and has now been doing the same with Upward Stars 3SSB this spring. Barnes is one that we have...
read more
New Names to Learn: Phenom Challenge
2027 Aaden Bruton-Smith (Upward Stars) Bruton-Smith grabbed the attention of our scouts this past weekend with his overall play, impacting the game in so many ways and being a presence both offensively and defensively. He is a 6’5 athletic prospect that brings good bounce and length that allows him to flourish on both sides of the court. He has a smooth release with his shot, can create space...
read more
Lady Phenom Spotlight: 2027 Brooklyn Twitty
Player: Brooklyn TwittyClass: 2027AAU: Team KSTSchool: Thomas Jefferson High School Lady Phenom continues its search for talent around the region, as we recently had a chance to watch 2027 Brooklyn Twitty from Team KST and Thomas Jefferson. The 6’2 prospect was a strong factor on the court for her team recently at the Phenom Lady Rumble, as she was dominant in the paint, strong on the...
read more
Hidden Gems from Phenom Challenge
2026 Dylan Twitty (Upward Stars) Twitty has been gaining traction over the last year, and he is one that college coaches should seriously be looking at. The forward brings a ton of production but is one that doesn’t have to be the focal point on a team, as he is willing to do what is needed for his team to win. His instincts on the glass alone should have college programs coming his way, but he...
read more
Player Standouts at Phenom Hardwood Classic (Part One)
6’5 ’25 Elliott Erlandsson (NC Spartans Henderson) Given everything he did throughout the weekend, it’s easy to see the college-level ability Erlandsson possesses. He’s a natural glue-guy who can do a little bit of everything on the court. Erlandsson has the size, skill, and athleticism to operate in various different roles. He’s a useful scorer from all levels with a willingness to set up...
read more
Bendel’s Best: Hardwood Classic
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Rise Indoor Sports for our annual Hardwood Classic. The two-day slate featured a healthy mix of talent across all divisions, both boys and girls, and provided us with a lot of intriguing prospects to watch. Like normal, we will take a closer look at some notable standouts from the event… 5’8 ’28 O’Brian Lowery Jr. (CP3 EYCL) It shouldn’t come as...
read more
2026 Tarris Bouie heading to Spire Academy
Player: Tarris BouieClass: 2026Previous School: ChambersNew School: Spire Academy High school season has come and gone in North Carolina, and now we enter the spring/summer ball for several players. It also means that there will be plenty of news of players coming into and leaving North Carolina. The first domino has fallen here in North Carolina, as it was announced that 2026 Tarris Bouie, a...
read more
2027 Josh Leonard – Proving to be a Top 10 National Prospect
Going back down to South Carolina, Phenom Hoops was eager to check out again the big-time talent of 2027 6’6 Josh Leonard for Upward Stars 3SSB. A proven talent as a young prospect and now regarded as one of the top prospects in the country, Leonard continues to flourish and solidify just how big and strong of a prospect he truly is. Rewinding a few years back, Leonard was one who quickly...
read more
Top 5 Breakout Players from Phenom Challenge
2026 Ian Bailey (Team Vision) Bailey has been a player we have highlighted countless times before, but the show he put on here at the Phenom Challenge continues to prove that he is an under-the-radar prospect for D1 programs. Bailey flourishes as a playmaker, showing tremendous control, court awareness, and leadership. He clearly has gotten bigger and stronger and has developed more of his...
read more
Coach K’s Day 2 Standouts: Phenom Challenge
By: Khalil Shakir Khiry White 2029 | Team USC 2029 Premier | Khiry White continues to impress with a combination of motor, athleticism, and an advanced skillset that sets him apart from others in his age group. He plays with relentless energy on both ends of the floor, attacking the glass and grabbing rebounds with consistency. His ability to crash the boards on offense gives his team valuable...
read more
Coach K’s Day 1 Standouts: Phenom Challenge
By: Khalil Shakir Caden St. Charles 2029 | FCA Upstate | Caden St. Charles has been one of the most impressive offensive talents at this event, regardless of age group. His ability to score efficiently from all three levels stands out, but it’s his advanced feel for the game that truly separates him. He consistently makes the right reads, draws significant defensive attention, and still manages...
read more
POB’s Standouts on Day 1: Phenom Challenge
It was a great day of basketball in South Carolina for the Phenom Challenge, as we had a chance to watch a lot of intriguing talent. We will have plenty of coverage coming from the event, but these are a few players that earned my attention and what I had to say about them from Day 1 in Spartanburg (SC). 2026 Justus Bell (Upward Stars Gold) “2026 Justus Bell (Upward Stars Gold) was impressive...
read more
Phenom Player Spotlight: 2025 Randy Clay Jr.
Randy Clay Jr #21 6’4 Combo Guard Chicago, Illinois Twitter: @randyclayjr1 Randy is a 6’4 combo guard with great athleticism and 3-level scoring abilities. A former Division 1 track recruit, Randy has great strength and lateral quickness. Randy is a tenacious on-ball defender. Above the rim finisher. 39% 3FG HE is one who finishes well at the rim and creates for himself well from...
read more
Ranking Top Five 2025 Commitments by Value
As we enter the thick of the new travel ball season, it’s an ideal time to review the outgoing senior class (2025) and how things have ironed out. While many prospects are still fielding offers or deciding where they’ll ultimately further their playing career, numerous guys have pledged commitments. This exercise is meant to look beyond the obvious difference-makers (like Zymicah Wilkins, Isaiah...
read more
Drake Powell Declares for NBA Draft
Over the recent years, many college players declared for the draft to simply test the waters while maintaining their eligibility. It allows guys to feel out the process and receive feedback on their current draft status. Yesterday, Drake Powell of UNC announced he will be entering the NBA Draft with zero intent of returning to college. What does this mean, both for Powell and the Tar Heels? For...
read more
CP3 EYBL 2026 vs GARNER RD 3SSB 2026 HEADLINED the #PhenomSerosOpen! Game Highlights
In a rare match-up among shoe teams in NC, CP3 and Garner Rd faced off in a showcase game this past weekend at the #PhenomSerosOpen in Rock Hill, SC. Check out the game highlights featuring MULTIPLE high-level prospects such as Kendre Harrsion (Oregon), Cole Cloer (Top 60), Cody Peck (Top 100), and...
read more
Lady Phenom Spotlight: 2027 Ally Smith (North Lincoln)
Player: Ally SmithClass: 2027AAU: Lady AttackSchool: North Lincoln Last Season Averages: 19.6ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.8spg Looking at players around the state of North Carolina that should be targets for college programs, we now look at 2027 Ally Smith from North Lincoln and Lady Attack. Smith is an intriguing prospect with her ability to score and impact the game in a variety of ways. Coming off...
read more
Leaving Its Own Mark: Rising Pros Training
There are plenty of organizations that have already built something special here in North Carolina regarding travel ball, but there are certainly new ones that have and are looking to make their mark here in North Carolina. One of those organizations to keep an eye on and have been impressive early on has to be Rising Pros Training, led by Johnny Thomas and company. Thomas is a familiar name and...
read more
2027 6’9 Lincoln Cosby (444 Athletics) proving to be an elite talent
Player: Lincoln CosbyClass: 2027Height: 6’9AAU: 444 AthleticsSchool: Overtime Elite The Phenom Seros Open had high-level talent rounding the courts throughout, which included one of the top prospects in the Class of 2027 in Lincoln Cosby from 444 Athletics. We were eager to see more about his game, as he came in ranked as a Top 10 prospect. Our very own Patrick O’Brien had this to say about his...
read more
NC Spartans Trio Impressing Early this Spring
The NC Spartans organization has been a staple here in North Carolina for grassroots basketball, as they have built something special overall as an organization. It is still early in the spring/summer season, but there have been a few players that have impressed early on this travel ball season. Here is a trio of 2026 prospects that have left an early mark so far. 2026 6’5 Ben Houpt As a...
read more
Jaylen Cross Commits to Wake Forest
Just ten days ago, Jaylen Cross announced his decision to decommit from Charlotte and reopen his recruitment. In addition to some uncertainty surrounding the roster composition, the coach who headed his recruitment, Vic Sfera, stepped away from the program. Fast-forward to now, and Cross has decided to join Coach Forbes and the Demon Deacons. We caught up with the 6-foot-4 dynamic wing to...
read more
Is Mason Collins the Top Player in North Carolina’s Class of 2028?
There are a ton of factors involved when ranking players. It’s important to remember that so much of these practices are rooted in subjective, opinion-based ideologies. If two players possess equal talent levels yet have completely different identities, then you’ll naturally receive split answers about who is better. Although it’s nice to have universally agreeable takes, differing viewpoints...
read more
Breakout Summer for Team CP3 Duo?
Every prospect runs their own race. Of all sports, basketball seems to be the most patient when it comes to development or “making the leap.” Each summer, we see new kids emerging and others getting lost in the shuffle. Those with talent and a real work ethic always seem to figure things out. Although folks already know about this duo and their respective games on the court, it feels like not...
read more
Lady Phenom Spotlight: 2028 Katelyn Cherry
Player: Katelyn CherryClass: 2028AAU: Her EliteSchool: New Manchester HS Lady Phenom Hoops continues to provide and highlight players that have captured our eyes as of late, as we dive into 2028 Katelyn Cherry from New Manchester HS and who is playing with HER Elite this summer. Playing recently at the Lady Rumble, Cherry captured the eyes of our scouts with her overall impact and play. Watching...
read more
2027 Jarvis Hayes and 2028 Myles Hayes are two to track for Atlanta Xpress
Player: Jarvis Hayes Jr.Class: 2027Height: 6’5AAU: Atlanta Xpress Player: Myles HayesClass: 2028Height: 6’5AAU: Atlanta Xpress Phenom Hoops will be having its eyes on the brothers suiting up for Atlanta Xpress this summer and down the road, as 2027 Jarvis Hayes Jr. and 2028 Mayles Hayes will be two prospects you will be hearing a lot more about down the road. We introduced Jarvis Hayes Jr. not...
read more
Is 2027 RJ Moore closing the gap in the Class of 2027 in North Carolina?
Player: RJ MooreClass: 2027School: Corvian CommunityAAU: Garner Road The class of 2027 is shaping up to be a memorable one here in North Carolina, with players like CJ Rosser, LJ Smith, Jordan Page, and others already making their mark as national recruits. Well, it is time to fully put 2027 6’5 RJ Moore with that group, as he could end up passing a few of those names down the road. Moore is...
read more
2026 Trevor Manhertz: Trending as a Top 10 Prospect in NC?
Player: Trevor ManhertzClass: 2026Height: 6’7School: Green LevelAAU: Garner Road Summer ball is what can change the lives of many prospects; some prospects continue to shine and prove themselves on the big stage, but it is also a chance for late bloomers to shine and pop off. We may have our first player that fits that bill, as 2026 6’7 Trevor Manhertz has made some early noise and has been...
read more
Team New England’s Trio of 2028 Bigs Turning Heads
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled up to Richmond, Virginia, for our inaugural Seros Open 804 Showcase. The event was loaded with talent across various age groups and presented us with the opportunity to get a closer look at some new programs. Among these organizations was Team New England. Although their 2026 and 2027 groups are more than worthy of attention from spectators, national...
read more
Don’t Overthink It. Players Who Made Major Leaps in the Transfer Portal
Since Covid, the recruiting landscape has been stranger and more confusing than any other stretch in history. Everyone knows it’s due to the additional years of eligibility, increased emphasis on NIL, and removal of portal restrictions. However, it’s almost laughable to see players who coaches labeled as “not good enough” are suddenly prioritized only a few years later. While players do develop...
read more