EVENT NEWS
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Top Storylines for Mike Gminiski Showcase: Young Talent Floods the Court
This upcoming weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel to Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina for another exciting holiday event. Between the individual talent and collection of noteworthy teams, there are a lot of subplots and storylines worth monitoring across the three days. Let’s take a closer look… Young Talent Floods the Court Although the event is filled with several intriguing...
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Top Storylines for Mike Gminiski Showcase: East versus West
This upcoming weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel to Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina for another exciting holiday event. Between the individual talent and collection of noteworthy teams, there are a lot of subplots and storylines worth monitoring across the three days. Let’s take a closer look… East versus West It’s no secret that Mecklenburg County is home to some of the most...
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Why 2028 6’4 Mateen Cleaves Jr. Is One of the Most Complete Guards in his Class
Player: Mateen Cleaves Jr.Class: 2028Height: 6’4School: Dream City Christian Phenom Hoops continues to watch talent all around the country, most recently getting a chance to watch the Tarkanian Classic over the last week or so. Getting a chance to expand out coverage and eyes of talent, we had a great opportunity to check out a new player, but a familiar name in 2028 6’3 Mateen Cleaves Jr. for...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Lincolnton Shootout: Part Three
6’6 ’26 Lajalin Overton (Mallard Creek) It doesn’t take long to see that Lajalin Overton has made a seamless return to the Mavericks. He’s a big, strong, athletic forward/post player with a sturdy frame and the ability to make his presence felt around the basket on both ends of the floor. Overton finishes effectively above the rim and through contact, but can also knock down the midrange jumper...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Lincolnton Shoutout (Part Two)
6’3 ’27 Sean Nix (Cannon) Given his consistent production as the clear focal point for Cannon, it should come as no surprise to see Sean Nix continuing to stand out. He’s a strong, skilled, well-rounded guard with size and polish. Nix is a versatile offensive piece who can create, set up others, and score the ball at a quality rate from all levels. He attacks the basket and knocks down perimeter...
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Phenom Lincolnton Shootout – Impact Performances That Set the Tone
Phenom Lincolnton Shootout featured a strong mix of production, toughness, and high-level feel, with several players separating themselves through consistent impact on both ends of the floor. From go-to scorers to energy providers and glue guys, these standouts made their presence felt throughout the action. 2026 6’2 Braylon Taylor (Salisbury) Taylor continues to thrive as a dynamic,...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Lincolnton Shoutout
6’0 ’26 Kam Lawson (Oak Hill) There are a ton of talented pieces within the Oak Hill roster, including Kam Lawson and his high-level ability to run a team. He’s an incredibly smart, unselfish floor general with phenomenal pace, vision, and playmaking instincts. Lawson possesses a tight handle and quick first step, which allows him to effortlessly break down opponents and touch the paint...
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SAD SAM’S WEEKLY FURIOUS 5 FPR WEEK ENDING 12/20
Greetings HS hoops junkies from across the Christmasing Piedmont! The Great One is here to once again release his weekly rankings. There are big changes in the 5 this week as a familiar face, Myers Park, stunned #2 Independence at the Big I. #4 Butler also fell at home to surging Hickory Ridge. We will now see how all of the shuffling of teams panned out…….To...
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Sad Sam’s Shootout Notes
Greetings HS hoops junkies from across the Santa-awaiting Piedmont! The Sadster is here to give out his superlative players from each team in the Lincolnton Shootout this past weekend at Lincolnton HS. There were some good matchups but the headliner was the homecoming of former Lincolnton Wolf, LJ Smith, who plays for Oak Hill Academy’s national squad. He gave Providence...
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K’Majay Jenkins Producing at a High Level
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. The Overtime League has...
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Don’t Forget About Elhadji Diallo
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. Combine Academy has...
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Protecting the Rim at a High Level: Chris Silver
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. It’s always been stated...
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Controlling the Glass: Kingsley Donaldson
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. Since our Hoops and...
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Nonstop Buckets: Karsten Swinney
As the high school season approaches the halfway point, everyone should have a much clearer picture of contending teams, breakout players, and everything in between. Although there hasn’t been a ton of parity this year, it’s arguably been one of the most interesting and entertaining seasons in recent memory. Every contest seems to have some takeaway or subplot to monitor. Freedom Christian...
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2027 6’4 DJ Wylie (Ridge View) Taking the Next Step in his Development
Player: DJ WylieClass: 2027Height: 6’4School: Ridge View High School There always seems to be players coming up in the state of South Carolina, and a prospect that needs to garner more looks his way is 2028 6’4 DJ Wylie from Ridge View High School. Wylie is one who you can see has taken the next step, along with developing his overall body/frame. The shooting guard brings athleticism to the...
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Ish Smith Standouts: Players Who Made Their Mark ( Part 2 )
The Ish Smith event once again provided a strong platform for players across classes to showcase their growth, competitiveness, and ability to impact winning. From guards controlling tempo to versatile forwards and interior presences making plays on both ends, the weekend featured no shortage of standout performances. Below are several prospects who consistently stood out with their production,...
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Top Storylines for Lincolnton Shootout: The Return: LJ Smith and Oak Hill Preparing to Make Noise
This weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel out to Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for another loaded event. The seven-game slate features a lot of intriguing matchups, both team and individual, and a slew of talented prospects. As we rapidly approach the new year, each game becomes that much more important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top storylines… Inevitably the...
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Top Storylines for Lincolnton Shootout: Can Calvary Day Continue to Roll?
This weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel out to Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for another loaded event. The seven-game slate features a lot of intriguing matchups, both team and individual, and a slew of talented prospects. As we rapidly approach the new year, each game becomes that much more important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top storylines… Going into the...
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Top Storylines for Lincolnton Shootout: Game of the Week? Chambers Takes on Davidson Day
This weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel out to Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for another loaded event. The seven-game slate features a lot of intriguing matchups, both team and individual, and a slew of talented prospects. As we rapidly approach the new year, each game becomes that much more important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top storylines… It shouldn’t...
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Elite Size and Skill: 2026 6’10 Hakeem Weems Proving Premier Prospect Status
Player: Hakeem WeemsClass: 2026Height: 6’10School: IMG Academy Sometimes schools and people around the basketball landscape need a friendly reminder… Over the summer, Phenom Hoops had a chance to watch a big-time prospect in 2026 6’10 Hakeem Weems at the Seros Invitational. At the event, our scouts had this to say about his game: “Weems was one we were eager to watch, as the 6’10 prospect has a...
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2027 Jaxon Dollar (East Lincoln) Emerging as a Legitimate Division I Basketball Prospect
Player: Jaxon DollarClass: 2027Height: 6’5School: East Lincoln North Carolina has been a hotbed as of late ,with dual-sport athletes not only showing that they are high-profile football prospects, but ones that can produce on the court as well as a D1 prospect. Players like Drake Maye and Kendre Harrison are two of the most recent ones, but after watching this weekend at the Phenom 828 Showcase,...
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Sad Sam’s Weekly F5
SAD SAM’S WEEKLY FURIOUS 5 RANKINGS Greetings HS hoops junkies from across the windy and cold Piedmont! The Great One is here to release his weekly Furious 5 rankings garnished with his DSO (Don’t Sleep On) and Looking in the Window lists. Last week saw no changes in the 5 but saw some movement in the DSO and Looking in the Window lists. Top ranked North Meck,...
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Additional Notes from Phenom Tourney Town
Young TW Andrews Continues to Grow Although Coach Irv Turner has improved each season during his tenure, it’s important to remember how many underclassmen are on this roster. The Red Raiders have gotten off to a strong 6-1 start with a very balanced collection of pieces. Seniors Jaelin Smith and David Hill Jr. provide valuable veteran leadership. Smith is arguably their main focal point while...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Tourney Town (Part Two)
5’11 ’26 Ayden Johnson (Caldwell Academy) The Eagles entered this contest needing a strong showing from Ayden Johnson, and he certainly delivered. He’s a quick, skilled, shot-making guard with the ability to fill it up in a variety of ways. Johnson broke down opponents to touch the paint and access his midrange pull-up, but also knocked down jumpers at his usual high percentage from beyond the...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Tourney Town (Part One)
6’3 ’26 Jyi Dawkins (Ben L. Smith) After having one of the best high school performances in recent memory, it would be difficult to say anything other than positives about Jyi Dawkins. He legitimately dominated all facets of the game. Whether controlling the glass, converting momentum-shifting buckets, or making hustle plays, Dawkins was always there. He’s an amazing leader who sets the tone...
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Ish Smith Standouts: Players Who Made an Impact ( Part 1)
The Ish Smith event brought together competitive matchups and high-level effort across the board, with several prospects stepping up and making their presence felt in meaningful ways. From guards controlling the tempo to versatile forwards impacting the game without the ball, these standouts showcased why they’re names to track moving forward. 2027 Sean Nix (Cannon) Statement performance...
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Top Performers from the Phenom 828 Showcase (Part 2)
The Phenom 828 Showcase delivered high-level competition and plenty of standout performances this past weekend, as some of the region’s top talent rose to the occasion. Our Phenom Hoops scouts were on site throughout the event, evaluating, breaking down, and tracking the players who consistently separated themselves on the floor. From high-motor two-way contributors to skilled playmakers and...
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Top Performers from the Phenom 828 Showcase (Part 1)
The Phenom 828 Showcase delivered high-level competition and plenty of standout performances this past weekend, as some of the region’s top talent rose to the occasion. Our Phenom Hoops scouts were on site throughout the event, evaluating, breaking down, and tracking the players who consistently separated themselves on the floor. From high-motor two-way contributors to skilled playmakers and...
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Historic Night at the 828 Showcase: Fort Mill Head Coach Myron Lowery Earns 400th Career Win
Milestones like this don’t come often, and when they do, they deserve the spotlight. At the Phenom 828 Showcase, Fort Mill head coach Myron Lowery reached a historic achievement, earning the 400th win of his illustrious career while guiding his team to an impressive road victory. Known throughout the Carolinas for his consistency, leadership, and ability to build winning programs, Lowery’s...
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Top Storylines for Phenom 828 Showcase: Can Gaston Christian Keep Rolling?
This weekend, Phenom Hoops will be hosting events in three different locations. Between the Freedom 828 Showcase, Ish Smith Showcase, and Tourney Town Showcase, there’s a ton of quality hoops throughout North Carolina. Now with the season fully underway, folks have a clearer understanding surrounding the “who’s who” in the high school scene. Each event brings its own set of storylines, matchups,...
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