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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...
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Top-100 Talents Shine on the Biggest Stage in the East Coast at Phenom Grassroots TOC
The talent ran DEEP this past weekend at the Phenom Grassroots TOC in Rock Hill, as this was an event that offered Top 100 talent everywhere you looked. Though we could talk about a lot of players, there were a few players that we were highly intrigued in watching and that shined on the big stage. Check out who grabbed our attention. 2025 Jacob Wilkins (Drifty Elite) Wilkins was one that we had...
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What Makes Josh Leonard the Best Prospect in the Carolinas?
Although the state of South Carolina is largely known for football and producing a sizable number of NFL athletes, it continues to grow as a hotbed for NBA talent. Headlined by names like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Khris Middleton, Aaron Nesmith, and GG Jackson, there are over a dozen active players from the Palmetto state. Several historically great players (Kevin Garnett, Alex English,...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Justin Dawkins #9: 5’9 ’25 Nikayle Hodge (Westminster Catawba) Starting off, we look at a player who displayed poise and confidence when running the team, Nikayle Hodge. He’s a smart, scrappy point guard prospect with a quality combination of quickness, scoring prowess, and playmaking instincts. Hodge possesses a crafty handle and sharp penetration sense, which allows him to...
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POB’s Best of the Best: SC Top 80
2027 6’6 Josh Leonard (Wilson) Coming into yet another Top 80 down in South Carolina, 2027 Josh Leonard proved once again why he is the top prospect in the state overall and nationally ranked by so many. The true blend of size, physicality, skillset, understanding, and feel for the game is quite impressive but he has been showing that consistently over the years. And what makes him scarier...
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Takeaways from South Carolina Top 80
Josh Leonard is Special Anyone who attended the camp knows that Josh Leonard’s pure dominance was the primary takeaway. There’s something so unique about the calm manner in which Leonard is able to lead a team, dictate the action, and legitimately destroy opponents at a moment’s notice. It’s been this way for quite a few years, but his feel and skillset (particularly at his size) are truly...
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Cooper’s Notes: Phenom HS Team Camp Session 1
6’7″ 2027 Josh Leonard (Wilson) Leonard was one of the most nationally revered prospects in attendance and he did not disappoint. It’s so easy to like what he brings to the table as a prospect given his size, athleticism, and growing skillset. This weekend, he displayed an elite ability to attack closeouts, create for himself against mismatches, and dominate the defensive end....
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Team Camp
2027 Josh Leonard (Wilson): Leonard, who is already regarded as a Top-20 player in the Class of 2027, continued to show just how special and unique he is on the court at his age. When you talk about a player his age, you simply don’t see someone at his size with his skillset very often. Leonard has such a strong build that allows him to overpower opponents and be a tough matchup, getting...
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2027 Joshua Leonard (Upward Stars) has the pedigree to be special
Player: Joshua LeonardClass: 2027Height: 6’7AAU: Upward StarsHigh School: Wilson High School The talent down in South Carolina continues to impress, and Phenom Hoops had a chance to check out some of the big-time talent from the state this past weekend at the Phenom Challenge. One player that we were eager to see was 2027 Joshua Leonard from Wilson High School and who is suiting up with...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: Justin Harris #9: 5’10 ’25 Hyikeem Burnside (Laurens) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a quality impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Hyikeem Burnside. He’s a tough, scrappy, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with a high IQ and unselfish approach to the game. Burnside knocked down three-pointers and pull-ups, but was arguably at his best when...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Underclassmen at the SC Top 80 (Class of 2026/2027)
2026 Lance Barnes (Catawba Ridge): Barnes continues to be a young player that I believe can help a program down the road, and is one that you want to have on the court. His blend of size (6’2), overall impact, his IQ, and skill set offer a lot to his team. He continues to shine as a versatile piece, one that provides a strong motor, one that can create and make plays for himself and others, and...
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The Makings of a Special Prospect: Josh Leonard
There’s so much that goes into being a noteworthy high school basketball prospect. For some, it’s highlight-reel explosion, crafty ball-handling skills, or massive scoring totals. Each player has their own unique identity, but talent, mentality, and work ethic are ultimately the biggest separators in determining who will reach their ceiling. This is often difficult to conclude, particularly for...
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Five Notable Young Prospects from Phenom MDC
6’9 ’26 Cody Peck (CC Elite) There are plenty of high-upside prospects in the state of North Carolina, and it feels like Peck is deserving of more buzz. His physical appeal is obvious from a mere glance, but his skillset and ability to impact the game should also be turning heads. Peck is a long, fluid big man with an incredible blend of IQ, skill, athleticism, and timing. Despite his lack of...
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Bendel’s Best: Memorial Day Classic
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops returned to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center for our annual Memorial Day Classic. The event featured a ton of noteworthy teams and players, and quality competition could be found at every turn. As usual, this article will highlight a group of five personal favorites from the three-day stretch… 6’7 ’26 Cole Cloer (Team CP3) It’s typically uncommon to...
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Stars of Tomorrow: Phenom MDC
The talent that was at the Phenom Memorial Day Classic was incredible, and that is putting it lightly. Talent of all levels, high-level competition, and a terrific atmosphere made this event one for the books. And though we will be highlighting players a lot more throughout the week, there were two young prospects that I was blown away by with what I saw and felt like I needed to...
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Friday Standouts at Phenom Memorial Day Classic
6’1 ’25 Jake Benham (Mint Hill Lakers) Given his sheer level of involvement from start to finish, it would be impossible to ignore everything that Benham showcased in this contest. He absolutely caught fire in the opening minutes and never looked back, hitting one jumper after another, and posing a constant shooting threat with or without the ball in his hands. Benham possesses essentially...
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POB’s Eye Catchers: Day 1 at Phenom MDC
2025 Jake Benham (Mint Hill Lakers): Benham continues to find his name on our standout lists. But it is hard not to have him on the list with the consistent play he has been showing this summer. Benham is having a breakout-type year, showing how he can be a game-changer with his shot-making, his quick release, and his ability to make plays in a variety of ways. Another outing in which he filled...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Upward Combine
What a weekend of basketball it was for Phenom Hoops. Not only did we continue our weekend coverage and platform with the HoopState League but we also had a great opportunity to head down to South Carolina to check out talent from around the region at the Upward Combine. Players from North and South Carolina were in attendance, as we were able to get a few updated viewings of players but...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Patrick Paul #103: 5’9 ’24 Damario Saxon (North Augusta) Starting things off, we look at a player that made a steady impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Damario Saxon. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect with an unselfish approach and the ability to make his presence felt on either side of the ball. Saxon is a capable shooter and penetrator with useful vision...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from SC Top 80 (Part 2)
2023 CJ Rich (Spring Valley): Rich was a tough guard all day long. Showcased his speed with the ball in his hands, staying aggressive and picked his spots to attack, and was also strong on the defensive end. Was impressed with his court awareness and his on-ball defense. 2027 6’5 Josh Leonard (Florence): Hard to believe someone at his size already is just in seventh grade but that is where...
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Player Standouts at SC Top 80
#100- My’kel Croker- While very few players tend to stand out during the drills/stations, Croker definitely stood out amongst the crowd. He’s slightly undersized but plays with incredible energy and constantly communicates on both ends of the floor. Croker approaches every single drill and possession with a visibly unselfish approach. In the games, he stood out as a pesky defender and forced...
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South Carolina Jr. Phenom 150 Camp Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: Rick Lewis #2: 4’3 ’24 Landon Wilson (Florence) Starting things off, we look at a player that stood out with his leadership, communication, and team-first approach, Landon Wilson. He’s a smart, wiry point guard prospect with excellent quickness and the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Wilson defends hard, forces turnovers, and looks to attack the basket...
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South Carolina Jr. Phenom Camp: Prospects to keep an eye on
When Phenom Hoop Report holds an event like the Junior Phenom, not only does it provide a chance for young prospects to start their story and resume with us and coaches, but is provides an opportunity for everyone to get a glimpse of the future. South Carolina has started to pick up steam when it comes to being recognized as a basketball state and watching the young talent rise to the occasion....
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POB’s Eye Catchers from the South Carolina Jr. Phenom (Part II)
The standouts continue today at the South Carolina Junior Phenom. Check out a few more names that competed.
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