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John Wall Holiday Invitational Day 1 Top Performers (Part 1)

By: Cooper Hart 6’2” ’24 Zion Walker (The Burlington School/Mount St. Mary’s) In what continues to be a regular occurrence, Walker had a high-level performance against a tough opponent. He finished with 19, 5r, 5a, & 4s while shooting 3/3 from three. He handled a lot of responsibility on both ends and did as much to impact winning as anyone on the floor. His poise,...

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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Holiday Classic

2025 KJ Younger (Weddington): Talk about a breakout-type showing at the Holiday Classic for many who haven’t watched him, but he has been doing this all season long so far for Weddington. We wrote about him more as of late, but he continued to shine throughout as he may have been the best player throughout the event. Younger brings such physicality and demand to the court, as he is...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Carmel Tip-Off (Day 2, Part 1)

2024 Steven McLeod (Gaston Christian): McLeod stepped up big for his team throughout the game and in so many ways. A strong two-way prospect on the court, McLeod brings energy to the floor. He can be scrappy and intense defensively, is a vocal leader for his team, and does a great job in embracing contact and getting downhill.  But he also competes in all other ways, as he led the way for...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Carmel Tip-Off

2024 Kyrell Shaw (Northside Christian): Shaw came out red-hot in this game, showing his offensive firepower and his ability to score in a variety of ways. Shaw not only did a great job in finishing with his length out in transition, he continued to show how deadly he can be from behind the arc. The senior leader stepped up to lead the charge, going for 22 points to lead all scorers in the game....

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North Carolina Top 80 Evaluations: Team 3

Team 3 Coach: CB McGrath Game FIlm: Team 3 vs Team 4Team 1 vs Team 3Team 2 vs Team 3NC Top 80 Semi-Final (2v3 vs 6/8) #1: 5’9 ’25 Darnarian Gibson (Winston-Salem Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who consistently produced despite being the smallest camper in attendance, Darnarian Gibson. He’s a smart, skilled lead guard prospect with an understanding of how to get others...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from NC Top 80: Guards/Wings (Class of 2024)

2024 Carson Daniel/ 2024 Chase Daniel (Central Cabarrus): The Daniel twins continue to flourish and showcase how big of a difference-maker they can be. They are proven winners, both understand how to run a team, they were incredible in creating and setting up teammates, and just understand how to be effective playmakers with the ball in their hands. 2024 John Campbell (Bishop McGuinness):...

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The Burlington School is going to be able to hurt you in several ways this season

The Hoop State Fall League continues, as we finished up with Week 3 of action and getting a better view of teams and what they have to offer this upcoming season.  One team that I was able to check out in Cox Mill was Team Push, who represents The Burlington School.  Under head coach George Marshall this year, TBS certainly should have their eyes on the prize once again. And even...

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Hoop State Fall League (West) Standouts (Week 1) (Part 2)

2024 Desmond Kent (NC Vikings): What a year or so it has been for Kent, and Phenom Hoops is just waiting for everyone else to catch on! Kent has really seen his game evolve and it seems like he continues to show how dynamic he can be. His ability to score continues to improve but also shine, along with his confidence. Kent is a matchup nightmare at his length and is showing he can be used in so...

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The Burlington School Continues to Roll

This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to various different locations for the June Live Period. Between the talent in Advance and Greensboro, there was plenty of buzz about the NCHSAA and NCISAA competition throughout the weekend. Although the public-school event was at capacity for most of the weekend, Greensboro Day School (as expected) hosted an extremely entertaining three-day slate of...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Team Camp (Day 1, Part 1)

2026 Markus Kerr (Chambers): A new addition to the group at Chambers, it seems like the young man was able to fit right in and give this group yet another weapon at their disposal. Kerr though fits the part, as he was able to showcase his ability to create and make plays on his own, break down defenders and find his shot, but also flow within the offense. It looks to be yet another strong season...

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Commitment Alert: 2024 Zion Walker commits to Mount St. Mary’s

Each and every time Phenom Hoops gets to report or sees 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: Zion WalkerClass: 2024Committed to: Mount St. Mary’s What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:...

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2024 Zion Walker talks about visit to East Carolina; recruitment update

Player: Zion WalkerClass: 2024School: The Burlington School 2024 Zion Walker has been having a terrific season so far at The Burlington School, and schools have been taking notice of his game. Walker has seen his recruitment remain strong, as schools continue to stay strong with him.  The 2024 prospect recently made a visit this past weekend to East Carolina, and Phenom Hoops was able to...

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“Quote-ables” from Day 3 at The John Wall

By: Evan Rogers The third day of the John Wall Holiday Invitational featured a number of high-stakes contests. Here’s a look at some of the noteworthy players and some insight on their performances.  2024 Zion Walker (The Burlington School) In The Burlington School’s win over Raleigh Christian Academy, the Spartans’ grit was on full display. Behind the physical play of their lead guard,...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Tourney Town

5’9 ’24 Morgan Smith (Ben L. Smith) It’s easy to see the value Smith brings to this Golden Eagles squad, especially given her status as their primary ball-handler and overall creator. She’s a very tough, rugged, polished lead guard with a quick first step and the ability to fill it up as a scorer or create for others. Smith attacked the basket and finished, but also hit pull-ups at a high...

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Playing at another level: Phenom Tourney Town

The Phenom Tourney Town Showcase, sponsored by Healthy Blue NC, was a terrific event that brought some terrific talent from around the state all under one building. Several teams and players captured our eyes, but these players listed below really have shown they have elevated their game and are playing at another level this season. 2024 Sean Birmingham (Cannon): Coming from Iceland, Birmingham...

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Players for College Coaches to Check Out More: Good Guys vs. Cancer

2024 Kaleb Spencer (Manteo): Spencer is a new name that caught our interest and with him being so far east, he may be one that falls through the cracks. But we are here to bring more light his way, as the 6’6 forward is a developing prospect to look out for. Spencer is a blossoming talent that shows great flashes with his ability to run and finish at the rim, his hands and impact on the boards,...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 3 at Good Guys vs. Cancer (Part 2)

2024 Zion Walker (TBS): Walker just seems like his game has taken another level in what he is showing on the court, as he had another outstanding performance with 31 points. Walker just screams toughness and competitiveness on the court; his ability to get downhill and force players to foul or with him finishing is big time. He is also a tremendous leader, rugged, a tremendous two-way prospect,...

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Hoops & Dreams Top Performances

Here is a list of the top performers from the Hoops & Dream Showcase presented by Lucas Moore Realty. Please note these top performers are in alphabetical order by school. Fayetteville Academy6’5 2024 Xavier Johnson: 31 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 steals on Friday. 19 points, 1 rebound & 1 assist on Saturday. 6’4 2026 Jossiah Johnson: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist...

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Player Standouts at Day Two of Hoops and Dreams Showcase

6’4 ’24 Jullien Cole (Richmond) There was a ton of buzz surrounding the Raiders and the return of their star, but Cole was arguably the most notable performer in this showing. He set the tone early on offense, largely carrying the load as a scorer through his ability to get downhill, finish, and convert at the line. Cole rebounded the ball at a consistent rate, forced a ton of turnovers, and...

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Stockrisers from Day 2 at Carmel Tip-Off

2025 Isaiah Henry (Cannon): Henry’s growth as a player can easily be seen and recognized. The sophomore prospect is continuing his play this summer and offseason, and kicked off the season in a big way on Day 2. One can see that Henry just has a different feel to his game, a better understanding of what he can do, and is taking the game more into his own hands. His combination of strength and...

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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Carmel Tip-Off (Part 2)

2024 JJ Moore (Concord Academy): The junior guard was terrific in this game. Moore came out red hot from the outside, continuing to show his capability to be a threat from three but also using his speed to attack and create off the dribble. It was hard for defenders to stay in front as they had to respect his quickness but he made them pay multiple times from three.  Even in overtime, he...

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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 5

Team 5 Coach: Ricky Moore #5: 5’11 ’25 Mason Dobie (First Flight) Starting things off, we look at a player who showcased a very steady, reliable presence, Mason Dobie. He’s a tough, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and the ability to produce from either backcourt position. Dobie handles the ball well, gets others involved, and can create off the bounce, but is also capable of...

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Cooper’s Developments: Phenom HS Jamboree Session 1

By: Cooper Hart Seth Cullen (Flight 22 Prep) Seth is a 6’6” Wing/Forward that has a strong frame and quick feet. He was impressive today on the defensive side of the ball where he was constantly switching onto bigger and smaller players, allowing him to eliminate advantages all over the court. I like that he plays containment defense as he rarely gambles for steals and is good at keeping his man...

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POB’s Eye Catchers: HoopState League (Week 3, East)

2026 Cole Cloer (Durham Hurricanes): Cloer has been a favorite of mine since the summer and he was off the charts today with what he showed.  Early on, you must like his size and his feel for the game, as he was making spectacular decisions and passes to set up his teammates, created well and found ways to score around defenders, displayed good athleticism and body control, as well as being...

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Cooper’s HoopState League East Division Awards Semifinalists

By; Cooper Hart After two weekends of the HoopState League East, I’ve created a list of names that are in contention for awards. The list will be cut down after pool play finishes, and winners will be announced after the finals on the 23rd. There will be a Most Outstanding Player, 3 all-east teams, and 2 all-defense teams. Most Outstanding Player Semifinalists Colt Langdon (’25) – 6’8”...

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Open Gym Report: The Burlington School

On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to The Burlington School in Burlington, North Carolina for our annual open gym tour. The Spartans have turned a lot of heads over the last decade between guys like Ron Johnson, Will Robertson, and Ryan Bernardi. Now, George Marshall is at the helm and folks still have plenty to be excited about. He’s already asserted his culture, leadership presence, and...

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Phenom 1-on-1: 2024 Zion Walker (TBS)

2024 Zion Walker has been a common name in North Carolina and has been a critical piece for the success at The Burlington School.  The NC guard has continued to build on his game and had a strong summer playing with Team Curry but is now focusing once again on the upcoming season and earning another title.  Walker discusses with Phenom Hoops how his game has developed this summer, his...

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G3 Showcase Team Preview: Team Curry 16U

With the June and July Live Periods on the horizon, there’s no better time for teams to compete to gauge their ability against high-level opponents. Our G3 Showcase is slated to feature a heavy mix of independent organizations and shoe-circuit programs—so there should definitely be something for everyone in attendance. The circuit teams nearing their halfway point should ultimately...

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Early Look: Team CP3 2024

It is that time of the year, as players from all around start getting together with their travel ball team and prepare for an exciting spring and summer.  Phenom Hoops started the season off with the Phenom Opening, giving us a glimpse of several of those teams which also included a very talented young group with CP3 2024. Watching this team in action, you can see there is no shortage of...

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