EVENT NEWS
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Phenom Player Spotlight: 2025 Issac Byers Jr. (Ashbrook)
Player: Issac Byers Jr.Class: 2025Height: 6’1School: Ashbrook Continuing to look at players that have been on the Phenom Platform as of late, we look at a senior in 2025 6’1 Issac Byers Jr. at Ashbrook. Byers recently played in the George Lynch Invitational and the Phenom Lakesgiving, leading his team in both events. Byers has been one that has consistently been productive in leading...
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Late Snag for College Program: 2025 Jamie Lawson (Pine Lake Prep)
Player: Jamie LawsonClass: 2025Height: 6’1School: Pine Lake Prep Several memorable performances stood out to us at the Phenom Lakesgiving, but the one that may have been the most memorable was the showing from 2025 6’1 Jamie Lawson from Pine Lake Prep. To put it simply… he was off the charts. He finished against Lincolnton with 38 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one...
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Could this be Southern Durham’s year to make a big run'
High School ball has officially begun for everyone here in North Carolina, and we are learning about several teams early on and their potential. Last week, Phenom Hoops was on deck with the Hoops & Dreams 910, as plenty of teams around the area came to compete in a great atmosphere. One of the best games of the event was Southern Durham vs. Berean Baptist, as the Spartans were able to squeak...
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Good Guys vs. Cancer Recaps: Wednesday
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 First Flight vs. Cape Hatteras (Girls) To start the event, it was First Flight vs. Cape Hatteras on the girls’ side. First Flight came out strong, leading 12-5 after the first quarter and continued to clamp down on Cape Hatteras defensively. Eventually, they took a 25-7 halftime lead and Cape Hatteras couldn’t find anymore success in the second half either. First...
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Simply Gifted Offensively: 2027 LJ Smith (Lincolnton)
Player: LJ SmithClass: 2027Height: 6’4School: Lincolnton The Phenom Lakesgiving gave us a tremendous opportunity to watch one of the top-scoring guards in the country in 2027 6’4 LJ Smith, who is back on the court once again for Lincolnton High School. If you haven’t heard of his name, you should start learning it today. But many have already heard about just how special Smith...
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The Makings of a National Star: 2028 Za’Miya Bynum
Player: Za’Miya BynumClass: 2028School: Queens GrantAAU: Team Curry Learning about new names around the region is one of the best parts of this job, as each and every year Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom are introduced to talented prospects. A player we were eager to see and learn about was 2028 5’9 Za’Miya Bynum from Queens Grant this past weekend at the Phenom Lakesgiving, and she didn’t...
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Phenom November Awards (Teams Edition)
The month of November has come and gone in a blink of an eye, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t watched some terrific basketball so far from teams around the state. This is why we are here to bring our MONTHLY AWARDS from teams in our events, including the best team we have watched this season. Check out who took home the awards this month. Best Team: Christ School Early on in the...
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2027 Travien Williams (Hickory Ridge) stepping up when needed
Player: Travien WilliamsClass: 2027Height: 6’2School: Hickory Ridge Continuing to highlight players this past weekend at the Phenom Lakesgiving event, we take a look at a sophomore who has really stepped up for his team with some key injuries on the bench. Hickory Ridge was missing a key piece this past weekend, but 2027 6’2 Travien Williams did what was needed and helped his team to...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Angus Anderson #8: 5’9 ’26 Nico Byrd (Legion Collegiate) Starting off, we look at a player who made a lasting impression through his shooting prowess, Nico Byrd. He’s a scrappy, unselfish guard prospect who can initiate the offense and get others involved in the action. That being said, Byrd is quite comfortable at playing without the ball and knocking down perimeter jumpers off...
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Prospect to Watch: 2027 Ashlyn Black (North Lincoln)
Player: Ashlyn BlackClass: 2027School: North Lincoln Lady Phenom continuing to check out new talent around the state, as we have had some terrific games as of late in our events. At the Phenom Lakesgiving, we had a chance to watch a new player for us, as 2027 Ashlyn Black really impressed with her game. Black came up huge for her team in what was a thriller on Friday, as she finished with...
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Freshmen Helping Lead the Charge at Queens Grant
It has been an exciting month of high school basketball for Phenom Hoops, one team that we have seen quite a few times on the court has been Coach Joe Badgett and Queens Grant. This is a team that is very interesting as they offer a unique blend of talent, experience, and youth. There are plenty of experienced prospects that lead the way but what makes this team so interesting is the young...
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Worthy of Attention: 2025 Chandler Kennedy (Carmel Christian)
Player: Chandler KennedyClass: 2025School: Carmel Christian Phenom Hoops works to assemble articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. We continue to look at players that are underrated but...
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Making a Statement at Phenom Lakesgiving: 2026 Nick Arnold (Lake Norman)
Player: Nick ArnoldClass: 2026Height: 5’11School: Lake Norman The Phenom Lakesgiving was an off-the-charts event once again, and there were plenty of players who left the event leaving a statement. But a player who may have been considered the event MVP or who left the biggest impression on us was Lake Norman’s point guard in 2026 Nick Arnold. On so many occasions, Arnold has left a...
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Phenom 1-on-1 with 2026 Will Dopfer (Lambert HS)
Player: Will DopferClass: 2026Height: 6’6School: Lambert High School (GA) Heading down to Georgia, Phenom Hoops recently talked to a rising prospect who has been catching the eyes of college programs as of late. 2026 6’6 Will Dopfer from Lambert High School has seen his recruitment start to pick up over the last few months, as he had a strong summer and has been looking to carry that...
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2025 6’5 Brett Freeman (Ardrey Kell) looking like a man on a mission
Player: Brett FreemanClass: 2025Height 6’5School: Ardrey Kell There are plenty of seniors out there looking to make one last effort to make a name for themselves, and that couldn’t be more evident with 2025 6’5 Brett Freeman at Ardrey Kell. The title fits this topic, as Freeman looks like a man on a mission to lead his team; and he is doing just that to start the season. This is a young man who...
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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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Saturday Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams
Bull City Prep’s Recruitable Core After seeing them at our George Lynch and then getting another viewing opportunity this past weekend, there’s a lot to like about Bull City Prep. Although they have a variety of meaningful contributors, everything ultimately comes down to their group of Tyrin Graham, Viktor Alao, Ryan Chen, Stephano Farrington, and Kamal Brantley. Graham is a balanced floor...
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Lady Phenom Standouts: Phenom Lakesgiving
SPONSORED BY DRY OTTER WATERPROOFING 2027 Ashlyn Black (North Lincoln) Black was a newer name for us that captured our eyes with her size and playmaking ability. She was a strong creator off the dribble, attacking well out in transition and looking to score but also finding success in getting to the line. She was a multi-level scorer throughout her showing and should be a player to watch more in...
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Coming Into His Own: 2027 6’3 Sean Nix (Cannon)
Player: Sean NixClass: 2027Height: 6’3School: Cannon The class of 2027 here in North Carolina is shaping up quite nicely, as we already have several big-time names flourishing this season and several new names leaving a lasting impression. One player that we have watched over the years but has seemingly taken the next step as far as development and understanding is 2027 6’3 Sean Nix. Nix, the...
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2025 Kate Sears (Watauga) proving why she is a premier national talent
Player: Kate SearsClass: 2025School: WataugaCommitted to: Virginia Tech Ranked as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, coming in at No. 72 overall nationally We had a memorable showing at the Phenom George Lynch Invitational the other weekend, as the talent ran deep on both the boys’ and girls’ side. One team that we were excited to watch was 2025 5’10 Kate Sears from Watauga, a proven talent...
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Learning a few new names: Phenom Lakesgiving
2025 Brian Carr (Rocky River) Carr was a key piece for his team at the event, as he brings a good blend of size and versatility to the court. He was strong in helping control the paint, displaying good timing on shots and being able to finish around the basket, as well as being an active piece on the boards for his team. Carr helps a lot with his versatility as a defender as well. 2028 Gary...
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Friday Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams
Wilson Prep Continues to Roll Unsurprisingly, Coach Ant Atkinson has another notable squad worthy of attention. They’ve contended every season since 2019-20, but this might honestly be their best group yet. Despite their balanced structure that includes several college players, everything starts and ends with Elijah Newsome. The 6-foot-3 guard possesses length, athleticism, and effortless...
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Hoops and Dreams Showcase Final Scores and Stats
Day 1 Final: Wilson Prep 81 – Hoke County 59 WP: Elijah Newsome 26pts, Keontae Barron 15ptsHC: Gabriel McLeod 16pts, Savion Kinston 13pts Final: QEA 56 – Harrells Christian 52 QEA: Bruce Wingate 18pts, Shawn Long 10ptsHC: Antonio McKoy 23pts, Amir Moore 17pts Final: Overhills 72 – New Life Christian 49 Over: Ja’von Motta 14pts, Caleb Ross 14ptsNLC: Kyle Baldwin 15pts,...
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Standout Performances from Phenom Lakesgiving (Saturday)
2027 Jeremy Duhon (Gaston Christian) When Duhon is able to provide his shot-making ability for this team, Gaston Christian really shows how strong they can be. He did that on Day 2 at Lake Norman, doing an excellent job in spacing the floor, finding the opening spots in the defense, and really opening up the offense from behind the arc. Duhon has a confident and fluid release from deep and...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Lakesgiving (Saturday)
2027 Sean Nix (Cannon) It has been fun to watch the young rising star in action this weekend, as he led his team on both days. On Day 2, he finished with 26 points while also recording eight rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Nix has truly blossomed as a player with his frame, size, and overall development, as he shows great pace and feel overall. He is comfortable in a variety of areas on...
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Standout Performances from Phenom Lakesgiving (Friday)
2026 Kenan Dixon (Cannon) Talk about a player who was tough as nails, Dixon fit that description right on the head. In leading his team offensively, Dixon wasn’t afraid of the moment and did all he could do to help his team. He moves extremely well without the ball, hunting for his shot from behind the arc and having a confident release, but also attacking off the dribble and looking to...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Phenom Lakesgiving (Friday)
2026 Nick Arnold (Lake Norman) Arnold was off the charts in making a statement on Friday night, leading the way at halftime with 21 points and finishing with 27 points to lead the way. Arnold continues to flourish as a tough, gritty point guard that makes high IQ plays but also flourishes in his ability to be an offensive weapon. Arnold attacked well out in transition, finishing strong at the...
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Phenom Lakesgiving Final Scores and Stats
Day 1- Friday, November 29 Hickory Ridge 55 – North Lincoln 58 (Girls) HR: Ma-Kaela Gidney 19pts, Amya Leathers 10ptsNL: Ashlyn Black 22pts, Ally Smith 17pts, Hailey Hagler 12pts, Reagan Karr 3pts (Game-Winning 3) Gaston Christian 69 – Cannon 62 GC: Cameron Newman 19pts, Dario Williams 15pts, Dillon Joy 9ptsCannon: Kenan Dixon 24pts, Sean Nix 23pts Carmel Christian 57 – Rocky...
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Players to Watch: Phenom Lakesgiving
It is going to be a fun weekend in the Lake Norman area, as the #PhenomLakesgiving, as these are just a few players that you will want to check out at the event. 2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian)2025 Dario Williams (Gaston Christian)2025 Jayden Ross (Rocky River)2025 Chandler Kennedy (Carmel Christian)2025 Joseph Bruce (Pine Lake Prep)2025 Ethan Morgan (Pine Lake Prep)2025 Jamie Lawson...
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Players to Watch: #HoopsDreams910
If you are in the Fayetteville area, you will not want to miss yet another year of the Hoops & Dreams Showcase sponsored by LucasMoore Realty. These are just a FEW players that you will want to watch on the court, along with several other players to learn about. 2026 Dashaun McKoy (Harrells Christian)2026 Antonio McKoy (Harrells Christian)2025 Sabree Scott (QEA)2025 Trey Shephard (QEA)2025...
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