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Toughness and Drive: 2025 Elijah Bragg (CA)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Elijah BraggTwitter: @ElijahKBraggHeight: 6’6, 205Class of 2025School: Mater Dei Catholic High School, CA Bragg is an absolute beast out there. This gem is gifted at finding seams and getting to his spot. Defense doesn’t change his rhythm, but he changes theirs. Elijah understands his size and strength are a huge advantage and punishes defenders and he imposes...
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Ultimate Blue-Collar Player: 2026 Nick Dressick (WV)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Nick DressickTwitter: @NickDressickHeight: 6’2,164Class of 2026School Bishop McCort High School, WV Dressick is a dynamic young player who is the ultimate energy blue-collar guy. Nick is a lethal shooter from downtown with a blistering 62 percent clip. Explosive off the bounce when he chooses to attack the lane. With an array of crafty moves, he can free himself up...
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An Athletic Big Phenom: 2025 Camden Karel (MI)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Camden KarelTwitter: @CamdenKarelHeight: 6’9Class of 2025School: Byron Center, MI Karal is an explosive and extremely athletic phenom. The #1 ranked PF in the state and he is an offensive punisher. As a triple-threat scoring machine, Cam can get buckets in a hurry A sharpshooter from deep with a smooth touch. When he wants to get to the rim, he can with his size and...
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2028 Chase Smith has the chance to be special
Player: Chase SmithClass: 2028Height: 6’6School: Charlotte Country Day It is always fun as a scout when you get a chance to sit down and watch, and you see an extremely young prospect who has a chance to be extremely special. The first eighth grader that fit that description for me was 2026 Latrell Allmond when we watched him at The O’Neal School years ago. But I have the second player...
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Kevin’s Player Standouts to Know (Oct. 27)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Jay TaylorTwitter: @jayallenturnerHeight: 6’4, 190Class of 2024School: Charleston Catholic High School Taylor is yet another dynamic gem who is a triple-threat scoring machine. A versatile athletic combo guard who can be an imposing force overpowers defenders with a dazzling array of crafty and creative moves. Fierce and explosive off the bounce and a ruthless...
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North Carolina Top 80 Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Austin Collins Game Film: Team 3 vs Team 4Team 2 vs Team 4Team 1 vs Team 4NC Top 80 Semi-Final (1/4 vs 5/8) #13: 6’1 ’25 Johnniyus Sharpe (Reidsville) Starting things off, we look at a player who stood out as one of the most dynamic performers on display, Johnniyus Sharpe. He’s a smart, athletic guard prospect with quickness, toughness, and polish as a creator. Offensively, Sharpe...
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Kevin’s Player Standouts to Know (Oct 26)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Peyton PodanyTwitter: @peytonpodanyHeight: 6’3, 185lbsClass of 2025School: Anoka High School, MN Podany is a versatile PG who knows exactly how to use his height to his advantage. Peyton has a silky-smooth touch from the outside. Electric and crafty off-the-bounce with quick pull-up or creative finishes at the rim. Peyton can thrive playing 1-4 effectively. Payton...
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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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Kevin’s Standouts to Know (Oct. 25)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Harry SilvisTwitter: @silvisharry07Height: 6’2 ,160Class of 2026School: Parkersburg South High School Silvis is a dynamic young athlete who is extremely aggressive and a triple-threat scoring machine. Harry is lethal from downtown and explosive off the bounce. A good ball handler that creates space for great shots or simply punishes defenders by elevating to shoot...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: Colby Lewis Game Film:Team 7 vs Team 8Team 6 vs Team 8Team 5 vs Team 8Team 4 vs Team 8 #6: 5’4 ’27 Sydney McGuire (Mallard Creek) Starting things off, we look at a player who showcased the ability to effectively run a team, Sydney McGuire. She’s a smart, unselfish floor general with an understanding of how to produce from either guard position. Next in her development process is...
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North Carolina Top 80 Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Chris Kuhn Game Film:Team 1 vs Team 2Team 2 vs Team 4Team 2 vs Team 3NC Top 80 Semi-Final (2v3 vs 6/8) #2: 5’10 ’24 Isaiah Sanders (High Point Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who provided this team with a polished, balanced identity, Isaiah Sanders. He’s a smart, crafty guard prospect with an adaptable approach and the ability to produce from either backcourt...
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Needing a Big' – Seniors to look at Immediately in NC/SC (Part 1)
Taky Prosper 2024 Darius Carr (Gray Collegiate Academy): Carr is a player we have talked about a lot recently, and was the one that inspired me for this article. Carr had a tremendous showing at the SC Top 80, and is an underrated forward who plays the game the right way, has a strong feel for the game down in the paint, works hard, and has the right mindset both on and off the court. He is...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 7
Team 7 Coach: Tyler Lewis Game Film:Team 7 vs Team 8Team 5 vs Team 7Team 6 vs Team 7 #10: 5’6 ’28 Gracie Shore (Advance) Starting things off, we look at a player who performed exceptionally well as one of the youngest campers on display, Gracie Shore. She’s a young, steady, skilled guard prospect with a high motor and willingness to do whatever possible to provide her team with an edge. Shore is...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 6
Team 6 Coach: Gerroid Doughty Game Film:Team 5 vs Team 6Team 6 vs Team 8Team 6 vs Team 7Team 3 vs Team 6Team 4 vs Team 6 (championship) #2: 5’2 ’27 Nasheyla Mason (Kinston) Starting things off, we look at a player who made an excellent impact despite being one of the smallest campers on display, Nasheyla Mason. She’s a tough, rugged, very well-rounded lead guard prospect who sets the tone on...
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Scratching the Surface: 2026 Carson Asbaty
By: Kevin Moses Player Carson AsbatyTwitter: @Carson_AsbatyHeight: 6’1 ,160Class of 2026School: Knoxville Catholic High School Asbaty is an incredible young athlete who is a physically imposing force on offense. He is a triple-threat scorer who loves to get scrappy inside. He can really bring the rain from deep with a smooth touch but loves to attack and just battle for every loose ball and...
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Steady Scorer: 2025 Carter Wheatley
By: Kevin Moses Carter WheatleyTwitter: @CarterWheatleyHeight: 6’0, 150Class of 2025School: Monroe Central High School, Ind Wheatley is an elite young athlete. His entry and hustle serve as a spark plug to his team as they feed off that energy. Carter is a steady constant scorer but picks his moments for only high percentage opportunities. He shoots that three ball at 39 percent, but there is no...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 5
Team 5 Coach: Reggie Dillard Game Film: Team 5 vs. Team 6Team 5 vs. Team 7Team 5 vs. Team 8 #1: 5’1 ’28 Demi Thomas (Fuquay-Varina) Starting things off, we look at a player who competed extremely well despite her size and age, Demi Thomas. She’s a young, scrappy guard prospect with a high motor and clear willingness to do whatever possible to provide her team with an edge. Thomas is still...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Wyndale Homes Game Film:Team 3 vs. Team 4Team 2 vs. Team 4Team 1 vs. Team 4Team 4 vs. Team 8Team 4 vs. Team 6 #8: 5’4 ’26 Ameya Brown (Terry Sanford) Starting things off, we look at a player who consistently found ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Ameya Brown. She’s a smart, rugged, high-motor lead guard prospect with excellent defensive prowess and a polished...
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Kevin’s Players to Know (Oct. 19)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Camden Fall ThompsonTwitter: @CamFallThompsonHeight: 6’5Class of 2025School: Whitehall High School, MI Thompson is one of the electrifying phenoms I have seen to date. This young stud has been tearing up the court at an All-State level since his freshman year. One of the most explosive and dominating gems in the entire state since day one. The scary part is Camden...
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Flying Under the Radar: Southern Guilford duo
Phenom Hoops is a platform that looks to give players an opportunity to achieve their dreams and recognize talent around the region. Which is why I’m here today to bring you two players that should be garnering more attention, and that can help programs down the road. The Southern Guilford duo of 2024 6’5 Jamias Ferere and 2024 6’5 Jucqarie Love are two players that have proven themselves...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 3
Team 3 Coach: Chris Goodman Game Film:Team 3 vs Team 4Team 1 vs Team 3Team 2 vs Team 3Team 3 vs Team 6 #7: 5’4 ’26 Stephanie Mobley (Victory Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who stood out through her ability to run a team, Stephanie Mobley. She’s a smart, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with a tight handle and sharp playmaking sense. Mobley can score from all levels, but...
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New Name in Town: 2026 Heimir Helgason (Asheville School)
Player: Heimir HelgasonClass: 2026School: Asheville SchoolHeight: 6’10 The NC Sophomore 40 was a tremendous success, and the amount of talent that was on display was incredible to watch. There were plenty of names that you will be hearing A LOT more about if you haven’t already, but I’m here to introduce to you a new name that we learned before the event and couldn’t wait to check out....
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WV Prep Showcase: Names to Know
By: Kevin Moses Player: Dawson LunsfordTwitter: @dawson_lunsfordHeight: 6’3, 175Class of 2024School: George Washington High School Lunsford is an out and 3-and-D gem with a high motor and can find open spots in the gaps for great looks and is an efficient high percentage scorer. Defenders can take their eyes off him or lose him for one minute. One of the fiercest cutters I have seen...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Austin Collins Game Film:Team 1 vs Team 2Team 2 vs Team 4Team 2 vs Team 3 #4: 5’3 ’25 Jayla Hicks (NC GBB) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a consistent impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Jayla Hicks. She’s a smart, scrappy guard prospect with a high motor and unselfish approach to the game. Hicks is a solid ball-handler who utilizes her...
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Kevin’s Names You Should Know (Oct. 18)
By: Kevin Moses Player: Jesse LedbetterTwitter: @_JesseLedbetterHeight: 6’1, 175Class of 2024School: Southmoore High School Ledbetter was explosive when I saw him in OKC. This electric young stud put on a high-energy shooting clinic. Any space and it is lights out for any defender. A clutch performer always is ready to step into the big moment, but what makes him a real problem is he can...
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Open Gym Report: Caldwell Academy
On Monday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina for an exciting open gym session. Entering their third season under Coach Brandon Clifford, the Eagles appear more talented than ever. They have a nice mix of young prospects, veteran pieces, and under-the-radar guys who will inevitably play pivotal roles during the upcoming season. In terms of sheer depth,...
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Lady Top 80 Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Jennifer Baker Game Film:Team 1 vs Team 2Team 1 vs Team 3Team 1 vs Team 4 #3: 5’3 ’26 Nevaeh Blair (Shabach Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a consistent impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Neveah Blair. She’s a smart, tough, skilled floor general with great offensive balance and a polished scoring arsenal. Blair shoots the ball at a...
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Notable Standouts at North Carolina Freshman 40
6’3 Seth Harris (Caldwell Academy) As evidenced during camp, Harris has clearly put forth a lot of time and effort in developing his overall game over the last few months. He already possesses a nice blend of IQ, skill, and athleticism for his age. Harris is a reliable shooting threat who understands how to attack closeouts, defer to others, and operate within the team structure. He’s an engaged...
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Notable Standouts at Lady Top 80
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Rise Sports Facility in Bermuda Run to host our second annual Lady Top 80. The camp featured a slew of high-level prospects with a healthy mix of players from each high school class (even including a few eighth-graders). Beyond the sheer amount of talent on display, it’s always a unique, enjoyable experience to watch these young ladies compete in...
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Four Players Who Are Ready to Make the Leap
Every year, we see guys from all levels of basketball make “the leap.” This term simply refers to when a talented player begins to harness the next steps of being a star player or high-level prospect. In the most recent NBA season, someone like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be a perfect example. He was already incredible, but still managed to ascend to another level and transition into being one...
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