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Hoop State Fall League: Week 2 Thoughts & Storylines
Hurricane Ian closed down the school systems in Cabarrus County and unfortunately we were unable to host the Hoop State Fall League-West Division at Cox Mill High School. That being said, our Phenom staff headed down to Raleigh to the Hoop State Fall League-East Division at the JD Lewis Center. While the two-court facility has “tight quarters,” it’s the perfect venue to host a high school fall...
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Stepping Up More: Class of 2025 from #HoopStateLeague (Week 1)
2025 Miles Leaks (Piedmont): Leaks is a name that we have mentioned quite a few times after this and we are going to continue to mention more. We have spoken plenty about his game and if you missed it, you can check out our article earlier this week here (Click Here). But Leaks showed poise in running the show, showed flashes of his vision and playmaking ability, and looks to clearly be the...
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What we Learned from Week 1 at Hoop State Fall League: Guard play at West Charlotte will be fun to watch
It was great to get back on the court for the start of the Hoop State Fall League, giving us at Phenom Hoops a chance to view teams early on and check out what programs will be bringing to the court this season. One team that should have everyone’s attention this year will be West Charlotte after the year they had. West Charlotte lost some key guys from last year but when we watched their group...
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Start Noticing More: Class of 2023 from #HoopStateLeague (West) (Part 2)
The Hoop State League has kicked off and Week 1 was off the charts, but we still have several weeks ahead that you and college coaches will not want to miss. We have been taking notes early on and we can tell you, there are a few players in the Class of 2023 that should garner more attention. Here are four more players to look out for more and should be bigger priorities this upcoming high...
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Start Noticing More: Class of 2023 from #HoopStateLeague (West) (Part 1)
The Hoop State League has kicked off and Week 1 was off the charts, but we still have several weeks ahead that you and college coaches will not want to miss. We have been taking notes early on and we can tell you, there are a few players in the Class of 2023 that should garner more attention. Here are four players to look out for more and should be bigger priorities this upcoming high school...
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Keep an eye on: 2024 6’8 Jared Taylor
Every year players go under the radar all throughout the country. One player that has been a name popping up on multiple occasions as of late is 2024 6’8 Jared Taylor. He showed up again at the Hoop State Fall League for Charlotte Elite Academy and he could be one that I may have my eyes on a little bit more with what he has continued to show. In Week 1, Taylor really showcased his...
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What We Learned from Week 1 at Hoop State Fall League: JL Chambers looks strong again
One team that many were intrigued in watching at the Hoop State League was the Cougars of JL Chambers and to see what they would be bringing to the table this year. Our own, Rick Lewis, recently made a visit to an open gym but this was game action, giving us a further understanding of what this team may look like this year. After a strong season last year, JL Chambers lost some key players in...
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Reece’s Standouts: Hoop State League (Week 1: Day 2, West Division)
by: Ethan Reece 2023 Berni Tah (Big Dub Green)As the key returner from last year’s senior-laden state championship team, Berni came out and immediately showed how much his presence can be felt and needed. He’s built chiseled and sturdy, with natural athleticism and mobility to be a versatile threat in their system. He pushed the break off boards, found great cuts in traffic, and simply dominated...
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2025 Miles Leaks (Piedmont) is one to start tracking early
Player: Miles LeaksClass: 2025Height: 5’10School: Piedmont The Hoop State Fall League got underway to start the short season, as Week 1 is in the books. Not only does it give us a chance to watch a few teams early on and see what they bring, but also gives us an updated look at newer players that you will want to watch more this high school season. One player that really impressed in Week...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Week 1, Day 2 at #HoopStateLeague (Cox Mill)
2023 Zion McDuffie (Bulldogs): It is about time people start recognizing McDuffie and what he can provide on the court. He is a strong, physical presence that is one of the more explosive prospects in the state. He is terrific out in transition and getting to the basket, finishing strong and a few highlight-reel dunks. But he also has shown that he can step out and be effective from outside,...
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Reece’s Standouts: Hoop State League (Week 1: Day 1, West Division)
by: Ethan Reece 2023 JJ Mata (War Eagles)Given the nature of playing with Riptide SC in the summer, it comes as no surprise that JJ carries that same relentless tough mindset to high school ball. He’s got great length at his position, a high motor to compete on both ends, and a scoring approach to make defenders wary. He constantly put guys in tough defensive positions with his constant attack,...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Week 1, Day 1 at #HoopStateLeague (Cox Mill)
2025 Miles Leaks (Panthers): Leaks was tremendous to start the day, as I was incredibly impressed with how the young guard operated on the floor. He looked like a strong floor general on the floor, playing with a great pace and vision, finding his teammates and setting them up well, but also taking quality shots also. Really enjoyed watching how he was able to operate on the court. Leaks is a...
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HoopState League Team Preview: Juice All-Stars Stephenson
Phenom Hoops is heading into another year of the HoopState Fall League, as teams and players prepare for the upcoming season in a big way. And the fall league is one of the best ways to do just that, as teams are registering and will be in action from September-October. We look at and preview teams that will be in action. If you are looking to register your team for the HoopState...
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HoopState League Team Preview: Team Blue
Phenom Hoops is heading into another year of the HoopState Fall League, as teams and players prepare for the upcoming season in a big way. And the fall league is one of the best ways to do just that, as teams are registering and will be in action from September-October. We look at and preview teams that will be in action. If you are looking to register your team for the HoopState Fall League,...
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Hoop State Championship (Round 2): Liberty Heights National vs. Liberty Heights Varsity
Two teams that are certainly quite familiar with each other battled it out in the second round of the playoffs and for a chance to compete for a state title. There was no love lost between these two, as you could see that both teams wanted to have a chance to be crowned a champion. Both teams started out a little slow but got things going, as varsity held a narrow 12-11 lead after...
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Hoop State League: Gold Championship
Teams have put in the work and have competed over the last several weeks, as we finally got to the championship weekend of the Hoop State League. On Sunday, we had two divisions looking to take home some honors and continue their success into the season. Liberty Heights and Believe Prep came out and absolutely COMPETED in this game. Both teams going for the championship, these two teams brought...
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Hoop State League: Silver Championship Division
Teams have put in the work and have competed over the last several weeks, as we finally got to the championship weekend of the Hoop State League. On Sunday, we had two divisions looking to take home some honors and continue their success into the season. First off in the silver division, Richmond Jammers and UBU faced off in a very intriguing battle. It was an offensive game in the first half,...
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Dawkins’ Standouts from Day 1 of Hoop State League (Championship Weekend)
By: DeAjai Dawkins 5’11 2022 Kyron Weil (Believe Prep) Kyron earned my unwavering respect after his final game against Word of God. Weil, with that single game, showed me a level of toughness, composure, ball-handling, and team-orientation that proved his competence to me. I believe this is a lead guard that coaches would fawn over. Relentless attacker that gets into the lane and...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 at Hoop State League (Championship Weekend)
2025 Miles Leaks (Panthers): When you watch a freshman prospect like Leaks, you have to look for the flashes in his potential. Leaks showed that on several occasions, showing that he understands the game, plays under control and at a terrific pace, and that he possesses the IQ. He plays his game, gets to his spots to score, and doesn’t force anything, playing well within the...
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Player Standouts from Hoop State League (Wk 4: Day 2)
by: Ethan Reece 2022 Evan Smith (Team Purple)Ardrey Kell will have a lot of guys stepping up to make plays this season and their clear leader will be Evan from the PG position. This was my first time watching Evan and I was very impressed. As good a floor general as I’ve seen in recent months, Evan excelled in handling the pressure and controlling the pace. Can be quick but is best using his...
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POB’s Best of the Best: Hoop State League (Week 4)
Phenom Hoops was back in town in Rock Hill for Week 4 action in the Hoop State League. Teams continue to make progress and prepare for the upcoming seasons, as well as players. There were several standouts from the event but these three players really played at a high level in Week 4. 2022 Evan Smith (Team Purple) Smith has been a known name throughout North Carolina for some...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Week 4 of Hoop State League (Day 1, Part 2)
2022 Greg Moore (Moravian Prep PG Black): Moore looked unstoppable and one that was on a mission today, as he showcased his ability to score the ball on all levels and showcase his range, knocking down multiple threes in the win. He played incredibly strong all throughout, eventually going for 29 points in the win. 2022 Jimeion Brown (1-Carolina): Brown is an intriguing prospect on the...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 1 of Hoop State League (Week 4) (Part 1)
2022 Evan Smith (Team Purple): Really do believe this is just the start of a terrific season for Smith. He is going to have to pick up his offensive scoring and is showing that during the Hoop State League. He plays with such a smooth feel, is patient in his attack, and handles contact extremely well. Continues to be consistent offensively on the floor. 2022 Liam Craven (Combine...
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Player Standouts from Phenom Fall Finale/ Hoop State League (Oct 3)
by: Ethan Reece 2024 Camden Edmonds (Winston 76ers)Camden seems poised for a break out year at West Stokes. After a quality freshman year on varsity, he looks ready to take the charge and lead as a sophomore. Well equipped with an offensive skillset to make shots from anywhere on the court, but he’s best at getting downhill and rising up to finish. He uses his length to adjust and stretch out...
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Dawkins’ Standouts: HoopState League/ Fall Finale
By: DeAjai Dawkins 6’3 2022 Toby Nnadozie (Believe Prep National) Few players have impressed me these past few weeks like Toby Nnadozie, as few players have been as consistently productive on the offensive end. Physical with explosive athleticism, Nnadozie offers a competitive presence about him that could be acknowledged by any onlooker. He’s comfortable scoring from beyond the arc as well. I...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Day 2 at Fall Finale/ HoopState League
2024 Paul McNeil (Richmond Jammers): McNeil is already regarded as one of the top prospects not only in the state but in the country and it is easy to see why at his age. We are talking about a 6’6 prospect that can be a huge threat from deep, knocking down tough jumpers from all levels, a player that can create for himself and can operate from all positions on the floor. What is scary to think...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Fall Finale/ Hoop State League (Day 1, Part 2)
2023 Donovan Raymond (United We Stand): Raymond had a really strong showing in Week 3 of the Hoop State League, one of his best and most consistent performances. He showed you a glimpse of why so many schools should be looking his way and he continues to develop and show what the end product could be. You just don’t see too many bigs with his mobility, ability to defend out on the perimeter, and...
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Dawkins’ Standouts: Fall Finale/ Hoop State League
By; DeAjai Dawkins 5’11 2022 Gabe Proctor (Papa Pete’s Patriots/Apex Friendship) One of the more well-known names in NC’s 2022 class, Gabe Proctor is not a shooter you should leave open by any means. Certainly one of the most lethal shooting threats in the state, Proctor is excellent off the catch. Sound mechanics guided by repetition, and an IQ belonging to a player who I have oftentimes said...
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Phenom Fall Finale/ Hoop State League (Day 1)
2022 Takai Simpkins (Liberty Heights): Both Simpkins twins are strong and play hard but Takai was especially strong and continuing to show why more schools are starting to look their way. Takai does a tremendous job is using his length at a guard, covering a ton of ground, and finishing over defenders and at the rim, while also being able to step out. 2022 Syncere Lynch (Bull City Prep):...
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East Region Standouts – Hoop State League Week 2 Part 2
Game 5 Strong Center Hart – 53Team Wall 2024 – 58 6’4 2024 Jayden Harris (Team Wall) led the way for Team Wall, finishing with 19 points and the game-winner in overtime. Harris is a gifted scorer who can create his own shot off the bounce. He showcased his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter and get into the paint, finishing in a variety of ways. 6’6 2024 Ari Fulton...
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