EVENT NEWS
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Keep on Your Radars: NW Halifax Young Prospects
Phenom Hoops prides itself on finding the next wave of talent throughout the Carolina’s, and this year will be no different. Our scouts are going out to find new talent from all classes, as there is plenty to be discovered. Patrick O’Brien recently checked out NW Halifax this week, a team that is still looking to build and develop. However, he was able to check out some young prospects in the...
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Ohio State Lands Premier SG in 2027 LJ Smith
Player: LJ SmithClass: 2027Height: 6’4School: Oak HillCommitted to: Ohio State Smith is the first commitment for Ohio State in the Class of 2027 National Rankings ESPN: #10 Nationally On3/Rivals: #64 Nationally 247 Sports: #28 Nationally Game Breakdown: Smith emerged as one of the most dynamic and complete offensive guards in the country, especially as a Top 50 prospect. What makes Smith so...
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Coach Frank Cantadore: Likable & Successful
If you took a poll across the Charlotte Metro area or even the state, the most likable coach among their peers would be Frank Cantadore of Concord Academy, at or near the top of the list. First and foremost, Coach Cantadore is simply an exceptional person—on and off the court. What you see is what you get: professionalism, humility, and sincerity at every level. He carries zero ego and is one of...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 16
Team 16 Coach: Andres Blondmonville #33: 5’7 ’29 Terrae Walls (Legion Collegiate) Starting off, Terrae Walls is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. Though small, he stood out through his constant energy on both ends of the floor. Walls is a quick, scrappy lead guard who defends with toughness and fills in the gaps well offensively. He displayed flashes of being able to penetrate or knock...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 15
Team 15 Coach: Ricardo Priester #32: 5’7 ’29 Kaleb Camarata (Legion Collegiate) Starting off, Kaleb Camarata is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. Between his motor, defense, and perimeter shooting, he found ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Camarata is a smart, scrappy lead guard with terrific energy and an unselfish approach to the game. He’s a solid creator with nice...
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2027 Columbus Parker (PDS) Making an Early Statement in NC
Player: Columbus ParkerClass: 2027Height: 6’2School: Providence Day Phenom Hoops had a great opportunity to watch Providence Day in action this past weekend at the Phenom Tip-Off, seeing what the Chargers are bringing to the table. Seeing several familiar faces on the court, 2027 6’2 Columbus Parker earned our attention with his strong play throughout the event. Parker was a name we knew about...
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2028 6’7 Aaron Parker Talks Visit to NC State
2028 6’7 Aaron Parker has clearly made a statement in becoming one of the best prospects in the state of North Carolina, especially in the Class of 2028. Phenom Hoops has had a great chance to watch Parker over the years, seeing his development and improvement with his skill set. We even had this to say about him recently: “The steady transformation of Aaron Parker over the last twelve...
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2027 6’7 RJ Moore Discusses Latest Visits/Offers
2027 6’7 RJ Moore continues to impress and lead his new team at Ambassador Christian, as the 2027 prospect has been showcasing his premier ability to be a multi-level scorer on the court. He has been rising up the ranks nationally, and schools have been coming hard his way. Moore recently received an offer from Virginia after taking an unofficial visit. He also has earned offers from Florida...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 14
Team 14 Coach: Charles Brown #31: 5’5 ’29 Trevor Thompson (Airport) Starting off, Trevor Thompson is a 5-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2029. Despite being the smallest camper on this team, he found ways to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Thompson is a quick, scrappy guard prospect with a tough, rugged approach to the game. He’s a capable perimeter shooter who can attack...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 13
Team 13 Coach: Kelvin Mills #30: 5’5 ’29 Jason Staley (Ridge View) Starting off, Jason Staley is a 5-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2029. Though small, he highlighted a lot of ability on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Mills on Staley: “Jason is a small package, extremely loaded...
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2028 Garang Garang (WS Christian) is a Name Worth Monitoring
Player: Garang GarangClass: 2028Height: 6’5School: Winston-Salem Christian Another weekend of basketball, another week of standouts on the court, as we continue to see the development of many to start the season. One player that our scouts were impressed with, especially stepping up when needed for his team, was 2028 6’5 Garang Garang from Winston-Salem Christian. He led the charge for his team...
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POB’s Top Forwards/Bigs from Phenom Tip-Off
The Phenom Tip-Off featured an impressive collection of forwards and bigs, each bringing their own blend of size, skill, and impact to the floor. From dominant rim protectors to versatile scorers and high-motor rebounders, the frontcourt talent was on full display throughout the event. These players controlled the paint, finished plays, stretched the floor, and anchored their teams on both ends....
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Phenom Game Report: Northern Nash at NW Halifax
Patrick O’Brien of Phenom Hoops tuned in to check out talent around the state, this time catching an intriguing matchup between Northern Nash at NW Halifax. The energy was high, the pace was fast, and several players stepped up in a big way throughout the contest. From key momentum-shifting plays to standout individual performances, there was plenty to take away. Check out our notes and top...
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South Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 12
Team 12 Coach: Daniel Godsun #51: 5’9 ’28 Anton Daniels (Atlantic Collegiate) Starting off, Anton Daniels is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2028. He had no issue finding ways to make his presence felt despite being a smaller guard. Daniels is a smart, heady lead guard with sharp quickness and terrific creation skills. He breaks down opponents well to touch the paint, where he’s able to...
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South Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 11
Team 11 Coach: Jamal Mitchell #43: 5’8 ’28 Vaughn Michael Taylor (Lancaster) Starting off, Vaughan Michael Taylor is a 5-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2028. He consistently found ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor despite being the smallest camper on this team. Taylor is a smart, quick, high-motor guard with a very unselfish approach to the game. He’s a quality perimeter shooter...
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2026 Elhadji Diallo (Combine Academy) Bringing Consistent Production
Player: Elhadji DialloClass: 2026School: Combine Academy Back in North Carolina, one of the top unsigned seniors here in North Carolina is off to a strong start this high school season. 2026 6’7 Elhadji Diallo, who is back now at Combine Academy, has been putting on a strong showing early on this season and proving that he can help lead the charge for his team. In two events, Diallo has been...
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POB’s Top Wings from Phenom Tip-Off
The Phenom Tip-Off was loaded with versatile perimeter talent, and the wing position stood out in a big way. From high-level scorers to dynamic playmakers and multi-positional defenders, this year’s event showcased a deep collection of wings capable of impacting the game on both ends. Whether they were creating offense, finishing in transition, or providing valuable two-way presence, these...
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Davidson Day’s Guards Deserve Attention As Well
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops had a great chance to watch and learn more about Davidson Day, a team that certainly will have the attention of many this season with the talent they bring to the court. Much of the talk is around the three bigs of 2026 Cody Peck, 2026 Will Stevens, and 2028 Xavier Hall, and deservingly so. But this weekend at the #PhenomTipOff really showed just how strong and...
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South Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 10
Team 10 Coach: LJ Johnson #42: 5’8 ’28 Moss Leroux (Hilton Head Christian) Starting off, Moss Leroux is a 5-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2028. Though small, he did a great job of playing hard and finding ways to make an impact within the flow of the action. Leroux is a very scrappy guard who handles the ball with poise and displays the ability to create for himself and others. He’s a terrific...
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2026 Deron Rippey Jr., nation’s top point guard, announces Top 5 Schools
The recruitment of 2026 star guard Deron Rippey Jr. continues to heat up, as the nation’s top point guard has officially narrowed his list to five programs. With college coaches across the country prioritizing high-level playmakers, Rippey has emerged as one of the most coveted prospects in his class. Top 5 Schools (in no order): DukeNC StateMiamiTennesseeTexas “When you watch Rippey Jr....
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South Carolina Sophomore 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 9
Team 9 Coach: Cam Corey #41: 5’8 ’28 JT Brodowski (River Bluff) Starting off, JT Brodowski is a 5-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2028. He found ways to make a steady impact on both ends of the floor despite being the smallest camper on this team. Brodowski is a smart, scrappy lead guard with a nonstop motor and the ability to make plays for himself and others. He mixes it up well as a scorer...
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POB’s Top Guards from Phenom Tip-Off
The Phenom Tip-Off was loaded with backcourt talent, showcasing guards who could score in bunches, create for others, and take over games in a variety of ways. Whether it was dynamic playmakers dictating the tempo or confident scorers piling up buckets, the event featured an impressive mix of versatility and impact from the guard position. After evaluating the weekend’s action, our own Patrick...
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Coach Erasto Hatchett, “A Gentleman of the Game”
For Coach Erasto Hatchett, like many other coaches, the coaching journey has brought its fair share of ups and downs. He has transitioned from the high school landscape to the college ranks, then to semi-pro basketball, and ultimately back to the high school level. Yet through every stop, one thing has remained constant: Coach Hatchett is a perfect gentleman on and off the court. He is also...
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2026 Dacen Petty (Christ School) Making It Clear to be a D1 Prospect
Player: Dacen PettyClass: 2026Height: 6’4School: Christ School It was a great weekend overall at the Phenom Tip-Off, as there were plenty of storylines we walked away with. But, probably the most impressive storyline and player that earned our attention the most was the play of 2026 6’4 Dacen Petty from Christ School. Petty has had a tremendous start to the season, and one of the key factors...
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POB’s Top Point Guards from Phenom Tip-Off
The Phenom Tip-Off delivered high-level action from start to finish, and the point guard play was nothing short of impressive. From floor generals who controlled the tempo to dynamic scorers who set the tone offensively, this year’s event showcased a deep group of lead guards ready to make their mark. After evaluating the weekend’s performances, Patrick O’Brien highlights the top point guards...
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POB’s Standouts from Phenom Tip Off
Day 1 Standouts 2027 Caiden Jenkins (Phoenix Montessori) Jenkins simply set the tone in this game, coming out strong and making a statement for his team. He was on a tear early on, scoring 20 points in the first half and continued to play well within the game in the second half. Jenkins was consistent in showing his ability to score from multiple levels, getting to his spots off the catch, or...
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Final Scores at Phenom Tip Off
Day 1 – Friday FinalPhoenix Montessori 92 – Winston Salem Christian 71PM: Caiden Jenkins 33pts, Malik McCotter 20pts, Reid Johannes 9ptsWS: Garang Garang 19pts, Solomon Shirey 18pts, Noa Sacchiaroli FinalCombine Academy 74 – Ambassador Christian 69CA: Jeromy Davis 26pts, Elhadji Diallo 17pts, Freddy Lyakine 16ptsAC: Nick Haney 17pts, Jeremiah Franklin 13pts, Zeke Kelly 9pts...
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2026 7’1 Ethan Taylor commits to Michigan State
Player: Ethan TaylorSchool: Link AcademyHeight: 7’1Class: 2026 Michigan State has found a lot of recent success on the recruiting trail as of late, not only landing 2026 Jasiah Jervis recently but also landing 2026 Julius Avent and 2026 Carlos Medlock Jr. for the 2026 recruiting cycle. But the Spartans aren’t done yet, as they have landed one of the premier centers in the county in 2026 7’1...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: Kenny Hunter #8: 5’10 ’27 Charlie Henson (River Bluff) Starting off, Charlie Henson is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2027. He’s a scrappy, heady guard who consistently stood out through his nonstop motor and unselfish mentality. Henson is a terrific perimeter shooter with the ability to get to his spots and knock down jumpers at a high percentage. He’s willing to make the...
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South Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 7
Team 7 Coach: Jordan Paris #7: 5’10 ’26 Braydyn Francis (Chapin) Starting off, Braydyn Francis is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2026. He provided a very steady, reliable presence from the point guard position. Francis is a quick, heady floor general with a quality handle and playmaking sense. He’s a capable scorer from all levels, but is at his best when breaking down opponents and...
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