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Breakout Players in the ACC (Sophomores) (Part 3)
Derin Saran with Phenom Hoops 6’4 Derin Saran – Stanford Saran is a very familiar name with Phenom Hoops and one of the few sophomores on the roster, Saran is certainly one that I will have my eyes on. As a freshman at UC Irvine, he played in all 32 games and really flourished with his IQ and feel, his ability to score and facilitate, and he has really good size at 6’4 as a guard. Saran was able...
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2026 6’8 Mannie Villegas (Benedictine) should be a player of interest
Player: Emanuel (Mannie) VillegasClass: 2026Height: 6’8School: Benedictine Virginia continues to be a state that produces under-the-radar talent for a variety of levels for the collegiate level, and Phenom Hoops is determined to shed more light on players that we watched over the summer. One player that we had an opportunity to watch and learn about was 2026 6’8 Mannie Villegas, a developing...
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Tony Jones Announced as Winston-Salem State Assistant Coach
On Tuesday, Winston-Salem State officially announced the hiring of Tony Jones to serve as the lead assistant on Corey Thompson’s staff. This opportunity is deserved and long overdue for one of the most genuine, knowledgeable individuals in North Carolina’s basketball scene. Formerly at UNC Pembroke, Seventy-First High School, and (most recently) St. Paul’s High School, Jones has more than earned...
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The All-Around Floor General: Miles Leaks
Now that we’ve reached the month of August, travel ball has concluded and players are preparing for the upcoming high school season. While the majority of targets for college coaches are seniors, several juniors and multiple sophomores will inevitably put themselves on the radars of next-level programs. Over the next few months, we will closely examine various players who...
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Establishing the Foundation: Big Expectations for Ambassador Christian’s First Season
Every few years, a new school is formed (usually in one of the major cities), becomes a hotbed for talent, and eventually trends upward in the national spotlight. Well, that’s precisely what happened earlier this summer when coaches Scott Taylor and Nick Jones sent shockwaves through the grassroots scene by announcing their move to Ambassador Christian School. After going 145-62 in eight seasons...
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Carrying the First Flight Torch: Mason Dobie
Now that we’ve reached the month of August, travel ball has concluded and players are preparing for the upcoming high school season. While the majority of targets for college coaches are seniors, several juniors and multiple sophomores will inevitably put themselves on the radars of next-level programs. Over the next few months, we will closely examine various players who...
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2025 7’1 Malachi Moreno announces his commitment to Kentucky
Player: Malachi MorenoClass: 2025Height: 7’1 It was a big Friday for several programs around the country, as one of the top big men in the country was set to announce his commitment. 2025 7’1 Malachi Moreno had all eyes watching his way and ultimately announced that he would be heading to Kentucky. Check out what we have said in the past about his game and what he said previously about the...
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2026 Trey Pearson set the tone this summer and is looking to build off heading into HS season
Player: Trey PearsonClass: 2026Height: 6’2AAU: Bradley BealHigh School: Pope John Paul II What a summer it was, as players and teams were crowned champions on the national stage. Bradley Beal Elite 16u was able to walk away crowned Peach Jam Champions, and a player that had a strong showing throughout and set the tone was 2026 6’2 guard Trey Pearson. Pearson finished the EYBL Peach Jam averaging...
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Latest Recruiting Intel: 2025 6’5 Tariq Bridges
Phenom Hoops continues to bring attention to players around the country, as we head out to California to check in with 2025 6’5 Tariq Bridges. A player that has been garnering more attention this summer, Bridges has been developing and showing more of his game, which is catching the attention of more college programs at multiple levels. Bridges, who plays at St. Pius X, spoke to Phenom Hoops...
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North Lincoln’s College-Level Duo Preparing for Notable Senior Season
Each year, the recruiting landscape becomes more and more challenging for prospects to navigate. The talent pool at all levels is greater than ever before largely due to the ability to play college athletics for an increased period. Ultimately, it’s terrific for coaches and the overall on-court product, but inevitably limits a player’s options. Take the North Lincoln pairing of Kellen Karr and...
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Defending the Title: Can Boston Repeat as Champions'
Despite being one of the most successful franchises across all major sports, the Boston Celtics face constant scrutiny. The Jaylen Brown max extension was polarizing to many, Derrick White’s status as an unsung hero received pushback, and the trades to acquire Kristaps Porzingis/Jrue Holiday weren’t necessarily viewed as surefire home runs at the time. Even after winning the title, there have...
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The High School Season is Approaching Quickly with #PhenomHoops
Every year, Phenom Hoops has been able to put together a LOADED high school schedule for teams and fans all around the region. And we might have to say that 2024 may be our best year yet!! Below, you will see all our upcoming events and dates with Phenom Hoops, as we will have nationally ranked teams, state champions, and elite-level talent on the court at each. Start marking your calendars...
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POB’s Thoughts: 2026 Deron Rippey Jr. showing why he is an elite PG in the country
Phenom Hoops and Patrick O’Brien were on the sidelines not long ago for the US Open Club Championships, bringing some of the top young talent to the courts from all over the country. Getting a chance to watch some of the young premier talents, one player that stole the show and impressed many was 2026 6’2 Deron Rippey Jr. At the event, I had this to say about his game: “Rippey Jr. is regarded...
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2025 6’8 Levon Jacobs (Davidson Day) could be a sneaky prospect to watch
Summer is ending, which means the high school season is right around the corner. To prepare for the upcoming season, we are looking to highlight players in the Class of 2025 that will be prospects to watch, as they look to go out in style. Continue to check back on all the latest player profiles with Phenom Hoops. One player that has gone under the radar but is also one that has made...
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Could Olympic build on a strong season with young prospects'
Lady Phenom Hoops is gearing up for a tremendous season and we are looking at teams around the state that have talent to be on the lookout for. A very interesting team that many should have their eyes on is Olympic; coming off a season in which they finished 14-11 overall and 4-6 in conference play, this was a very young team last year and with another year under their belt, this program...
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Forestview hoping to build on a strong 2023 season
Lady Phenom Hoops is gearing up for a tremendous season and we are looking at teams around the state that have talent to be on the lookout for. Last year, the Jaguars of Forestview finished the season 16-10 overall and 8-6 in conference play, ultimately having a chance to play in the 3A playoffs before falling to East Lincoln. After a year of experience under their belt, Forestview could...
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Is the 1A Big Smoky Conference (NC) up for grabs once again'
Phenom Hoops is diving into the upcoming season, and we are bringing several previews and discussions about teams and players to watch out for. We are looking into several conferences to see who could be looking strong early on based on the information we have and from last year’s results. Take a look at these teams below, as we think these could be programs to watch out for in each. 1A Big...
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Who looks to come out on top in the A Region 2 (SC) this year'
Phenom Hoops is diving into the upcoming season, and we are bringing several previews and discussions about teams and players to watch out for. We are looking into several regions to see who could be looking strong early on based on the information we have and from last year’s results. Take a look at these teams below, as we think these could be programs to watch out for in each. A Region 2...
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Marquette is building something strong with 2025 recruiting class
Marquette has been on a role this summer for its recruiting class for 2025. Shaka Smart and his staff have been making waves in the last few months with four commitments for 2025, with the latest coming from Adrien Stevens and not long ago with Michael Phillips. With four commitments on board, the Golden Eagles are looking to build a strong recruiting class early, as we break down more of...
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Lady Phenom Commitment Alert: 2025 Isa Roman commits to Appalachian State
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: Isa RomanClass: 2025Committed to: Appalachian State What Has Been Said: “One...
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Who could be making noise in the 1A Atlantic Conference (NC)'
Phenom Hoops is diving into the upcoming season, and we are bringing several previews and discussions about teams and players to watch out for. We are looking into several conferences to see who could be looking strong early on based on the information we have and from last year’s results. Take a look at these teams below, as we think these could be programs to watch out for in each...
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Will it be McCormick again in the A Region 1 (SC) or will new names join the party'
Phenom Hoops is diving into the upcoming season, and we are bringing several previews and discussions about teams and players to watch out for. We are looking into several regions to see who could be looking strong early on based on the information we have and from last year’s results. Take a look at these teams below, as we think these could be programs to watch out for in each. A Region 1...
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Is 2026 center Williams Stevens the best-kept secret in the region'
The talent in the Class of 2026 is shaping incredibly well, especially around the region with Phenom Hoops. Going down the rankings in the Class in North Carolina for 2026, it had me thinking that 2026 6’10 Williams Stevens still may be the best-kept secret… but we are here to change that. When you talk about bigs at this level, it is well-known that big men usually take a big longer to develop...
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Young Talent looking to take the next step for Southern Durham
Lady Phenom Hoops is gearing up for a tremendous season and we are looking at teams around the state that have talent to be on the lookout for. Last year, Southern Durham had a very good season as the Spartans finished the season 24-6 on the girls’ side. They were able to make a strong run in the playoffs before falling to Terry Sanford in the third round. And when you look at last...
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Post-Olympic Thoughts: USA Earns Gold
Despite a major scare against Serbia in the semifinal contest, Team USA escapes France to win gold at the Paris Olympics. Although the United States has won each of their last five trips, this was arguably the team’s biggest challenge in recent history. They rolled through pool play and beat opponents by at least 17 points in that three-game stretch. After thwarting Brazil in the opening round...
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Phenom Player Profile: 2025 Graham Orndoff
Player: Graham OrndoffClass: 2025School: Combine Academy Summer is ending, which means the high school season is right around the corner. To prepare for the upcoming season, we are looking to highlight players in the Class of 2025 that will be prospects to watch, as they look to go out in style. Continue to check back on all the latest player profiles with Phenom Hoops. We continue...
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Departing Talent: Prospects Heading to the National Stage
Each year, we watch high school prospects filter in and out of North Carolina. Some players come to the Hoopstate for increased exposure or opportunities, but several depart for the same reason. More often than not, our “homegrown” talents tend to transfer elsewhere in hopes of developing on a national-level schedule. This is no knock on any program, as it’s simply the nature of the landscape...
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Phenom Player Profile: 2025 Ahmari Hicks
Player: Ahmari HicksClass: 2025School: East Meck Summer is ending, which means the high school season is right around the corner. To prepare for the upcoming season, we are looking to highlight players in the Class of 2025 that will be prospects to watch, as they look to go out in style. Continue to check back on all the latest player profiles with Phenom Hoops. 2025 Ahmari Hicks...
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Phenom Player Profile: 2025 Graham Moose
Player: Graham MooseClass: 2025School: Willow Springs The summer is ending, which means the high school season is right around the corner. To prepare for the upcoming season, we are looking to highlight players in the Class of 2025 that will be prospects to watch, as they look to go out in style. Continue to check back on all the latest player profiles with Phenom Hoops. 2025 Graham Moose is a...
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2027 6’1 Jason Gardner Jr. proving to be an elite point guard
Player: Jason Gardner Jr.Class: 2027Height: 6’1AAU: Indiana EliteSchool: Fishers HS Down in Rock Hill (SC) for the USA Club Championships, there was plenty of talent to be found with some of the younger talents on display. One guard that we were impressed with big time was 2027 6’1 Jason Gardner Jr. for Indiana Elite, a team that ultimately won the silver bracket. When talking about his...
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