EVENT NEWS
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Player Standouts at Phenom March Madness
6’2 ’24 CJ Vaughn (NC Rise) The emergence of this NC Rise program has already benefitted various players, and Vaughn is certainly included in that group. Between their structure and ability to get up and down, the athletic combo-guard has no issue asserting himself within the action. Vaughn scores the ball from all levels, attacks the basket at a nice rate, and contains his assignment well...
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Open Gym Report: NC Spartans 17U Haidinger
On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops (Jeff Bendel, Tyler Lewis, and Colby Lewis) traveled out to Bishop McGuinness High School for the NC Spartans Media Day. The Spartans should be well-known as one of the better independent programs across the Carolinas, and their current group is no exception. Josh Thompson is the director, but Herb Liles, Kerry Graves, Curtis Patton, Ryan Haidinger, Michael Bowers, and...
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Open Gym Report: NC Spartans 16U Liles
On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops (Jeff Bendel, Tyler Lewis, and Colby Lewis) traveled out to Bishop McGuinness High School for the NC Spartans Media Day. The Spartans should be well-known as one of the better independent programs across the Carolinas, and their current group is no exception. Josh Thompson is the director, but Herb Liles, Kerry Graves, Curtis Patton, Ryan Haidinger, Michael Bowers, and...
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Open Gym Report: NC Spartans 16U Graves
On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops (Jeff Bendel, Tyler Lewis, and Colby Lewis) traveled out to Bishop McGuinness High School for the NC Spartans Media Day. The Spartans should be well-known as one of the better independent programs across the Carolinas, and their current group is no exception. Josh Thompson is the director, but Herb Liles, Kerry Graves, Curtis Patton, Ryan Haidinger, Michael Bowers, and...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’7 Jemez Herd
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of 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. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
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Notable Freshmen from Phenom Spring Tip-Off
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the Rise Indoor Facility to continue carrying onward with our travel ball season. The Spring Tip-Off featured a variety of intriguing teams from all age groups, and each had their own collection of standouts. While there were a ton of guys worth noting, this article will take a closer look at a few prospects who are concluding their...
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Still Relevant: Durham Hurricanes
Optics is such a major part of the grassroots landscape. It can literally dictate whether kids deem a program valuable or relevant enough to play for. While somewhat understandable, it’s also pretty unfair. The shift in player movement over the recent years has been well-documented, but folks still don’t seem to understand the worth in actually doing their research. Let’s be candid: the Durham...
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Keep an eye on 2025 6’7 Preston Copeland
Player: Preston CopelandClass: 2025Height: 6’7School: Raleigh Christian AcademyAAU: Garner Road At the start of the season, it always excites us at Phenom Hoops to find those young new names, the next wave of talent coming through the state of North Carolina. One player that we first saw even BEFORE the season was 2025 Preston Copeland at Raleigh Christian Academy. Back in September,...
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BSA Supreme: Even Better Than Before'
The grassroots landscape has gradually (not entirely) drifted away from the competitive balance between independent programs and the primary circuit teams. While it’s still evident, we would be naïve to think that the current scene is comparable to that of three or five years ago. Regardless, BSA Supreme (formerly CC Elite) has maintained their status as a premier independent program and a squad...
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom Spring Tip-Off
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Rise Indoor Sports in Advance, North Carolina to continue onward with the early stages of the summer season. The event was loaded with a ton of next-level talent, and though plenty of folks were enamored with March Madness, there was more than enough excitement swirling throughout the facility. There were multiple highly anticipated matchups on...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Spring Tip-Off
6’8 ’23 Dejuan Sidney (Juice All-Stars) Commonly known for their slew of up-and-coming talent, it should come as no surprise to see Sidney as another name worth noting within the Juice All-Stars program. He’s a long, mobile forward/post prospect with nice length and an active motor. Sidney can finish as needed but doesn’t look to force the offensive action. He rebounds, blocks shots, and looks...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’2 Sterling Charles Jr.
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of 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. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’4 Eric Morgan Jr.
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of 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. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and...
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Criminally Under-Recruited Guard Duo from Winston-Salem Christian
Though it’s widely acknowledged (and accepted) at this point, the recruiting landscape is absolutely destroyed. It’s so interesting that folks, specifically college coaches, find this latest method to be more advantageous when no one is reaching new heights. Are some teams winning marginally more while others have seen slight dips' Of course. But to think that bringing in college...
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A Closer Look: Speights Academy
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops concluded the high school season in Rock Hill, South Carolina with our Hoopstate Championship and Post Grad Nationals. While plenty of attention was directed at the bracket play among independent programs, the Post Grad Nationals also gave us a ton of exciting basketball. The competition was intense throughout the three-day period, but Speights Academy had little...
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Bendel’s Best: Phenom Opening
This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina for a three-day stretch of very entertaining competition. We had a trio of different events taking place from the Hoopstate Championship to the Post Grad Nationals to the Phenom Opening, and each offered its own collection of standouts. Although we still plan to highlight...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Opening/Post Grad Nationals
6’0 ’22 Cole Sinclair (Winston-Salem Christian) Given the healthy mix of talent in the gym, Sinclair was easily among the most impressive post-grad performers on display. He’s a lethal shooting threat with deep range and an effortless release, but can also attack the basket and create for others. Sinclair does a great job of dictating the offense, yet also consistently finds success without the...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Hoopstate Championship
6’8 ’22 Ezra Ausar (Liberty Heights) Though his status as one of the state’s top prospects should already be widely acknowledged, the unsigned Ausar continues to perform at a high level. He’s a long, explosive forward/post with a strong frame and the ability to simply dominate opponents with his physical two-way approach. That being said, Ausar also hit jumpers, attacked off the bounce, and...
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Hoopstate Championship Recaps: Moravian Prep v. Lake Norman Christian
The second game of our Hoopstate Championship bracket took place between Moravian Prep and Lake Norman Christian. The Storm came out of the gate and scored the first two buckets to start this contest. Immediately thereafter, Moravian Prep put together a 12-2 run, started controlling the action, and led 14-10 after the first quarter. The ensuing period was more of the same, as Moravian continued...
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Hoopstate Championship Recap: Liberty Heights v. NC GBB
The first game of our Hoopstate Championship bracket took place between Liberty Heights National and NC GBB. Things kicked off in favor of Liberty Heights, as they struck first, dug deep on both ends of the floor, and did a great job of extending their lead prior to the end of the first quarter—where Liberty Heights led 21-10 over NC GBB. The Cardinal continued their hot start, rattling off 14...
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Player Standouts at Phenom PG Nationals
6’7 ’22 Joyful Hawkins (North Florida Prep) In all honesty, Hawkins possess as much raw talent as anyone from this contest. His combination of size, length, and athleticism allows him to physically impose his will against most opposing forwards. However, Hawkins is more than an athlete. His offensive skillset has made strides since last summer, and he looks more than comfortable at making plays...
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Players to Watch for in the NCHSAA State Championships: Weddington v. Panther Creek
6’2 ’22 Kyle Frazier (Weddington) Although any of the Cook-Morton-Lowe grouping could be emphasized here, Frazier is always so reliable at filling in the gaps as the glue-guy on both ends of the floor. He’s an extremely well-rounded player who understands how to naturally affect all facets of the game. Frazier is a quality passer, shooter, rebounder, and versatile defender who simply plays...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’2 Jackson Hawkins
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of 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. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are...
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Players to Watch for in the NCHSAA State Championships: Seventy-First v. West Charlotte
6’8 ’23 James Scott (Seventy-First) Given the difference between these two rosters (especially following the Donovan Raymond injury), Scott could ultimately be the biggest x-factor on either team. He’s just extremely reliable on both ends of the floor, and that should allow him to naturally affect all facets of the game within the flow of the action. Scott is long, poised, and really embraces...
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Players to Watch for in the NCHSAA State Championships: Farmville Central v. Jay M. Robinson
6’4 ’23 Jah Short (Farmville Central) There’s no hiding the personal likening for Short, his game, and consistent progression into become a star over the last few years. He possesses great length, athleticism, and two-way instincts. Short can reliably create for himself or others with the ball in his hands. He’s great at attacking the basket and applying pressure as a downhill force, both in...
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Players to Watch in the NCHSAA State Championships: Hayesville v. Chatham Charter
6’7 ’22 Jake McTaggart (Hayesville) Although he’s committed to Charlotte for football, Hayesville’s playoff run should definitely remind folks about McTaggart’s notable basketball ability. At a strong, fluid, physical 6-foot-7, he’s a matchup problem (especially in 1A) and among the top multisport athletes in the state. He’s tough and plays hard, which allows him to regularly control the...
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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: 6’8 Ryan D’Joussa
At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from the Carolinas 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. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are...
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What More Do Coaches Want from Chase Lowe'
Alright folks, it’s time we sit down for the umpteenth time and openly discuss the travesty that is Chase Lowe’s recruitment. Before we delve into the specific details of the situation, we must genuinely ask, “what more does he need to do or prove'” Yeah, the transfer portal. Whatever. It’s becoming really tired and played out at this point. Do coaches not understand that every team...
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The Most Under-Recruited Prospects in North Carolina
Being overlooked is a definite possibility within the grassroots scene. Whether by scouts, spectators, or college coaches, plenty of worthy prospects have been brushed aside through no fault of their own. It’s not uncommon, but it is disheartening. Understandably, there are more scholarship-worthy kids than available scholarships to offer, but there still seems to be some disconnect. It’s...
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The intrigue is there: 2023 6’8 Max Frazier (Northwood)
One of the best parts about our job at Phenom Hoops is not just finding elite talent but also new talent, or talent that seems to be sliding up the rug a little. Recently watching the showdown between West Carteret and Northwood, one player continues to attract my attention with what he provides on the court. 2023 6’8 Max Frazier from Northwood high school is a player that brings intrigue with...
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