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Abijah Franklin Having Dominant Senior Season
Each year, several prospects from South Carolina burst onto the scene and start quickly capturing attention. Although we know the Palmetto State is loaded with prospects, people still tend to generally overlook the talent it produces. Abijah Franklin is a prime example. Our first viewing of the 6-foot-5 wing came last April during the Phenom Rise Showcase. He played with Team USC and clearly...
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Harrell’s Christian Poised for Best Season in School History
After nearly 20 years of being established, Harrell’s Christian is set to have their winningest season ever. Currently sitting at 20-2 and winning the last seven games, the Crusaders legitimately have the ability to win the remainder of their schedule. What’s been the secret to their success? Between Dashaun McKoy, Zicareian McNeil, Amir Moore, and the clear breakout season from Antonio McKoy,...
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Maintaining Perfection: Reidsville Continues to Roll
There are so many factors that go into winning at the highest levels. Talent is an obvious requirement, but coaching, discipline, structure, and countless other variables play a massive role. It’s almost underappreciated when teams figure out the recipe, as dominance simply becomes the expectation rather than an unlikely occurrence. This sentiment feels somewhat applicable to Reidsville—a team...
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Leading the Charge: Kaharri Coleman Producing at a High Level
There’s a lot of talent in North Carolina’s Class of 2028. Many of these young prospects have already established themselves as meaningful contributors or primary options at the varsity level. While team success is undoubtedly important, individual production (specifically at this stage) can reveal a lot about a player’s ability and mentality. Quietly having one of the most productive seasons...
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Target for College Coaches: Rylan Parkins Having Big Senior Year
Every year, there are tons of high school prospects who get overlooked despite checking all the boxes. It’s pretty common to see coaches take a likening to a player and then (with or without reason) nothing happens. However, it feels like more college programs should be pursuing someone like Rylan Parkins of McDowell High School. He was a favorite amongst coaches during his travel ball season...
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Chase Smith Quickly Putting It All Together
Every year, there is a new batch of incoming freshmen. Typically, expectations from the masses vary based on reputation, production, and translatable long-term ability. North Carolina’s Class of 2028 has many talented players and intriguing prospects. Although he entered the high school ranks as prepared as anyone, it’s clear that Chase Smith is rapidly making strides within his progression. The...
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Balance Leading the Way for NCGBB
Despite some ups and downs this season, it’s easy to appreciate the adversity NC GBB has faced. Between injuries and general absences, they’ve managed to stay the course and currently sit at 5-4 with several challenging opponents throughout their early schedule. Coach Zimmerman consistently gets this group to compete and has a variety of next-level pieces within his roster. Let’s take a closer...
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Karsten Swinney Averaging Video Game Numbers
There is so much quality basketball throughout North Carolina that players can easily get overlooked by the masses—even in major cities. Although he’s been talked about earlier this season, it’s unclear if enough people truly realize what Karsten Swinney is doing on a nightly basis for Freedom Christian. His averages of 29.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 6.9 APG, and 2.8 SPG basically speak for themselves....
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Burlington Christian Powering Through Adversity
There are so many variables that impact winning at the high school level. The combination of coaching, talent, and kids buying into the bigger picture typically pays dividends in the long run. Most teams don’t have players leaving in the middle of the season, which is a massive part of what makes Coach Myrick and Burlington Christian’s success so impressive. They lost their two leading scorers...
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Can Christ School Go Undefeated?
This season, Christ School has clearly been the best high school team within the public and private associations. They currently sit at 13-0 with a majority of their toughest opponents in the rear-view mirror. Outside of Combine Academy, no team has been able to challenge them with a single-digit result. The Greenies are coming off a state championship run, but one could argue this year’s roster...
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What Makes Josh Leonard the Best Prospect in the Carolinas?
Although the state of South Carolina is largely known for football and producing a sizable number of NFL athletes, it continues to grow as a hotbed for NBA talent. Headlined by names like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Khris Middleton, Aaron Nesmith, and GG Jackson, there are over a dozen active players from the Palmetto state. Several historically great players (Kevin Garnett, Alex English,...
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Unleashing the Tiger: Shane Fernald’s Breakout Season
Photo Courtesy of Hampden-Sydney College basketball is a fascinating game. There are many variables and entertaining subplots to monitor as these young men look to transition from high school to college. Each individual has their respective journey, and there’s no real way to predict how things will unfold—no matter how sure or unsure things may seem. Guys outperform and underperform...
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Senior Duo Posting Impressive Numbers for North Lincoln
The state of North Carolina is incredibly fortunate to have such an overabundance of talent within the basketball scene. Whether teams or individual players, there’s seemingly always someone to know in every pocket of the Hoopstate. Although they aren’t necessarily tucked away, North Lincoln is a team worthy of attention from the masses. The Knights have seen some ups and downs this season, but...
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Kameron Taylor Shining as X-Factor for UNC Asheville
While it’s likely common knowledge amongst those within the grassroots scene, recruiting North Carolina is a polarizing subject for some college programs. Fortunately, the hesitance of others hasn’t deterred Coach Mike Morrell from trusting his eyes and aggressively recruiting the state (both out of high school and the transfer portal). The Bulldogs’ top seven players in minutes all came from...
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LJ Smith’s Potential Record-Breaking Season
The phrase “some records aren’t meant to be broken” is strange. While often coined as a term of respect for the past generations and historical context, all records are meant to be broken. That being said, the difficulty required can certainly vary from one historical feat to the next. Most people have accepted that Rasheed Wallace’s 41 technical fouls (in a single season) won’t be broken, but...
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Worthy of Increased Attention: Dynamite Johnson Producing at a High Level
The talent within the high school basketball landscape seems to unveil more and more college-worthy players each year. Although there’s an influx of next-level prospects, we regularly see guys falling through the cracks. It’s not uncommon for someone to have individual production, team success, and translatable tools, yet don’t receive the appropriate amount of attention from the masses. There...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Ambassador Classic (Part Two)
6’4 ’26 KJ Shouse (Carolina International) Despite Carolina International narrowly suffering defeat, Shouse continues to shine as the all-around focal point for the Comets. He utilized his versatility to set the tone on both ends of the floor. Shouse consistently secured rebounds, defended multiple positions, and produced in several ways offensively. Although he’s shown visible improvement as a...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Ambassador Classic (Part One)
6’0 ’26 Cam Newman (Gaston Christian) Arguably the top performance of the event, Newman was undeniably impressive. Although he offered his usual amount of playmaking and defensive prowess, the 38-point scoring outburst was easily the most memorable part of this showing. Newman applied pressure as a downhill threat and finished well at the basket but legitimately set the nets ablaze from beyond...
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Ambassador Classic Previews: Young Stars Collide
This weekend, Phenom Hoops travels to Ambassador Christian in Huntersville, North Carolina to host our inaugural Ambassador Classic. The one-day event features six games with a healthy mix of programs from the public, private, and independent sectors. In preparation for the showcase, we will take a closer look at each matchup and overview some of the anticipated storylines… Burlington Christian...
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Ambassador Classic Previews: Gaston Day and Carolina International Looking to Get Back on Track
This weekend, Phenom Hoops travels to Ambassador Christian in Huntersville, North Carolina to host our inaugural Ambassador Classic. The one-day event features six games with a healthy mix of programs from the public, private, and independent sectors. In preparation for the showcase, we will take a closer look at each matchup and overview some of the anticipated storylines… Gaston Day vs....
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Ambassador Classic Previews: Major Programs from the Big Cities Collide
This weekend, Phenom Hoops travels to Ambassador Christian in Huntersville, North Carolina to host our inaugural Ambassador Classic. The one-day event features six games with a healthy mix of programs from the public, private, and independent sectors. In preparation for the showcase, we will take a closer look at each matchup and overview some of the anticipated storylines… Gaston Christian vs....
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Ambassador Classic Previews: Oak Ridge Military Travels to Face Charlotte Performance Institute
This weekend, Phenom Hoops travels to Ambassador Christian in Huntersville, North Carolina to host our inaugural Ambassador Classic. The one-day event features six games with a healthy mix of programs from the public, private, and independent sectors. In preparation for the showcase, we will take a closer look at each matchup and overview some of the anticipated storylines… Charlotte Performance...
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Biggest Stock Risers from the John Wall Holiday Invitational
6’7” 2026 Trevor Manhertz (Green Level) Manhertz was, in my opinion, the biggest stock riser from the weekend, showcasing his intriguing physical tools and high level shooting ability in a heightened role for the Gators. He was comfortable attacking with his off hand, finished through contact well, and made some really impressive passing reads. He averaged 17.7 PPG on the weekend with shooting...
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Player Standouts at Gate City Classic (Part Two)
6’4 ’26 Dane Cassada (Calvary Day) It’s easy to appreciate everything Cassada does to assert himself as a focal point and team-oriented leader for this group. He’s a smart, highly skilled guard with great size, feel, and the necessary polish to burden a massive offensive load. Cassada scores from all levels and creates for himself and others with relative ease. He offers the perfect balance of...
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Player Standouts at Gate City Classic (Part One)
6’4 ’25 Will James (Holly Springs) The Toledo commit was nothing short of impressive throughout the weekend. With scoring performances of 40, 34, and 33 points, James was virtually unstoppable in getting what he wanted. Most people naturally assume the point totals translate to an excessive shot volume, but that’s not really the case in this situation. Although James isn’t shy about asserting...
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Top Performers at Phenom Gate City (Friday)
NC GBB 6’2 ’25 KJ Burke- 30 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals 6’3 ’26 Malcolm McNeil- 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals 6’4 ’25 Cameron Barnes- 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 steals Southern Wake Academy 6’7 ’25 Ira Wilson- 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal 5’11 ’25 Seung Surmons- 15 points, 3 rebounds 6’7 ’25 Bryan Epperson- 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 18
Team 18 Coach: Stan Carpenter #6: 5’8 ’28 Jahlil Jenkins (Westwood) Starting off, we look at a player who displayed a quality understanding of how to dictate the action, Jahlil Jenkins. He’s a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with a crafty handle, useful vision, and the ability to touch the paint. Jenkins makes smart decisions and looks to set up others whenever possible. He finishes well...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 17
Team 17 Coach: Chris Ewell #2: 5’7 ’28 JT Brodowski (River Bluff) Starting off, we look at a player who made a nice impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, JT Brodowski. He’s a scrappy, unselfish guard prospect who is comfortable with or without the ball in his hands. Brodowski is a reliable perimeter shooter, both from midrange and beyond the arc, and gets to his spots well in...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 16
Team 16 Coach: Ricardo Priester #3: 5’7 ’28 Gregory Williams Jr. (Eau Claire) Starting off, we look at a player who did a lot of things well despite being the smallest camper on this team, Gregory Williams Jr. He’s a scrappy, unselfish guard prospect who can dictate the action as a playmaker or find success as an off-ball threat. Williams is a quality perimeter shooter, both from midrange and...
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South Carolina Freshman 40 Camp Evaluations: Team 15
Team 15 Coach: John Royal #1: 5’7 ’28 Chad Scriven (Blythewood) Starting off, we look at a player who made a strong impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Chad Scriven. He’s a smart, methodical point guard prospect with a terrific combination of pace, vision, and ball-handling ability. Scriven is an unselfish creator who understands how to penetrate and make correct decisions...
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