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Why Isaiah Evans Is a Top-Five Player in North Carolina’s Class of 2024
Although rankings are an extremely arbitrary practice, they are still a useful tool for discussion points and general debate. As it’s been stated countless times before: rankings do not matter. However, they do exist. Folks love to get excitable to lend their personal perspective on a given player or situation, but context and sample size simply outweigh most of these anecdotes. If James Posey...
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The Future of Trinity Christian
While it probably goes without saying, Coach Heath Vandevender has seen an abundance of talent come through the doors during his time at Trinity Christian. From the likes of Dennis Smith to Josh Nickelberry, Joey Baker, Greg Gantt, and countless others, there has been no shortage of accomplishments for the Crusaders. Even recently, he’s won a lot of games behind the leadership of Freddie...
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Worthy of More Attention: Brent Randleman
Each year, there are dozens of prospects who seem to fall through the cracks at no fault of their own. It seems like, generally speaking, college coaches understand and can quickly identity the difference between someone who belongs at the next level and someone who does not. Alas, Brent Randleman absolutely has the makings of a scholarship-worthy prospect—yet his current recruitment doesn’t...
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Player Standouts at Hoops and Dreams Showcase (Day 1)
Presented by LucasMoore Realty, IncCheck out all the standouts from Day 1 of the Hoops & Dreams Showcase in Fayetteville, NC 6’4 ’22 Tajuan Simpkins (Liberty Heights Varsity) In watching the twins perform, it’s extremely perplexing as to why Tajuan Simpkins is so under-recruited. He’s clearly shown the ability to operate as a lead guard and very effective playmaker with the ball in his...
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Smith v. Grimsley
On Monday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the “Big Four” at Ben L. Smith High School, as the Golden Eagles prepared to host Grimsley High School as both squads kick off the start to their respective seasons. There’s an obvious amount of excitement surrounding each team. Smith has a healthy mix of talented veterans and young, up-and-coming talent, in addition to their notable coaching staff led by...
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Page v. Dudley
On Monday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the “Big Four” at Ben L. Smith High School, as Page and Dudley prepared to kick off their season with a neutral site contest. Given their talent, leadership, and coaching staff, the Pirates entered this contest with their highest expectations in recent memory. Meanwhile, Dudley quietly trended upward as one of the Triad’s more underrated teams throughout...
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Phenom 150 Session II Camp Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Austin Collins #43: 5’7 ’26 Dionte Neal (Reidsville) Starting things off, we look at a player who already possesses poise well beyond his years, Dionte Neal. He’s a tough, crafty guard prospect with excellent creation skills and a dynamic scoring arsenal from all levels. Neal can effortlessly get wherever he wants off the bounce, and displays the combination of scoring...
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Phenom 150 Session II Camp Evaluations: Team 3
Team 3 Coach: Dre Simmons #34: 5’5 ’25 Dean Ruthstrom (Lake Norman Charter) Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to highlight steady improvement within his progression, Dean Ruthstrom. He’s a young, wiry, unselfish guard prospect with an active motor and the ability to apply pressure as a spot-up threat from beyond the arc. Ruthstrom moves well without the ball, hits...
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Phenom 150 Session II Camp Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Tyler Lewis #25: 5’4 ’26 Grant Jacques (Grace Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who performed very well despite being the youngest and smallest camper on this team, Grant Jacques. He’s a wiry, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with an excellent spot-up presence along the perimeter. Jacques is fairly quick and understands how to find opportunities...
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Phenom 150 Session II Camp Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Gerroid Doughty #15: 5’0 ’28 Gideon Mount (Lewisville) Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to perform well despite his young age, Gideon Mount. He’s a sturdy, high-motor guard prospect with an unselfish approach and the understanding of how to consistently make an impact without necessarily requiring the ball in his hands. Mount provides excellent...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Jamboree Session II
6’1 ’23 Will Gray (East Forsyth) It should be unsurprising at this point, but Gray continues to be easily identifiable as the clear leader of this East Forsyth group. He consistently sets the tone on both ends of the floor, highlighting a smart, unselfish offensive game while overwhelming opponents defensively. Gray is excellent at getting downhill and attacking the basket, where he’s able to...
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Phenom 150 Session I Camp Evaluations: Team 7
Team 7 Coach: Bronal Gary #105: 5’6 ’26 Ashton Arthur (Independence) Starting things off, we look at a player who competed extremely well despite being the youngest camper on this team, Ashton Arthur. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with vision, perimeter shooting, and a terrific off-ball presence. Arthur plays hard and understands how to maximize his presence on both ends of the...
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Phenom 150 Session I Camp Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: Jermaine Williams #106: 5’6 ’25 Jalon Bailey (Shady Spring) Starting things off, we look at a player who made a quality impact despite his somewhat unassuming nature, Jalon Bailey. He’s a young, wiry, well-rounded guard prospect with useful creation skills and the ability to operate with or without the ball in his hands. Bailey is a nice shooter, passer, and overall...
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Phenom 150 Session I Camp Evaluations: Team 6
Team 6 Coach: Kelvin Mills #104: 5’5 ’25 Dean Ruthstrom (Lake Norman Charter) Starting things off, we look at a player who simply knows how to make his presence felt despite his lack of size, Dean Ruthstrom. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with an excellent off-ball presence and the ability to pose problems as a shooter from midrange and beyond the arc. Ruthstrom plays with an...
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Phenom 150 Session I Camp Evaluations: Team 5
Team 5 Coach: Austin Collins #102: 5’3 ’25 Brylee Austin (Cox Mill) Starting things off, we look at a player who consistently found ways to make an impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Brylee Austin. He’s a young, wiry point guard prospect with nice vision, solid craftiness as a creator, and the ability to score in a variety of different ways. Austin positions...
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Asheville School v. High Point Christian
On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the heart of High Point, as the Cougars of High Point Christian prepared to start their season against the Asheville School. Structurally, both squads look quite different from last season, yet still possess an abundance of next-level talent The stage was set for an exciting, competitive contest, and each squad delivered. Things kicked off in a hurry, as...
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Phenom Spotlight: 2023 Julius Reese Jr. (Greensboro Day)
Phenom Hoops continues to shed light on players around the state, letting everyone know of prospects to keep an eye on. Our next player spotlight is 2023 6’4 Julius Reese Jr. at Greensboro Day.
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Phenom 150 Session I Camp Evaluations: Team 1
Team 1 Coach: Gerroid Doughty #100: 5’0 ’28 Gideon Mount (Forsyth Country Day) Starting things off, we look at a player who contributed quite nicely despite being the youngest camper on display, Gideon Mount. He’s a young, sturdy, high-motor prospect with excellent perimeter shooting abilities and a clear willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Mount worked well within the...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Jamboree Bash
6’5 ’24 Elijah Kelly (Gata Academy) After showcasing his abilities with both squads over the weekend, Kelly has an obvious amount of appeal. He’s very skilled, especially for his size, and possesses the necessary versatility to cause a ton of matchup problems for opponents. Kelly is excellent at grabbing defensive rebounds, pushing the break, and making plays with the ball in his hands. Scores...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Jamboree Bash
6’0 ’22 Maxwell Coles (North Meck) Although other players on this roster might receive more attention, Coles is legitimately as valuable as anyone for North Meck. His steady, reliable three-level scoring presence allows him to consistently assert himself within the flow of the action. Coles can operate without the ball or create for himself and others, simply based on team need. He’s a quality...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 8
Team 8 Coach: George Marshall #8: 6’0 ’23 Jordan Cooper (Wayne Country Day) Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to steadily trend upward with his reliable two-way presence, Jordan Cooper. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect with the necessary combination of IQ, vision, and scoring prowess to effectively operate from either backcourt position. Cooper is arguably at his best...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 5
Team 5 Coach: Erik Whaley #5: 6’0 ’24 Carson Daniel (Central Cabarrus) Starting things off, we look at a player who already stands out as one of the more reliable, productive floor generals in the state, Carson Daniel. He’s a smart, skilled, unselfish point guard prospect with an excellent balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Daniel typically looks to set up the offense and...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 7
Team 7 Coach: Ryan Bernardi #7: 6’0 ’23 Jaiden Thompson (Central Cabarrus) Starting things off, we look at a player who showcased a scrappy, high-motor presence throughout camp, Jaiden Thompson. He’s a tough, heady guard prospect with a nice feel and the ability to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. Thompson is a quality three-point shooter, but also attacks the basket...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 6
Team 6 Coach: Dre Simmons #6: 6’0 ’23 Chase Dawson (Cary Academy) Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to embrace his identity as a quick, heady floor general, Chase Dawson. He’s a tough, scrappy, extremely fast lead guard prospect with solid vision and excellent penetration instincts, both in the half-court and open floor. Next in his development process is working on his...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 4
Team 4 Coach: Kyree Bethel #13: 6’1 ’24 Jermaurhiyun Anderson (Quality Education) Starting things off, we look a player who should be among the top new additions to the state, Jermaurhiyun Anderson. He’s a tough, heady guard prospect with a strong penetration sense and the ability to consistently finish or make plays within the paint. Anderson absorbs contact well, sets up others as needed,...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 3
Team 3 Coach: Joseph Adams #3: 5’10 ’22 Justin Monden (Heritage) Starting things off, we look at a player who understands how to play to his strengths in every possible setting, Justin Monden. He’s a wiry, scrappy guard prospect with the ability to operate as a floor general or capable off-ball threat. Monden loves to attack the midrange for quality pull-up jumpers, but can also knock down...
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North Carolina Top 80 Camp Evaluations: Team 2
Team 2 Coach: Kenneth Bates #2: 5’10 ’22 Camian Shell (Winston-Salem Christian) Starting things off, we look at a player who simply understands how to properly run a team from the point guard position, Camian Shell. He’s a smart, strong, undersized floor general with a quality blend of vision, quickness, and scoring ability from all levels. Shell is an excellent defender, especially for his...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Phenom Halloween Havoc
6’4 ’26 Isaiah Williams (CC Elite) The appeal should be fairly obvious with someone like Williams, who possesses incredible physical tools at such a young age. While he is taller than most at this point, it’s his actual length and actual wingspan that makes such a strong impression throughout the course of a game. Williams finishes, rebounds, and block shots, but also highlights some...
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Player Standouts at Phenom Halloween Havoc
6’0 ’23 TJ Cave (Winston 76ers) The Winston 76ers simply understand how to outwork opponents, and Cave is a massive part of their overall identity. He’s a heady guard prospect with athleticism, defensive prowess, and a strong, sturdy frame. Cave’s combination of quickness and physicality allows him to reliably defend opposing ball-handlers at the point of attack. He’s also a smart passer and...
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Smooth Operator: 2023 Caleb Foster (Oak Hill Academy)
Phenom Hoops was on deck Wednesday night for the annual Oak Hill vs. Hargrave showdown, a game that just seems to kick off the high school season in a great way. You can check out the full recap here: Phenom Game Report: Oak Hill vs. Hargrave While watching these two titans battle it out, it was clear that 2023 Caleb Foster (Oak Hill) was the best player on the court. It was an...
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