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Highly Intriguing: Aden Jeffries
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or have stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the later...
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Why College Coaches Should Pursue Trent Clark
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or have stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the late...
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Why 2028 Micah Gunter should be looked at more as a national prospect
Player: Micah GunterClass: 2028Height: 6’3School: Greensboro Day The Class of 2028 is really starting to take shape here in North Carolina, as we have had a chance to view a lot of rising stars that will be talked about extensively in the coming years. With national rankings being released now for the class, there is one guard that I believe should be earning more attention on the national...
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Young Stars Look to Capture Ultimate Prize this Season at Queen’s Grant
Queen’s Grant was a familiar face last year with Phenom Hoops, and they certainly showed why they were one of the top teams in the state. Finishing the season last year with a 27-8 overall record before falling last in the playoffs to Corvian, Queen’s Grant looks to be back once again and in the hunt for the ultimate prize… a state title. Coach Joe Badgett is back and leading the way, as...
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North Carolina Prospects at CP3 Rising Stars Camp (2028 & 2029)
2028 6’1 Rob Beasley (Hibriten) 5’10 Josh Caldwell (West Forsyth) 6’5 Hunter Gerould (Carmel Christian) 6’4 Ian Gesner (Cushing Academy) 6’4 Kingston Hardie (West Forsyth) 6’6 Ian Hazard (Green Hope) 6’7 Camden Hill (Panther Creek) 6’4 Trevor Holland (Caldwell Academy) 6’3 TJ Holmes (Winston-Salem Christian) 6’4 Nouri Karkouki (Panther Creek) 5’8 O’Brian Lowery Jr. (South Point) 6’0 Sherod...
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Elhadji Diallo Returns to Combine Academy
In an era where it feels like so many high-level prospects are looking to exit the state, the return of Elhadji Diallo to Combine Academy is a refreshing change of pace. For those who aren’t familiar, he was a young, blossoming prospect on multiple veteran-laden teams for the Goats. Diallo possessed an enticing physical profile and obvious intrigue as a long-term prospect prior to his departure....
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Legitimate Offensive Weapon: Karsten Swinney
As we get closer to the high school season, there is no better time to look at underrated players within the state. Most of these cases typically come from guys who live outside of the three major cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro) and/or stayed loyal to their original high school programs. However, in an attempt to get ahead of college coaches looking for unsigned talent in the later...
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Displaying Potential and Intrigue: 2027 Noah Dobyns
Player: Noah DobynsClass: 2027Height: 6’8School: Wesleyan Christian The Class of 2027 here in North Carolina has been shaping up nicely and certainly interesting with new names, the rising of prospects, and development overall. We continue to dive into players in the class, as we look at 2027 6’8 Noah Dobyns from Wesleyan Christian. Dobyns is one of those players that you are watching closely to...
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Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings (Part Three)
6’4 Blake Smith (Salisbury) While most people will know him as the younger brother of Myles, Smith will definitely blaze his own path this season. After being a standout this summer with Carolina Riptide, he has a ton of momentum heading into the high school year. Smith is a long, wiry, versatile wing who can impact all facets of the game. At 6-foot-4, he has the size, skill, and athleticism to...
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Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings (Part Two)
6’5 Dylan Bradley (Providence Day) Given some roster turnover at Providence Day, there should be ample opportunity for Bradley to showcase his abilities. He’s a big, strong guard with a sturdy frame and nice scoring polish. Bradley is able to consistently get downhill and finish, but is more than capable of filling it up from the perimeter. His shooting mechanics are somewhat unorthodox, yet...
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Future Impact Player: Why 2027’s James Minlend Deserves Attention
With the summer ending and we start looking into the upcoming high school season, Phenom Hoops is also looking at players that college coaches need to take a bit more seriously. And one player that came to mind is 2027 6’6 James Minlend from Concord Academy. Minlend is a classic prospect that you can see has talent for the game, but also a ton of potential still to come. Standing at 6’6 and now...
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Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part Three)
6’5 Jim Gatehouse (South Meck) There are so many players who have trended up throughout the recent months, but Gatehouse has arguably generated as much buzz as anyone. He’s long, skilled, and explosive with excellent positional size. Gatehouse is a versatile piece whose size, creation ability, and scoring prowess from all levels make him a matchup problem for opponents. He’s a lethal shooter...
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Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part Two)
6’0 Lincoln Raper (Concord Academy) Although he should’ve been higher initially, Raper takes a massive leap forward after simply being one of the best, most consistent floor generals in the state. He controls the action in an extremely poised, intelligent manner with phenomenal balance between scoring and playmaking. Raper breaks down opponents and touches the paint with regularity, where he’s...
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Guys Making Big Leaps in 2026 Rankings (Part One)
6’5 Dacen Petty (Christ School) Given so many talented pieces on the Christ School roster, it can be somewhat easy for folks to overlook Petty. However, his incredibly steady, well-rounded presence makes him an asset on legitimately any team. Petty is a long, fluid athlete who shines as a natural glue-guy on both ends of the floor. He’s a useful, malleable offensive piece with the ability to do...
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Guys Making Big Leaps in 2027 Rankings
6’5 Thomas Vickery (Myers Park) Anyone who has followed Vickery throughout the summer should already know about his burst onto the scene with Upward Stars. Now, he should seamlessly transition into being one of the most productive high school players in North Carolina. Vickery will be the clear focal point for a talented Myers Park team that features several college players. His combination of...
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Who Are the Top Prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2028'
Rankings are always an interesting discussion point. We know it’s an opinion-based practice heavily predicated on what the viewer values in a player. Some people value a pure scorer more than a true point guard, and assuming the players are of equal level, they could both form legitimate arguments. As we approach the halfway point of the travel ball season, there’s no better time to take a...
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Welcoming to North Carolina: 2026 Lattimore Ford joins Combine Academy
Player: Lattimore FordClass: 2026School: Combine Academy With so many players leaving North Carolina, it is a nice change to welcome new talent to the state. It was recently announced that 20256 Lattimore Ford, who comes from Snowualmie (WA), will be heading to Lincolnton and joining Combine Academy this upcoming season. So, we had to learn a bit more about our newest prospect in the state. Game...
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Southern Durham Secures Notable Transfer in KJ Terry
Last night, unexpected shockwaves were sent through North Carolina public-school basketball as KJ Terry announced his decision to transfer to Southern Durham. Previously at South Granville, he was headed to Crossroads Christian before changing course and joining the Spartans. After finishing as the NCHSAA 3A runner-up last season and graduating Jackson Keith (among other key seniors), the road...
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Is Caldwell Academy Becoming Underrated'
It’s amazing how quickly things change in the high school basketball scene. Player movement is somewhat expected, as it’s more common than ever before, but it now directly correlates with teams capable of contending for state championships. Each year, various teams increase their likelihood to win it all simply by bolstering their roster…this is nothing new. However, it feels like folks are...
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Rookies Who Could Outperform Draft Position (First Round)
#6- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards) It’s probably a little overzealous to say that a top-six draft pick could outperform his draft position, as they’re already expected to be quite useful. However, Johnson looks like a steal for the Wizards. During two games of summer league, he more than solidified his status as an elite all-around shooting threat, and the numbers back this sentiment. He’ll...
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Carson Crew Ready to Turn Heads
As the high school season rapidly approaches, there’s no better time to start taking a closer look at programs throughout the state. Given the restructuring of the public-school classifications, things will look quite different for the first time in a while. The NCHSAA has expanded from four classifications to eight, subsequently doubling the number of champions and contenders across the board....
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Expected Breakout Seasons for 2028 Prospects
6’6 Mekhi Allen (Queens Grant) Despite already being widely regarded as a top prospect in North Carolina’s Class of 2028 (and rightfully so), it feels like Allen is poised to take the next step in his progression. The 6-foot-6 wing is coming off an impressive travel ball season where he found a lot of success playing up an age group for 4:44 Athletics. Allen was already a double-digit scorer as...
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Trio of Underrated Pieces Worthy of Offers
6’8 ’27 Dylan Twitty (Christ School) After announcing his decision to transfer to Christ School and reclassify, one would’ve thought Twitty’s recruitment would’ve already taken a major leap. Regardless, he’ll be a key piece for arguably the top program in North Carolina. Twitty is an elite rebounder whose physicality, nonstop motor, and nose for the ball make him a clear asset. He excels at...
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Next Wave of Talent in South Carolina: Class of 2028
2028 6’5 Antoine Caughman Jr. (Keenan) Caughman is a highly intriguing young prospect who already shows the tools to have his name near the top of the list in his class. With his size, college-ready frame, and overall impact, he immediately stands out on the court. At his position, he carries a strong physical presence but pairs it with an impressive feel for the game. Offensively, he proves to...
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Is Hunter Gerould the X-Factor for Carmel Christian'
Now that we’ve finally reached the conclusion of travel ball and are starting to look forward to the high school season, there are numerous subplots and storylines worthy of attention. Among these topics is how Carmel Christian has a completely new look after several notable additions and departures. Folks should remember the incredible success guys like Kam Taylor, Bryce Slay, and various...
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Don’t Forget About Karon Watlington
Now that we’ve finally reached the conclusion of travel ball and are starting to look forward to the high school season, there are numerous subplots and storylines worthy of attention. Among these topics is how The Burlington School retooled its roster in such an efficient manner. We’ve already had multiple opportunities to see the new-look group, and they definitely impressed. Guys like Charles...
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Fully Reloaded: Forsyth Country Day Ready to Contend
The summer season of high school basketball has widely turned into the free agency period for many programs throughout North Carolina. These transfers are often due to a variety of legitimate reasons, like reclassifying or coaching changes, and they inevitably alter the landscape as a direct result. Consider Forsyth Country Day as an example. They already had a foundation of five key returning...
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Don’t Sleep on Them: 2027 Virginia Prospects Primed for More Attention
Virginia has long established itself as one of the premier recruiting hotbeds for college programs, consistently producing prospects who make an impact at the next level. The tradition of high-level talent remains alive and well in the Class of 2027, where the depth of skill, size, and athleticism across the state is already turning heads. While plenty of names have already gained early...
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Eyes on NC’s Class of 2028: Tjay Brunson Emerging as a Prospect to Really Watch
Player: Tjay BrunsonClass: 2028Height: 6’5High School: Cleveland Each and every year, Phenom Hoops has a chance to learn several new names throughout the summer that we will closely be watching down the road. Rewinding the tape from the summer, a player that Phenom Hoops highlighted early on was 2028 6’5 Tjay Brunson, as he was able to flourish with 1of1 Elite. Brunson had a strong freshman...
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Is Cody Peck Poised to Take the Next Step'
Every high school basketball player is on their own respective journey. Each year, we see various expected and unexpected prospects burst onto the scene. Some candidates are more obvious than others, but there’s no surefire indicator or attribute that guarantees success. However, considering the value of processing, rim-protection, three-point shooting, switchable defensive ability, and unique...
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