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 Alex Bell each play integral roles as the head coaches for these groups. The practice session consisted of three 16U teams and three 17U teams, and each offered their own respective takeaways. We will take a closer look at them all, jumping into the Liles roster…
6’2 ’25 Auden Forsberg (Greensboro Day)
Although he’s the lone freshman on the roster, Forsberg looked quite comfortable mixing it up on both ends of the floor. He possesses a high motor and plays bigger than his listed height, able to make his presence felt as a rebounder and shot-altering presence near the basket. Forsberg hit jumpers and consistently found ways to get involved in the action.
6’1 Kaleb Roope (Atkins)
There are plenty of useful ball-handlers on this roster, which includes someone like Roope. He can create for himself or others, but was arguably at his best when operating alongside another lead guard. He’s wiry and displays a pretty smooth shooting stroke from the perimeter. Roope also attacked off the bounce and regularly looked to set up others.
5’8 MJ Edwards (Westchester Country Day)
Despite being among the smaller players in the gym, Edwards regularly found ways to involve himself in the action. He’s a scrappy player overall who isn’t afraid to mix it up, fight through contact, and make his presence felt defensively and on the glass. Edwards did a great job of locating the best available shot and making the subsequent pass, but can also knock down the open jumper. He’s a capable penetrator with feel and unselfishness.
6’4 Aidan Cauthen (Mount Tabor)
Though he’s the tallest player on this squad, Cauthen is more of a forward than a traditional post prospect. He’s a solid shooter and rebounder with an active motor on either side of the ball. Cauthen displayed nice touch around the basket and looked to make hustle plays whenever possible.
5’10 Jayden Grice (Union Grove)
There are a lot of guards capable of contributing within the confines of this group, and that certainly includes Grice. He’s a wiry, decently well-rounded guard with solid feel and the ability to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. Grice can knock down open jumpers, make the extra pass, and find opportunities through his motor.
6’2 Scottie Yaudes (Ledford)
Though somewhat unassuming at first glance, Yaudes was among the most reliable shooters on this squad. He possesses a solid frame and an understanding of how to operate without the ball, both as a cutter and spot-up threat. Yaudes makes nice passes, provides great energy defensively, and knocks down shots at a quality percentage from midrange or beyond the arc. He should be a useful piece throughout the summer.
5’10 David Gray (East Forsyth)
Clearly poised to be a leader for this group, Gray was among the top standouts during the 16U practice session. He’s a pest defensively and consistently displayed the ability to harass opposing guards at the point of attack. Gray offers nice energy, physicality, and anticipation, which naturally leads to deflections and turnovers. He dictated the offense through a nice balance of scoring and playmaking, and displayed a quality feel in both areas. Gray is a strong athlete and displays toughness on both ends of the floor. He’s great at setting the tone by example.
6’0 Robert Simmons (Mount Tabor)
Similar to his older brother (Finley), Simmons possesses a lot of natural ability as a glue-guy with the necessary mentality to affect all facets of the game. He’s tough, works hard, and displays a nose for the ball. Simmons can capably pass, score, defend, and secure rebounds. His well-rounded identity should make him an adaptable piece for this group.
6’0 Zamaire Jenkins (West Forsyth)
Rounding out the breakdown of this roster, Jenkins proved to be as tough and physical as anyone during the scrimmage. He displays a solid motor, defends with purpose, and understands how to fill in the gaps offensively. Jenkins offered an unselfish, team-first mentality for this group.