On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to The Burlington School in Burlington, North Carolina for our annual open gym tour. The Spartans have turned a lot of heads over the last decade between guys like Ron Johnson, Will Robertson, and Ryan Bernardi. Now, George Marshall is at the helm and folks still have plenty to be excited about. He’s already asserted his culture, leadership presence, and brought in a healthy amount of talent for the future. The expectations should remain as high as ever before, as this group prepares to chase a third straight state championship. Let’s take a closer look…
6’8 ’23 Ashton Troutman
Given his status as one of the lone seniors on this roster, folks should expect Ashton Troutman to be a major piece for this group. He’s an active, wiry, steady forward/post prospect with touch, mobility, and a pretty useful skillset for his size/position. Troutman is a reliable floor-spacing option who can post-up, spot-up, and make plays as a roller or popper in the two-man game. He understands how to secure post position, make decisive moves, and finish with either hand. Troutman does a great job of pursuing rebounds, locating a guard, and running the floor in transition. He should have a very productive senior campaign.
6’7 ’23 Steven Lassiter
After everything he’s shown over the last few years, it’s confusing as to why Steven Lassiter doesn’t have more action within his recruitment. He’s a very well-rounded forward prospect with the defensive ability and perimeter skills to produce in a variety of different roles. Lassiter handles and shoots the ball very well for his size, but also makes a lasting impression as a defender and two-way rebounder. He’s a fairly versatile offensive piece with IQ, touch, and creation skills. There’s a lot to like about everything he brings to the table, and the steady, calm demeanor he possesses. Numerous types of programs could use someone like Lassiter.
6’7 ’24 Ty Outlaw
In a similar vein to the previous duo, Ty Outlaw is better than his recruitment would imply. He’s a strong, mobile, steady two-way post prospect who knows how to consistently outwork and overpower opponents on both ends of the floor. Outlaw is a quality athlete and interior piece who allows the game to come to him as opposed to trying to force the action. Given his rebounding and defensive presence, he doesn’t even really require a ton of touches to make a lasting impact. That being said, Outlaw does possess nice feel, touch, and polish as an offensive cog. He finished with both hands around the basket, met opponents above the rim, and hit midrange jumpers and turnarounds. Outlaw’s stock should consistently rise over these two years.
6’2 ’24 Zion Walker
As the lone returning starter to the Spartans, Zion Walker should be a primary leader for this group. He’s a strong, physical guard who looks to get downhill and attack the basket or assert his reliable midrange pull-up. Walker is also a solid three-point shooter who utilizes his body well to absorb contact when penetrating and finishing. He defends well at the point of attack, displaying the blend of instincts, toughness, and physicality to overwhelm opposing guards. Walker is a nice rebounder for his size/position, and is capable of pushing the break and making plays with the ball in his hands. He knows how to run a team, but often prefers to operate alongside another creator and find ways to apply scoring pressure. Various types of scholarship-level schools will be involved.
6’4 ’24 Savion Taylor
Although the state doesn’t know much about him, Savion Taylor will be interesting to monitor over these next two seasons. Similar to most kids whose parent(s) coach, he’s an incredibly smart, mature, adaptable, team-oriented player. Taylor is a great complementary wing prospect who simply knows how to excel within his role on both ends of the floor. He defends, rebounds, moves the ball, and scores as needed. Though he didn’t hit a ton of jumpers in this showing, it’s clear that Taylor is a quality perimeter shooter and lethal spot-up threat. Expect him to be a nightly x-factor for this group.
6’4 ’24 Jordan Durham
There’s always been a lot to like with Jordan Durham’s ability and upside, and his reclassification only further solidifies that notion. He possesses an extremely enticing array of tools and physical traits, but should still only continue to improve over the coming months. Durham is long and athletic with a blossoming skillset. He’s great at getting downhill and attacking the basket, but also gets to his spots in the midrange with relative ease. Durham is an engaged defender and solid rebounder who plays with a nice motor on both ends of the floor. He can expand his production as needed or find ways to produce within a role. Durham will be one for coaches to monitor closely going forward.
6’2 ’25 Cam Flippen
It would be difficult to be anything other than impressed with Cam Flippen and everything he showcased during the practice. Between his constant leadership and production, he was arguably the top performer on display. Flippen is a strong, poised, intelligent point guard prospect with a sturdy frame, unselfish mentality, and balanced offensive approach. His blend of strength, toughness, and crafty ball-handling allow him to get wherever he wants on the floor. Flippen consistently touches the paint, makes quality reads, and sets up others, but can also reliably score the ball from all three levels. He made plays defensively, rebounded as needed, and simply shined on both ends of the floor. Flippen is going to be a major piece for this group across the foreseeable future.
6’6 ’25 JJ Wood
Everyone on this roster will be able to contribute, which includes JJ Wood and the steady, smooth-shooting presence he provides. He’s a long, wiry wing/forward prospect who knows how to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Wood is a useful spot-up threat who offers consistent effort as a defender, rebounder, and cutter. He keeps the ball moving and understands how to operate within the flow of the team structure.
DNP:
6’7 ’24 Josh Randolph
6’0 ’23 Myles Hooker