The Phenom Challenge is one of the biggest events around the region and in the country, as 180 teams look to compete at the highest level.
We are expecting a HUGE turnout for this event in Spartanburg, SC on April 26-28.' So, Phenom Hoop Report wants to do our part in starting the buzz for the event.
Players and teams, of all ages, will have a chance to play in front of college coaches throughout the weekend.' But here are a few players to watch out for, as we preview teams that will be competing.
Check out a few names to look out for.
Team: Charlotte Nets 17u
Zach Bessette 6'4 Wing Central Cabarrus
Coaches Thoughts: Zach has a great scoring ability and is a true competitor. He thrives against man to man and plays both sides of the ball. Zach uses his athleticism to impact games and has received attention from a number of mid-major and Division 2 schools.
Mike Mason 5'11 PG Metrolina Christian
Coaches Thoughts: Mike plays as a pure PG but has the ability to score off the ball as well. His poise and leadership set him apart from others. Mike defends from baseline to baseline and is an offensive threat to pass or shoot in the open court. Mike also sports a 3.8 GPA and has received attention from a few Div 2 schools.
Lloyd Latta 5'10 PG Concord First Assembly
Coaches Thoughts: Lloyd plays PG and is the best defender on the team. He plays with a lot of energy and is a pure PG. Lloyd is at his best in the open court where he can create scoring opportunities for his teammates and himself. He's a sleeper worth paying attention to.
Josh Owens 6'5 Metrolina Christian
Coaches Thoughts: Josh Owens is a long athletic lefty that can play inside or out. Josh is a solid defender and is a strong finisher in the paint and the 15-18 feet range. Josh also shoots the 3 point shot. Josh has a huge upside and will be an intricate part of his Metrolina Christian team next year.
Kobe Clifton 6'3 Wing Hickory Ridge
Coaches Thoughts: Kobe is a silky smooth offensive machine. Kobe can shoot the three as well as put the ball on the floor and finish. Kobe plays with great poise and never gets rattled in big games. He's a sleeper work looking at.
Miles Bolin 5'10 PG/SG East Gaston
Coaches Thoughts: Miles is a lefty that loves to spot up behind the 3 point line. Miles is adept at shooting off the screens and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. When he gets hot he can shoot with the best of them.
Anthony Smith 6'2 SG Hopewell
Coaches Thoughts: Anthony is an athletic wing player that plays hard and defends full court. Anthony is a solid three-point shooter and can score off the dribble. His intangible is his toughness and ability to impact games with hustle plays.
Jaylon Terrell 5'11 PG West Charlotte
Coaches Thoughts: Fresh off a State Championship appearance with WC, Jaylon brings great experience as a true floor general. Jaylon executes the offense and gets everyone involved and uses his quickness to creates scoring opportunities for his teammates. Jaylon also sports a 3.5 GPA and comes from a strong pedigree of great players.
Nathan Chambers 6'5 Wing Hough
Coaches Thoughts: Nathan is a Wing player who is rangy and can shoot the three-point shot. Nathan has a high IQ and can defend perimeter and post players. Be on the lookout for Nathan to have a huge summer as he plays the complete game.
Jordan Dawkins 6'4 F Mallard Creek
Coaches Thoughts: Jordan is a big body banger and has a silky smooth mid-range jump shot. Jordan uses his frame to impact games with rebounding and stretching the defense with his outside shooting ability.
Jackson Porter 6'5 F Lake Norman Charter
Coaches Thoughts: Every team needs a Jackson Porter. He can defend the post, rebounds and hits open shots consistently from 15 feet and beyond. Jackson has a high IQ and impacts games with his toughness. Jackson is a solid A-B student as well.
Bobby Selden 5'9 PG W Lake Norman Charter
Although small in size, Bobby is a tough PG. He defends well, can run the offense and shoots the 3 point shot as good as anyone on the floor. Bobby is his best when making plays in the open court. Has received some attention from D3 schools and is an excellent student.