The Phenom Hoops Challenge provided a great opportunity for kids to showcase their skills in front of an array of college coaches. The platform Phenom Hoops provided allowed a great stage for unknown kids to be seen, but also for the kids people knew to showcase their skills.
At the Phenom Hoops Challenge, reputations were not only built but also enhanced. Here are some of the players that people knew coming in and how they enhanced their status.
6’9” 2016 Iran Bennett (USA United/Mt Zion)
Bennett came out with a reputation, he is a two time alumni of the prestigious NC Top 80 and has is actively being recruited by several Division 1 programs. Bennett certainly lived up to his reputation this weekend. There is zero questioning where Bennett’s game lies, around the basket. He finished with an assortment of finishes around the basket and power dunks. Bennett also showed soft hands and good footwork. As his conditioning improves, his game could take the jump to the next level.
6’2” 2016 Jordan Shepherd (Team Vision/Asheville Christian)
Shepherd experienced a break out at the Phenom Jamboree in November, and carried that breakout through the season. He was conference player of the year and participated in the prestigious North Carolina Top 80. Shepherd came into the Phenom Challenge with offers from Western Carolina, Furman, Appalachian State, and Middle Tennessee. Shepherd had a hoard of college coaches at each game he played. In each game he displayed a different facet of his game. As he continues to develop his on ball defense and body language expect to hear his name more and more. Shepherd will next play at the Grassroots Tip Off Classic (LIVE) on April 24-26.
6’8” 2018 Kyle Rawson (Upward Stars SE/22 Ft. Academy)
Rawson carried some buzz coming in, but certainly raised his game even more since we last saw him at Havoc on the Hardwood. Rawson is a lengthy 6’8” with big feet and huge gangly hands. He can handle the ball, to push the break, and has range beyond the 3 point line. If Rawson continues to develop at his current pace he would track to be a Top 100 type player. Rawson will next play at the Grassroots Tip Off Classic (LIVE) on April 24-26.
7’2” 2017 Brendan Newton (Elite Level Hoops/Faith Assembly)
We first saw Newton at last year’s Fall NC Phenom 150 Session 1, where he opened eyes. Over the last year, Newton has improved each time out. Slowly, he has gained strength to help his all-around game but most of all, his confidence is starting to go through the roof. Newton is an intimidating rim protector. His arc of coverage is massive and can be seen frequently swatting shots and slapping the floor. As previously mentioned, he needs strength, but a kid with his size and ability to run warrants his current amount of college attention.
6’5” 2015 Malik Moore (Team Vision/Erwin HS)
Moore has had a unique recruitment throughout the process. Along the way he has picked up seven (7) offers, and been on the verge of commitment twice. As spots filled up, other commitments were taken, and staffs got fired, Moore is left looking. This weekend, the NC Top 80 alum, showed why he is such a hot college commodity. He utilized his length and athleticism on defense, showing the ability to defend the 1-4 positions. Moore was great in transition, and had his moments in the half court. Look for some offers to start rolling in for Moore over the next couple of weeks. Moore will next play at the Grassroots Tip Off Classic (LIVE) on April 24-26.