This coming weekend, Phenom Hoop Report will be hosting our second annual National High School Showcase at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, NC. 20 teams will be making their way to western Forsyth County to showcase their talents to a plethora of scouts, college coaches, and passionate fans. After thorough review of the field, our team decided to put together a little “sneak preview” of individual players and matchups that people won’t want to miss.
FRIDAY 9:00PM
Virginia Episcopal School (VA) vs Quality Education Academy (NC)
Virginia Episcopal School
(Lynchburg, VA)
HEAD COACH:
Curtis Staples
2014-2015 RECORD:
19-7 (VISAA D2 Runner-Up)
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Sacha Killeya-Jones-
Sacha Killeya-Jones, a University of Kentucky commit, could possibly be the most talented player competing this weekend at the PHR National Showcase. After transferring to VES from Woodberry Forest last year, the 6’11” jack-of-all-trades quickly proved to the people of Lynchburg why he is rated one of the top players in Virginia’s loaded C/O 2016. SKJ is an absolute beast in all aspects of his young basketball career. Offensively, this kid gets the job done at all angles. He can stroke from virtually anywhere, he attacks the glass hard and with a purpose, and he runs the floor extremely well for a player his size. Defensively, SKJ is a force. His lengthy frame and freakish athleticism make him an opponent’s nightmare around the basket. If SKJ can get hot offensively and stay out of foul trouble, QEA could be in a world of hurt. We’re definitely excited to see how he competes for the Bishops this coming weekend. Expect this future Wildcat to put up BIG numbers for his squad.
Justice Kithcart-
Justice Kithcart is the type of player that every coach wants on their roster. The Pittsburgh bound senior is a true floor general that plays with a purpose every time he steps foot on the hardwood. Standing at 6’2”, Kithcart always seems to be in the right place at the right time. His beautiful mid-range jump shot and shifty ball-handling ability make him a threat every time he touches the rock on the offensive side of the floor. He has phenomenal court vision, explosive lock-down defense, and an extraordinarily high basketball IQ that puts the icing on the cake. After watching this hoss compete throughout the course of his high school career, it became apparent to us that he definitely has what it takes to compete with the big boys. Look for this playmaker to wreak havoc all weekend long.
Kevin Quinn-
Kevin Quinn is one of the most underrated players in the entire Old Dominion State. When we first got a look at this guy a few years back when he played for Christ School in Arden, North Carolina, we immediately fell in love with his game. The 6’4” senior is a lights-out shooter with limitless range and a true passion for the game of basketball. His extremely quick release and gifted all-around skillset allows him to create plays for his squad in a matter of different ways on both sides of the floor. He has great size, smooth touch, and a swagger that separates him from the rest of the pack. If he can slightly improve defensively, and knock down an array of 3-point jumpers, this stud could potentially reel in a few offers this weekend. Expect Quinn to play a very important role for Bishops HC Curtis Staples this coming year.
OTHER NOTABLE PLAYERS:
Adam Sledd
Adnan Arslanagic
Admir Beshavic
Quality Education Academy
(Winston-Salem, NC)
HEAD COACH:
Isaac Pitts
2014-2015 RECORD:
20-4
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Deshawn Corprew-
Arkansas Little-Rock commit Deshawn Corprew is quickly developing into one of North Carolina’s most intriguing young prospects. The 6’5” rising star is a pure scorer with an unreal amount of athletic ability. When we first got a look at Corprew at the 2012 NC Phenom 150 Camp, we were downright impressed. He had a mature frame for a player his age, a streaky shooting touch from the perimeter, and the potential to develop into an absolute beast at the next level. Corprew is a solid forward that always gives 110% effort. Whenever the Pharaohs need a big time play, this hoss is always there to deliver. His determined mindset and unique style of play make him a key player you definitely don’t want to miss. We’re beyond excited to see how he matches up against a strong VES starting five.
Papa Ndiaye-
Papa Ndiaye is one of North Carolina’s most interesting players in the 2016 class. After watching him compete in our North Carolina Top 80 Camp a few years back, it immediately became apparent to us that we had to add this kid to our radar. Ndiaye is reliable rim protector with a lengthy frame and ferocious rebounding ability. His excellent hands and soft touch around the basket continuously make him a problem against opposing defenders. Throughout the course of his high school career, Ndiaye has faced a series of injuries, including an ACL tear that caused him to miss the majority of last season. If he can stay healthy, this 6’9” brute could potentially develop into a monster down the line. Look for Ndiaye to make a significant impact for QEA at the National Showcase.
OTHER NOTABLE PLAYERS:
Renathan Ona Embo
Marsellis Purvis
Keith Stagg
Malik Brevard