The latest stop on the Phenom Hoops Open Gym Tour was at Defending NCHSAA 1A Champions Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville, North Carolina. This group lost some key pieces from last years team including guys like Cam Caroway and Mac McAlhany, Gus O’Hale, and Ty Cressman. They bring back some key pieces from last years team including a couple of new pieces that make the Villains a threat in the 1A classification yet again. Let’s take a look at some of the guys.

6’1 2020 Jake Ledbetter

Ledbetter is one of North Carolina’s premier sharpshooters and he’ll be asked to lead this Bishop roster in their title defense. He possesses a blend of shooting, savviness, swagger, and play-making ability. His ability to create his own shot off the bounce is consistently proving to be his greatest asset, using a deep bag of tricks to create space when looking for his pull-up or attacking the cup. He’ll be relied on as a playmaker more than ever this year too. With Ledbetter being able to showcase what he brings to the table as a prospect this season, expect his recruitment to pick up among scholarship programs. He recently visited Coker and has a few more lined up in the coming weeks.

6’4 2020 Andrew Budzinski

“Bud” as they call him is one of the more unique players in NC’s 2020 class. He’s an undersized forward that plays an unorthodox yet effective game. The most unique thing about Budzinski however is his above the rim capabilities. When you’re watching him it’s almost hard to believe how explosive he actually is. He’s capable of putting it on a defenders head at any given moment. His perimeter game continues to come along quite nicely as well. He’s always been a capable shooter in the mid-range and a relative threat from beyond the arc. Now he’s becoming a reliable shooter from beyond the arc with a more fluid release and a lot more confidence. As Budzinski continues to show the growth he’s made in his game, expect some scholarship coaches to become increasingly intrigued with the athletic forward.

6’7 2021 Noah Allred

Allred possesses a great blend of size and skill for a kid his age. At 6’7 he is a highly confident perimeter shooter, a great scorer in the low-mid post, and uses his strong/sturdy frame to finish around the basket. He has all of the makings of a division one prospect and with improved lateral quickness heading into his junior season, he should be able to do more than just hold his own at the defensive end. He’ll be relied on heavily this upcoming season as this groups most reliable offensive option and most consistent rebounder. As he continues to develop physically and athletically, expect his recruitment to get to another level and show that his entire package as a prospect.

6’5 2022 Dawson McAlhany

I think at this point it’s pretty clear that McAlhany should be viewed as a bonafide division one level prospect. His versatility at 6’5 with point guard like ball skills, vertical explosiveness, craftiness around the hoop, and a really improved perimeter jumper make McAlhany the best prospect on this Bishop roster. He played an integral role in their playoff run and had 9 huge points off the bench in the state title game. That experience will translate to an increased confidence level for McAlhany. He starting to realize how good he is and is further understanding how to apply his talents, making him achieve that blend of current productivity and long term potential. He has a chance to be the best player on the team this year, he’s a walking triple double threat, yes he’s that good. Expect Dawson to catch more attention for what he does on a game to game basis from college coaches, media, and hoop heads across North Carolina. He really has a chance to become a special player.

This team will surely have other guys step up over the course of the year and we’ll be sure to keep you updated with Bishop McGuinness throughout the season!