This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled to Greensboro Day School in the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina, for our Freddy Johnson Showcase. This event brings us back to the famous Dillard Gymnasium, where we’ve hosted a ton of noteworthy games throughout the years. Saturday was no different. There were multiple highly entertaining contests (including one of the best matchups of the year) and plenty of standouts to examine. Let’s take a closer look…
6’6 ’26 Thomas Thompson (Bishop McGuinness)
Although this wasn’t his most productive scoring game, Thomas Thompson highlighted everything that makes him an impactful all-around player throughout this contest. He’s a long, athletic, well-rounded wing with excellent size and the ability to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Thompson is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and force turnovers at a healthy rate. He rebounds his position very well and possesses the necessary skill to lead the break in transition. Thompson can initiate the offense, set up others, and apply scoring pressure in several ways.
6’7 ’27 Jayon Connor (Forsyth Country Day)
In an utterly dominant showing, it was difficult to say anything other than positives about Jayon Connor. He made it look effortless from the opening tip. Connor highlighted a nonstop flow of finishes, rebounds, and forced turnovers. He’s so explosive and physically imposing that opponents struggle to do much of anything against him. Connor anticipates extremely well to intercept passing lanes and put pressure on the rim. He’s a capable shooter and willing passer who consistently puts himself in positions to make plays. Connor can also control the glass and toggle across multiple positions defensively. His stock continues to rise as much as anyone in the state.
6’8 ’29 Grant Duggins (Greensboro Day)
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to envision a scenario where Grant Duggins doesn’t ultimately become a noteworthy player beyond the high school ranks. He’s already such a smart, skilled player with a high level of polish and maturity to his game. We’ve seen many players come through the Greensboro Day system, and Duggins is as prepared as any freshman in recent memory. He displays an excellent combination of touch, footwork, and instincts around the basket. Duggins can score with both hands, knock down jumpers, or make quality passes to set up others. He plays hard and moves very well for his size. Duggins alters/blocks shots and rebounds the ball at a quality rate on both ends of the floor.
6’3 ’29 Micah Gunter (Greensboro Day)
Similar to the entry above, Micah Gunter does so much to assert himself as a leader for the Bengals. He completely controls the action as the main creator, showcasing excellent balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Gunter effortlessly breaks down opponents off the bounce to touch the paint and make quality reads with the ball in his hands. He sees the floor well as a passer, but also mixes it up very well as a scorer. Gunter is a reliable three-point shooter, midrange threat, and penetrator with the ability to finish through contact. Add in his defense and rebounding, and it’s easy to be impressed with his all-around game.
6’0 ’26 Lincoln Raper (Concord Academy)
Despite narrowly falling short in this contest, Lincoln Raper continues to shine as a steady, unflappable focal point. He’s an incredibly smart, steady guard who runs the team, knocks down jumpers at a high percentage, and never allows the game to dictate his demeanor. Raper defends with toughness and rebounds well for his size. He forces turnovers at a solid rate and makes excellent decisions with the ball in transition. Raper legitimately possesses a complete game with no glaring weaknesses on either end of the floor.