This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, for our second annual Mike Gminski Classic Presented by Sana Recovery. The three-day event featured 21 total games with a ton of intrigue and excitement from start to finish. It’s common for these post-Christmas tournaments to highlight noteworthy teams and individuals, and this was no different. Given the abundance of talent in the gym, there were plenty of standouts worth acknowledging. Let’s take a closer look at some top performers from the weekend…
6’2 ’27 Travien Williams (Hickory Ridge)
Anyone who has watched Hickory Ridge this season should already know about the impressive production and leadership Williams brings to the table. He’s exceptional at getting downhill and attacking, both as a finisher and midrange shooter. Williams is very strong and understands how to leverage his body to create advantages for himself. He displays amazing body control as a finisher and plays through tons of contact as a driver. Williams sees the floor well as a passer and makes his presence consistently felt as a rebounder. His stock continues to rise.
5’11 ’27 Zii Phillips (Huss)
Given all the ways he impacts the game, it’s clear that Phillips is a major asset for this group. He’s a smart, tough, well-rounded guard who simply knows how to play. Phillips is a quality shooter and unselfish playmaker who can operate in various roles. He knows how to dictate the action or find opportunities without the ball in his hands. Phillips offers a steady, adaptable offensive presence while standing out through his energy and toughness defensively. He is vital to the success of this group.
6’5 ’28 Ayo Awosanya (Myers Park)
Although there are several standouts on this roster, Awosanya stood out through his extremely consistent production. He’s a long, athletic forward with touch, vision, and useful ball skills. Awosanya possesses nice inside-out ability and is capable of altering his approach based on matchup. He primarily looks to apply pressure as a finisher around the basket, but can also attack off the dribble or knock down open jumpers as needed. Awosanya is also a useful rebounder with the ability to push in transition.
6’8 ’26 Jordan Buzzard (East Meck)
Since his return to East Meck, Buzzard has seamlessly transitioned back into a leadership role. He’s a phenomenal interior defender who utilizes his length, timing, and athleticism to reliably protect the rim. Buzzard offers a very steady, low-maintenance offensive identity with solid touch and the ability to consistently finish above the rim. He anchors the paint extremely well to secure rebounds and block shots. Buzzard also runs the floor well in transition.
6’2 ’28 Zavion Funderburk (East Meck)
Easily one of the breakout performers of the event, Funderburk is definitely a name worth noting. He’s a knockdown shooter with deep range, a quick trigger, and the ability to heat up quickly. Funderburk clearly understands how to maximize his strengths on the court. He’s a terrific off-ball threat who moves well to find open space and consistently knock down jumpers from beyond the arc. Funderburk is capable of attacking closeouts and finishing or setting up others, but is at his best when applying pressure as a spot-up threat.