This weekend’s action at the Phenom Hoops Jamboree Bash was fun, getting a glimpse of players and teams that are ready to make their mark this upcoming season. There were several that showcased their game but these players and teams really made a lot of noise this weekend in Rock Hill.
2023 Nick Dorn (JL Chambers):
Dorn has really elevated his play over the last year or so and is now being considered one of the top shooters in the state. And it isn’t hard to see why. He has a tremendous frame, has gotten stronger with his body, and his confidence level with his shot continues to rise every time we see him play.
And what is making him even more dangerous is that he is adding to his resume offensively, putting the ball on the deck when defenders come out to defend his three-point shot, and finishing strong at the rim. But he still knocked down 12 3-pointers through three games to help his team secure the wins, including a 27-point performance to start the day. Dorn has really elevated his game and watch out for him in the 2023 NC class.
2022 KC Shaw (Mooresville):
Shaw has been a known name in North Carolina for quite some time now but it still feels like he goes under the radar as far as his game and recognition. Well, it seems that he wanted to make a statement at the Jamboree Bash and that he did. Shaw is a long, athletic prospect that knows how to operate and use his length.
He seemed to get his hands on everything, finishing in the paint over defenders, getting on the offensive and defensive boards, finishing at the rim with his athleticism, and knocking down shots from an array of levels. It is time for coaches to start learning the name of KC Shaw more and expect him to have a big year in North Carolina.
2022 David Dixon (Speights Academy):
Speights Academy was a new program coming up to SC and they certainly impressed, something you will read about later in this article. But Dixon, as this was our first viewing of the forward, was incredibly impressive throughout the weekend. We are talking about a 6’8 worker down in the post; a forward that has really good instincts for the ball, attacking the boards, and scored with either hand and great touch.
Dixon has a tremendous motor on the floor and seemed to be everywhere around the paint, making plays. Was really impressed with this young man and college coaches should be taking notice.
2022 Jayden Brewer (Combine Academy):
It is easy to see why schools are coming his way and honestly, more schools should be looking his way. Brewer has tremendous length and is at his best when he is getting downhill, getting out in transition, and attacking the rim.
He uses his size/wingspan to his advantage in an array of ways, finishing over defenders, knocking down shots, and being an effective defender on the floor. Brewer can put on an absolute show with his athleticism and scored the ball effectively.
Teams That Impressed:
JL Chambers: There certainly is a buzz around this group and deservingly so. There is talent to be found all over the floor and they have the weapons to make a run at a title. They are at their best when they are getting out in transition and have players that can step up offensively on any given night. When they are clicking on both sides and playing their game, they are certainly one of the top teams in the state.
Combine Academy PG: Combine National gets a lot of the attention but college coaches need to head to the post-grad team, because there are players to be found. They have some tough, physical guards that can play, they have versatile players with length, and a few bigs that can battle down low. Talent on all levels can be found with this team!
Speights Academy: This was our first viewing of this program and we were really impressed with what we saw. And college coaches should be adding this team to their list to come to watch. They play so well together, move the ball and make unselfish plays, they have weapons from the perimeter, and extremely versatile players on the floor. This team has a few D1 players on this team that need to be on college coaches’ radar.