What a weekend of basketball it was for Phenom Hoops. Not only did we continue our weekend coverage and platform with the HoopState League but we also had a great opportunity to head down to South Carolina to check out talent from around the region at the Upward Combine. Players from North and South Carolina were in attendance, as we were able to get a few updated viewings of players but also learn some new ones as well. We first start off with the best of the best from the event that we saw.
2025 6’6 Treyvon Maddox (Gray Collegiate): Walking into the gym, you just know you are going to get a show with 2025 Treyvon Maddox, as the 6’6 athletic wing had the gym buzzing with his play. Already regarded as one of the players in the state, he quickly showed why with his impressive athleticism and high-rising game, finishing multiple dunks on players and at the rim. But he also is continuing to add more to his game such as his perimeter shot, being able to handle and create more, help on the boards, and showing more of his overall game. What you have to love is how much energy he plays with on the court, running and moving all around the floor, constantly looking to create and push, and his ability to make plays. There is no doubt that he will be a big target for many as he only continues to develop and get stronger.
2027 6’6 Joshua Leonard (Wilson): Leonard is going to be a name you will be hearing more if you haven’t already heard about him. Only an eighth grader, the South Carolina prospect has the 6’6 frame already, his is very skilled and polished for someone his age, and you can see that he understands the game early while his potential is through the roof. Leonard has a high IQ for the game, creating for himself, handling the ball well, and has an unselfish feel to his game. Really liked that he can play multiple positions and guard multiple positions as well. Ton of versatility, impacts the game in a variety of ways, and his potential looks to be off the charts.
2025 6’8 Hayden Assemian (Powdersville): The big forward was the most physical prospect at the combine and he made his presence felt countless times on the court. The 6’8 sturdy and physical forward was looking to rip the rim off on multiple occasions, finishing strong two-handed dunks and bullying his opponent around the paint. But you also had to notice his post presence, his footwork in the paint, and how assertive he can be on the boards. Assemian is relentless on the boards, creating extra opportunities and owning the glass, as he brings a football mentality to the court.
2025 6’9 Trent Steinour (Lake Norman): This may have been one of the best overall showings I’ve seen from the 6’9 big man, as he was quite impressive all throughout. In fact, it seems that it is starting to really start clicking for him, understanding what he is, what he can do, and being also more assertive. Steinour was not only able to show his touch in finishing, he also was able to display his footwork, his ability to step out and make plays, and his quickness around opponents and on the glass. Really liked his aggressiveness in showing how fluid and quick he can be at 6’9, as well as his ability to be effective from multiple levels. Again, it was one of the best showing I’ve seen out of the big man.
2024 6’4 KJ Greene (Pace Academy): In the class of 2024 around this region, Greene has shown that he is one of the premier point guards and there is a reason why so many schools are making him a priority in his recruitment. Greene is special with the ball in his hands, as he is incredibly crafty in leading the charge, plays with great pace, reads and sees the floor, and just has that natural playmaking ability. Whether he needs to be a facilitator and a leader on the court, or elevate and show more of his scoring capability, Greene has proven that he can bring a lot to the table and I got a feeling that he will be a big piece for a future program with what he provides.