This past weekend, Phenom Hoops hosted our inaugural Phenom Hoops League Finals in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The event featured teams that participated in the PHL and accumulated enough points throughout the travel ball season to qualify for the season-ending tournament. Although each of the brackets was highly competitive, one could truly argue that this division was the most talented across the board. The final four came down to KOC, Upward Stars Columbia, CP3 EYCL, and Team Pittman. Ultimately, Team Pittman defeated CP3 EYCL in the title. Let’s take a closer look at their pieces…
Although both brothers were deserving of MVP honors, Draeton Nance ultimately secured the award. The kid simply knows how to lead a winning team. Granted, this team has unique chemistry and understanding of everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. However, Nance epitomizes the concept of being a gamer and leader by example. He controls the action as the main creator, displaying IQ, pace, vision, and a tight handle. Nance consistently breaks down opponents off the bounce to create space and score or set up others. He really passes the ball at a high level to shine as an unselfish playmaker. Nance is great at getting downhill and attacking, but has also made visible strides as a three-point shooter. He defends with toughness, energy, and physicality while consistently rebounding his position. Nance is the type of guy you want leading the charge.
Meanwhile, Noah Dulin continues to make a lasting impression every time he takes the court. He’s long, skilled, and explosive with the ability to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. Dulin is a reliable shooter with IQ, ball skills, and the ability to consistently make plays off the bounce. He’s a bouncy finisher who applies pressure at the rim in several different ways, including cuts, transition, and putback opportunities. Dulin sees the floor well as a passer and is comfortable toggling between playing with or without the ball. He utilizes his length and quickness to shut down opponents defensively. Dulin also blocks shots and forces turnovers at a quality rate. Given his current ability and long-term upside, there’s certainly a lot to like.
Each of their pieces are critical to the success of this group, so guys like Ryley Rodriguez, Justin Haggler, and Shane Lucas-Walker cannot be overlooked when discussing this team. Rodriguez is a natural utility piece with the ability to do everything on the court. He scores from all levels, defends with physicality, and is capable of assuming playmaking duties as needed. Haggler is a lethal shooter and reliable defender that continues to expand his skillset. His ability to produce as a low-maintenance cog is very important to the success of this group. Given his status as their lone interior piece, Lucas-Walker fills a meaningful void. He’s a strong, scrappy forward who finds production through his ability to finish, rebound, and anchor the paint defensively.
Rounding out this roster, Billy Martin and Mason Johnson shine as glue-guys who can do a little bit of everything on the court. Both offer high motors and well-rounded skillsets with the ability to actively toggle between several roles on both ends of the floor. Either guy appears comfortable operating withint he flow of the action.