We at Phenom Hoops aren’t done with highlighting players that college coaches and others need to start looking at, so here are few juniors and sophomores that we believe should be on lists to watch more this season and into the summer.
2024 Ryan Soulis (Asheville School): I got a feeling that Soulis is going to be a name you start hearing a lot more about and will be catching on with college coaches. Deservingly so, as he is a 6’10 prospect that continues to consistently produce and make his impact on the court. First and foremost, this is a big that competes; he stays active and engaged throughout the game, plays hard on the boards and has a knack for getting his hands on the ball, he shows poise and touch with his back to the basket and in the post, and he also is able to make plays on the defensive end. Soulis is one that continues to rise in my books and think he has a chance to be a player many more schools will like.
2024 Tyler Showalter (Butler): Showalter has really come a long way when we first watched him, and he had a strong showing again under the bright lights. Showalter was able to remind everyone of his ability in being a threat at 6’6 from the perimeter, hitting multiple threes and being able to rise over defenders, but also knock down mid-range shots and finish at the basket. The junior prospect has size that you like and a smooth game, but still believe there is more left in the tank in what he ultimately could be. But the time is now to start looking his way.
2024 Sean Birmingham (Cannon): I will be honest… I’m surprised more schools are jumping in on his recruitment and his offer list isn’t filling up. But there is still plenty of time and do believe that it will be coming sooner rather than later. But the 6’8 prospect is a complete x-factor on the court, and the way he can be used at the next level should excite college coaches. Birmingham knows how to take advantage of the mismatch; his ability to stretch the floor and consistently hit shots from outside against bigs is impressive, but he also has the skill set to put it on the deck and get to the basket against smaller defenders. He takes what is given and can hurt you in many ways.
2025 Jonah Lawrence (East Meck): Lawrence is another sophomore that I would strongly have my eyes on now and time will tell in seeing how he develops and what he ultimately becomes. Lawrence though has the size that you like, and did a nice job in getting to his spots off the dribble, showing his pull-up game from multiple levels, and being able to help lead the charge. He has the ability to score from multiple levels, and one can see he is getting stronger and playing with more confidence in understanding what he can do. Another player that time will tell what he ultimately becomes, but should be one to start looking at now.
2025 Chris Rivens (Covenant Day): Rivens started out a little slow in the game but really came on strong and finished with a strong 19 points to end his day. Rivens is a 6’3, young prospect that is still learning the game and developing, but he showed some flashes in his ability to get downhill, be strong with the ball and finish well, and create opportunities for himself. There is plenty of time for this young man, but he is a player that I would continue to monitor.