This past weekend, Phenom Hoops got back into the swing of things with our annual Prep Showcase and Winter Nationals. Although there was a ton of talent on the Prep side, the blossoming middle-school prospects were arguably more exciting. Among the several grassroots and shoe-circuit programs, Team CP3’s eighth-grade squad appeared to be a cut above the rest. They were utterly dominant throughout the weekend, absolutely thwarting opponents while highlighting a slew of incredibly enticing young prospects. Let’s take a more in-depth look at their pieces…
5’8 Sherod McCormick
Nobody at Winter Nationals had more varsity experience than McCormick, and that was visibly evident in each contest. The IQ, confidence, and decisiveness simply makes him a real nightmare for opponents. McCormick possesses an excellent combination of vision, quickness, and crafty ball-handling, which allows him to effortlessly break down defenders, touch the paint, and create opportunities for others. However, he’s also quite polished as a scorer and can apply pressure in a healthy variety of ways. McCormick finishes very well through contact, especially for his size, and shoots the ball with consistency from midrange and beyond the arc. Given their multi-guard structure, he’s comfortable spotting-up or moving without the ball. Add in his defensive instincts, and it’s easy to see how McCormick set the tone.
5’8 JJ Sati-Grier
It was clear at an early age that Sati-Grier had all the tools to be an incredible point guard prospect, yet he’s still managed to somehow exceed expectations. Possibly the smartest, most poised player in the gym, he showcased flashes of real dominance in each of their games. Sati-Grier truly makes the game look easy. His ability to process is legitimately unbelievably for a player of his age. He’s a dynamic creator who is phenomenal at dissecting defenses, picking his spots, and putting his teammates in favorable scoring positions. Sati-Grier makes intelligent decisions, advanced reads, and clearly sees the game ahead of most players. Whether attacking the basket, asserting himself in the midrange, or hitting shots from beyond the arc, every scoring avenue proved to be a reliable option. It’s difficult to overstate his impressive offensive balance and general understanding of how to run a team. He also forces turnovers and rebounds well for his size/position. Â
6’4 Mekhi Allen
The roster has numerous prospects who should only trend upward over the foreseeable future, and Allen is certainly one of those guys. Already standing at 6-foot-4 with length, fluidity, and a smooth jumper, the intrigue is obvious. Allen is capable of handling the ball and creating for others as needed, but regularly found success through his scoring ability. He hit jumpers off the catch, generated clean looks within a few dribbles, and attacked the basket well. Allen is a nice all-around athlete with rebounding capabilities and the tools to become a versatile defender. In terms of upside, he has as much as anyone on the roster.
6’6 Flory Kuminga
While it’s easy to get excited about his genetics, Kuminga is worthy of attention for his individual development over the last six months. He’s a big, strong, fluid athlete with legitimate size and a blossoming identity. Right now, Kuminga is at his best when showcasing his high motor, quality athleticism, and two-way rebounding presence. He finishes well around the basket and can space the floor on occasion, but doesn’t need a ton of touches to be impactful. Kuminga blocks shots at a high volume and runs the floor well in transition. It’s only a matter of time before he takes the next step in becoming an incredible prospect.
6’4 Brayden Ragland
It seems natural for every young shoe-circuit team to have a guy like Ragland, who can reliably control the glass and anchor the paint on both ends of the floor. He’s basically a walking double-double who finishes, rebounds, and blocks shots. Ragland is comfortable on the block or stretching the floor from beyond the arc. He’s great at playing to his strengths on both ends of the floor.
5’7 MJ Russell
Rounding out this group, Russell has put in noticeable work over the last calendar year. He’s a smart, unselfish floor general who has gotten tougher and more confident. Russell is still somewhat slight in frame, but possesses the IQ, motor, and scrappy nature to make a quality impact. He hits jumpers, passes the ball well, and consistently makes his presence felt as a defender at the point of attack.