This past weekend, Phenom Hoops held our annual Rise Showcase in Bermuda Run, North Carolina. There were lots of exciting players and teams across all age groups, but no squad was as dominant as Team Loaded 804 Gold. Coach Riley Highfill’s team looks drastically different from last year’s squad (which still appealed to a variety of college coaches) and features an impressive collection of prospects for multiple levels. In addition to the sheer talent level, the way this team moves with urgency, swings the ball with purpose, and locks in defensively truly allows everyone to shine. Let’s take a closer look at each guy…
So much of their structure is accented by the all-around identity that 6’3 MJ Montague provides from the guard position. We wrote extensively about him yesterday, but it’s truly difficult to say anything other than glowing positives about his game. Montague is a smart, steady, unselfish leader by example who has no glaring weaknesses on either end of the floor. He can effortlessly control the offense with his blend of pace, ball-handling, playmaking, and scoring polish from all levels. Montague is more than comfortable operating as the main creator or as an off-ball threat. He plays with quality energy and anticipates well in the passing lanes defensively. Montague also rebounds his position well. His incredibly solid, reliable game should make him a target for a healthy variety of programs.
At the other guard spot, 6’2 Obi Pinn is another highly malleable backcourt piece who can operate in several roles due to his smart, fundamentally sound game. Pinn is a wiry guard with a high IQ, muscular frame, and the ability to consistently make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. He displayed flashes of lethal spot-up instincts by getting to his spots, setting up early, and highlighting deep range from beyond the arc. Although Pinn knows how to move without the ball, find open seams within the defense, and make the extra pass as needed, he’s very capable of running the team. Pinn initiates the offense with poise, offering excellent balance between penetration, playmaking, and spacing the floor. He plays well off two feet and makes consistently smart, unselfish decisions off the bounce. Pinn finishes nicely for his size and displays a useful middle game. He’s a pesky defender with quickness and the ability to force turnovers at a solid rate. Pinn is a clear x-factor for this group.
Easily one of the most intriguing players on this roster is Trenton Smalling. At 6-foot-3, he’s long, athletic, and built like a tank. Smalling possesses a versatile two-way game, making him a real matchup problem for opponents on either side of the ball. He’s a powerful downhill driver who consistently absorbs contact and finishes at or above the rim. However, Smalling displays a very useful handle and the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers off the catch or dribble. He’s a nice rebounder who utilizes his length, motor, and physicality to outwork opponents on the glass. Smalling knows how to effectively push the break in transition. He can also defend multiple positions, both up and down a lineup, due to his blend of strength and athleticism. Smalling should be a priority for scholarship-level programs.
In a time when so many guys with size want to showcase their perimeter skills, 6’7 Jovin Johnson is a breath of fresh air. He’s a long, wiry big man who wreaks havoc with his nonstop energy on both ends of the floor. Johnson excels at doing the little things: fighting for position, running two-man action, outworking opponents for extra possessions, and countless other things. He flies around to consistently secure rebounds and block or alter shots defensively. Johnson fills the lane properly in transition and positions himself well to finish around the basket or above the rim. Although he thrives as a rim-running option, Johnson does possess solid vision, perimeter shooting, and a useful handle for his size. He’s capable of showcasing his skillset as needed, but constantly stands out through his effort and low-maintenance identity. Expect Johnson to emerge as a priority for coaches this summer.
It’s easy to recognize that each of these guys plays a meaningful role for this squad, and 6’6 Abram Schrinel clearly stands out as the main glue-guy. The lone piece from last year’s team joins this group in a very similar position as someone who naturally finds success as an all-around piece. Schrinel has gotten visibly stronger and more athletic over the last twelve months while still maintaining his foundation as someone who simply knows how to impact all facets of the game. He highlighted a well-rounded skillset with the ability to pass, score, and handle the ball. Schrinel can create mismatches for various types of opponents with his blend of size, skill, and mobility. He’s a great rebounder for his position. He has the ability to push the break and make quality decisions with the ball in his hands, but can also run the floor and allow others to set him up. Schrinel finishes well through contact, knocks down jumpers at a quality rate, and scores effectively in the midrange. Add in his switchable defensive presence, and it’s easy to see his overall appeal.
Quietly one of the more intriguing prospects on this team, 6’6 Tre Smith provides an enticing combination of size, strength, and athleticism with useful skill. He naturally finds ways to impact the game as a powerful, explosive force who doesn’t necessarily need the ball to make his presence felt. Smith does a terrific job of cutting and finding ways to produce within the flow of the action. Not only is he able to constantly lurk for lobs, putbacks, and finishes in transition, but he’s a respectable floor-spacing option who can attack closeouts off the bounce. Smith displays a physical rebounding sense and the ability to toggle between multiple positions defensively. Already very impactful, don’t be surprised if he continues to tap into his upside over the next few months.
Rounding out this group, 6’4 Israel Kelly is a guy who basically any coach can appreciate. He’s a long, high-motor wing/forward who knows how to cause problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. Kelly does a great job of filling in the gaps and doing a little bit of everything offensively. He’s a very active cutter who moves with purpose, finds openings within the defense, and shows flashes of scoring ability from multiple levels on the floor. However, so much of his value comes through his rugged defense, high motor, and rebounding presence. Kelly is a true team-first piece whose adaptable game and strong nose for the ball allow him to find opportunities with any collection of teammates.