This weekend, Phenom Hoops will travel out to Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, for another loaded event. The seven-game slate features a lot of intriguing matchups, both team and individual, and a slew of talented prospects. As we rapidly approach the new year, each game becomes that much more important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top storylines…
It shouldn’t take much explaining to understand the excitement surrounding Chambers versus Davidson Day. At this point, it should just be assumed that Chambers is always going to be one of the top public-school teams across North Carolina. The roster turnover truly doesn’t matter, as this program is built in such a way for players to consistently step into new, increasingly significant roles and thrive. Seriously, how many public-school teams could lose two high-major players and continue to flourish without missing a beat? The answer is very few. However, the breakout seasons of QJ Young and Zyon White have been key to the Cougars’ success. Young is a long, wiry guard with great size, feel, and a blossoming identity as a walking mismatch. White is an elite shooter and reliable defender whose all-around game continues to expand with each viewing. Both guys are trending as two of the highest risers in North Carolina’s Class of 2027. That being said, Cameron Thompson (Navy commit) is now healthy and back on the court. His senior leadership and well-rounded identity allow him to consistently impact all facets of the game. While those three receive most of the attention and headlines, players like LJ Jackson, Michael Curtis, Chancellor Gill, and Eli Grier play vital roles for this group. Jackson and Grier provide defense, penetration, and assume a lot of the initiation/playmaking duties. Curtis offers a nice scoring punch and Gill does a phenomenal job of doing the dirty work as a high-motor forward. Adding Deontae Pryor gives the Cougars another college-level piece with size, rebounding, and scoring ability.
On the other side, things have gone somewhat as expected for Davidson Day. Although they’ve gone 4-4 in their last 8 games, this group clearly remains one of the top teams throughout the state. They also might be the biggest team in North Carolina with the likes of Xavier Hall, Will Stevens (Clemson commit), and Cody Peck all standing at 6-foot-10 or taller. Hall is an absolute force with the size, strength, and physicality to absolutely dominate around the basket. Stevens is a reliable rim-protector and floor-spacer who can knock down shots or operate inside. Peck is a uniquely fluid and explosive athlete for his size, and regularly showcases flashes of enticing skill. Although they have a slew of massive individuals, a lot of their success is determined by guard play. Sherod McCormick is typically the main creator and provides a terrific balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Nick Arnold is a tough, pesky guard who makes smart decisions and suffocates opponents defensively. Justyn Whitfield might be the most consistent shooter on the roster, but also displays ball skills and defensive instincts. Rounding out their main grouping, Omari Whiteside does a phenomenal job of actively filling in the gaps and making an impact within the flow of the action.