This weekend, Phenom Hoops will be hosting events in three different locations. Between the Freedom 828 Showcase, Ish Smith Showcase, and Tourney Town Showcase, there’s a ton of quality hoops throughout North Carolina. Now with the season fully underway, folks have a clearer understanding of the “who’s who” in the high school scene. Each event brings its own set of storylines, matchups, and notable prospects on display. Let’s take a closer look at each, starting with the Tourney Town Showcase…
No matter how you twist it, Ben L. Smith and Caldwell Academy are two of the top three programs in Greensboro. The Golden Eagles have been one of the most consistent teams in the public-school sector over the last decade. After putting countless kids into college and contending for a title every season, they secured a state championship last season. The scary part? They’ve shown virtually no signs of slowing down.
Everything starts and ends with Jyi Dawkins. The Western Carolina commit continues to showcase a complete game with the IQ, physicality, and two-way versatility to dominate a game. Between his production and leadership by example, he clearly sets the tone for this group. However, guys like Kady’n Turner-Scott and Mohamed N’diaye have also continued to expand their respective roles. Turner-Scott returns as a valuable shot-maker with size and toughness. He can initiate, rebound, and find opportunities with or without the ball in his hands. Meanwhile, N’diaye has shown steady improvement over the last year or so. He’s a long, fluid, low-maintenance interior cog who can finish, rebound, and block shots. The addition of Tyrie Pressley should be seamless given the steady, high-motor way he finds production. Gavin Palmore is another key returner with his size, strength, and athleticism. Guys like Steve Stockton, Darius Chukwuemeka, Nick Cannon, Jordan Partee, JT Tuck, and others will play vital roles for the Golden Eagles.
On the other side, Caldwell Academy is also fresh off a state title run. Despite losing their top two pieces, this team has more than stayed afloat. Guys like King Kendrick, Ayden Johnson, Neal Swindell, CJ Jones, and Trevor Holland absorb most of the minutes for this group. Kendrick is a smart, skilled lead guard with the IQ, pace, and overall instincts to consistently create for himself and others. He scores effectively from all levels and defends with toughness at the point of attack. Johnson has visibly asserted himself as a leader through his electric game, creation skills, and shot-making ability. He’s a knockdown shooter with a lightning-quick first step, quality vision, and sharp defensive instincts. Swindell is a natural glue-guy who affects all facets of the game while playing bigger than his size on both ends of the floor. Jones is a scrappy, well-rounded guard who can initiate, apply pressure as a scorer, or fill in the gaps as needed. Rounding out this group, Holland is a tough, physical guard with useful scoring ability and a high motor on both ends of the floor.