Phenom Hoops once again delivered a platform for top talent to showcase their ability, and this past weekend’s Grassroots Tip-Off Classic featured several young prospects making early statements in the spring. From high-level wings to rising guards, here are a few players who stood out with their performance and potential:
Chase Smith – Forward | Class of 2028 | Team United
Chase Smith proved to be a beast in the paint with his unique blend of size, mobility, and fluidity. He showed natural instincts around the basket, controlled the glass on both ends, and finished with touch and control. Whether altering shots, grabbing tough rebounds, or converting in traffic, Smith’s presence was felt all game long. With his tools and growing skillset, he’s one who should continue to earn attention throughout the summer with his production.
Josh Leonard – Guard | Class of 2027 | Upward Stars 3SSB 2026
There just aren’t many prospects in the 2027 class with Leonard’s blend of size, strength, and versatility. He was in attack mode all weekend, using his physicality to get downhill and finish through contact at the rim. Leonard scored efficiently, played with confidence, and showed the ability to contribute across multiple positions. His positional flexibility and toughness make him a high-upside guard to watch as he continues to develop within the Upward Stars 3SSB program.
Kasyn Chase – Guard | Class of 2027 – Team Trezz
Chase flashed his speed, strength, and scoring ability throughout the weekend. He attacks the rim with authority, can finish through contact, and puts consistent pressure on the defense. His defensive tenacity and ability to force turnovers helped his team get out in transition. Chase’s game continues to develop, and his physical tools make him one of the more intriguing guards on the east side of North Carolina.
JJ Winston – Wing | Class of 2026 – Sewer South
Winston’s length, athleticism, and positional versatility make him a key asset on both ends of the floor. He defends multiple positions at a high level and thrives in transition, where he can finish above the rim or make smart plays. Offensively, he showed confidence as a shooter and decision-maker. Winston’s upside remains high as he continues to refine his skillset.
Lenise Joseph – Forward | Class of 2027 – Carolina Hornets
Playing up an age group, Lenise Joseph was a dominating presence on the floor. She rebounded with authority, protected the rim, and made life difficult for opposing offenses. Her strength, timing, and physicality stood out on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she finished well through contact and continued to showcase strong hands and footwork around the basket. Joseph’s presence and production continue to elevate her as one of the top frontcourt prospects in her class.
Zyree Brown – Guard | Class of 2026 – Sewer South
Zyree Brown made a strong impression with his blend of strength, athleticism, and shiftiness at the point guard spot. A high-motor floor general, Brown plays with urgency and confidence, pushing the pace while staying under control. He’s a gifted playmaker who uses quick-twitch athleticism to break down defenders and create opportunities for teammates. When needed, he’s capable of knocking down shots from deep and competing on the defensive end. Brown’s impact was felt on both sides of the ball all weekend.
Ashanti Taylor – Point Guard | Class of 2027 – HER Elite EYCL
Ashanti Taylor stood out with her vision, poise, and playmaking instincts. With excellent size for a point guard, she plays with control and maturity always looking to create opportunities for others. Taylor uses her natural feel for the game and athleticism to contribute on both ends of the floor. Her unselfishness, paired with her ability to defend and finish when needed, makes her a complete floor general and rising name to watch.
Janon Singh – 6’7 Wing | Class of 2027 – Team United
Long, athletic, and loaded with upside, Janon Singh impressed with his two-way potential. He rebounded actively, ran the floor with purpose, and showed the ability to finish above the rim with bounce. Offensively, Singh is comfortable spotting up beyond the arc and has the speed to push the ball coast-to-coast. Defensively, he moved his feet well on the perimeter and showed flashes of being a versatile stopper. With three-level scoring upside and a high motor, Singh’s ceiling continues to rise.