Phenom Hoops – Basketball Elite

Phenom Hoops High School Jamboree

Dozens of college coaches from all 3 levels of NCAA packed Proehlific Park on Saturday to watch over 30 HS teams compete on 3 courts. The games were competitive and there was a plethora of talent on hand.

I tried to watch as many teams as I could while there for over 7 hours. Below I have included my reports on players organized by high school in alphabetical order.

Calvary Baptist

Cameron Easter (2016, 6’6″, F)

Easter is a versatile and athletic wing who’s full arsenal was on display on Saturday. He can shoot it from the perimeter and finish above the rim on drives. He should see his recruitment increase after his performance.

Cannon School

Jairus Hamilton (2018, 6’8″, F)

Although he was the tallest and strongest player on the team, Hamilton played mostly point- forward today. He showed the ability to handle the ball, break down the defense, and kick to open shooters on the perimeter. He needs to continue to improve his body language and his effort on the defensive side of the ball. He didnt show the ability to knock down many perimeter shots, instead electing to attack the rim.

Charlotte Catholic

BJ Mack (2019, 6’8″, F)

Mack isnt afraid to do the dirty work and embraces contact and inside play. He has a strong frame and can play with his back to the basket. Mack projects as a HM prospect.

Concord

Rechon Black (2018, 6’6″, PG)

Black was another big PG I saw today. Not sure if this will remain his primary position going forward, but he did a good job of dribbling with his head up and getting to the FT line at a high rate. He is long and athletic and can hit open 3’s. Needs to continue to get stronger, but is tracking as a HM prospect.

Ray Kowolski (2016, 6’2″, G)

Ray plays with a lot of confidence and was one of the best shooters I saw today. He is patient with the ball and utilizes ball fakes. Strong. He has committed to SE Missouri.

Concord Prep

Jamari Benjamin/Nyheem Atkins (2016, 6’9″)

I didnt get to watch these twin towers play for very long but both of them are mobile athletic and long bigs who have good hands.

Cox Mill HS

Wendell Moore (2019, 6’5″, G)

Moore has possibly the highest upside of any player in attendance. He had a number of HM coaches scouting him while playing today. He is long and a decent athlete. He is a good ball handler who needs to continue to improve his left hand. Understands how to get other players involved and is unselfish. Has a college ready strong frame already which is scary- players were bouncing off of him on defense. Showed he can shoot from the outside. Can he defend high level PG’s is the question, but Moore has a bright future at the G slot.

Forsyth Country Day

Tripp Greene (2018, 6’1″, G)

Tripp continues to impress me every time I see him. His body has gotten stronger and he is more and more confident in his PG duties. He was one of the best 3 pt shooters in the gym and plays solid help side D. Colleges from all 3 divisions should monitor.

Bruno Solumon (2016, 6’9″, F)

Legit MM stretch 4 man who has a college ready frame and is mobile. Rebounds and passes the ball well. Has a high release on his shot and is willing to score inside as needed too.

Matty Edwards (2016, 6’5″, G)

One of my favorite players on the day, Matty is a coaches dream. He does the little things on both ends and works hard. He can shoot, dribble, and pass and is highly versatile. Good size for the 2/3 spot. Skilled and versatile.

Greensboro Day

JP Moorman (2017, 6’6″, F)

Possibly the best player on one of the deepest and best teams in attendance today. JP is a terror to defend in the open court with his blend of size, strength, and athleticism. Played hard today and is a MM+ prospect.

Travon Mayo (2017, 6’4″, G)

Under the radar type player who has a high motor with a good frame. Attacks the rim aggressively.

Johnny Newman (2018, 6’5″, G)

Showed some good things while in game. Plays hard, athletic, and defends.

Independence HS

Victor Tshiona (2017, 6’5″, F)

Victor is a bruiser inside who loves the physical play. Solid scorer with his back to the basket. High motor player who was unstoppable around the basket today.

Justyn Hamilon (2017, 6’10”, F)

Long and athletic front court player who has a good shooting touch. Must continue to improve strength.

Jack Britt HS

Gerald Buncum (2017, 6’6″, F)

One of my favorite players I saw today. Buncum is mobile and is an aggressive shot blocker. Long. Has the ability to hit the 15′ J.

Kings Mountain

Jacob Skidmore (2016, 6’8″, F)

Long and lanky wing who is scrappy and a good defender and rebounder. Skidmore was solid all day and can shoot the midrange with consistency.

Josh Helton (2017, 6’8″, PF)

Helton is a strong post player who can score with his back to the basket. Showed he could pick and pop and hit the short corner J. Plays hard and attacks the rim. Good motor.

Lincoln Charter

Kody Shubert (2018, 6′, G)

Highlight reel with the ball and is fun to watch. Capable of playing either guard slot. Arguably the best shooter in the gym today. Defends and makes plays.

Millbrook HS

Faison Brock (2016, 6’6″, F)

Loved his energy and athleticism. Rebounds the ball and makes winning plays. D1 player.

Austin Cobb (2016, 6’4″, G)

One of the best 1 on 1 scorers I saw today. Really good with the ball in his hands- has the ball on a string. Can create for himself with an excellent hesitation dribble.

Mt. Tabor

Cartier Wilks (2017, 6’6″, F)

Face up 4 man who rebounds the ball well and has good energy. Super long and is an aggressive defender.

Voyager Academy

Jay Huff (2016, 6’11”, F)

The UVA stretch 4 man showed a good skill set and soft touch from the perimeter. Needs to continue to improve on the defensive end and show a higher motor.

Westchester Country Day

Marshall Lange (2016, 6’3″, PG)

Lange entered the day with only 2 D-2 offers and I believe that will change very soon with his solid play today. He has a strong upper body and a quick first step. He can shoot it with a quick release on the outside and can create off the bounce. Had several no-look passes today to cutters and has good vision. Contests shots on the defensive end- bumps cutters too.

Caymen Bennett (2016, 6’1″, G)

Plays bigger then 6’1″ with his length and athleticism. Needs to tighten up his handle but is solid in transition.

Word of God

Rawle Alkins (2016, 6’4″, G/F)

By far the strongest player I saw today, any position. Has a great frame with good shoulders- looks like a football player. Aggressive slasher who can change directions off the bounce. Struggled to defend quicker 2’s and 3’s on the perimeters- took poor angles on the closeouts and has slow lateral quickness. Low shooting release but is a college prospect.

Jalen Harris (2016, 6’2″, G)

Plays the game with a quite confidence. Fluid with effortless athleticism. Good perimeter stroke. The 2G has committed to Buffalo.

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NC Phenom 150 Scouting Reports: Spring 2015 Edition

Micah Smith, unsigned 2015 player, showed outstanding athleticism at the showcase

With over 200 players in attendance, the Spring NC Phenom 150 for 2015 organized by Phenom Hoop Report was a great way to kick off the Spring basketball season, although, technically, the Winter basketball season was actually not over until the same day.

Even though I set out with the goal of watching every single player in attendance, the reality is that I did not get a chance to see every team. However, here are my notes from the players I was able to catch. Some solid players on hand, although this year the one skill I saw missing was consistent outside shooting. I did not see a player today that was knocking down deep shots with regularity. The good news for players is that skill can be improved. There were, however, quite a few athletic slashing players on hand with explosive ability and a few really solid point guards as well.

Michal Seals (PG, 5’11”, 2016) High Point Christian Academy (NC) – I’ve seen Seals multiple times over the past 3 years and I really like his heads-up play and elusiveness under the basket. A true PG who has excellent handles, puts pressure on the defense with the dribble drive but also can finish in traffic. Being actively recruited by several colleges.

Phillip Roach (G, 6’2″, 2017) Cape Henry Collegiate (VA) – has an excellent crossover dribble both in transition and in the halfcourt and has an ability to create his own shot. Tends to fade a bit on his shots but was able to see weaknesses in spacing on the defense and exploit them.

Micah Smith (SG, 6’2″, 2015) Eastern Wayne HS (NC) – had one of the best performances of the camp, showed explosive first step and slashing ability, plays above the rim, has a high motor and plays both ends relentlessly. Seemingly involved on every play regardless of defense or offense. Good shot blocker from the guard position. Definitely a player colleges looking to shore up their 2015 class should be taking a look at.

Kody Shubert (PG, 5’11”, 2018) Lincoln Charter (NC) – one of the best point guards in attendance, quick feet, handles the ball extremely well, deadly passing vision. Great on ball defense even against the other solid guards in attendance today. Really enjoyed watching him matched up against DeShawn Patterson, another solid PG. Shubert has eyes-in-the-back-of-his-head passing and already has solid ballhandling. Would not be surprised to see him quickly become one of the most sought after guards in NC.

Definitely a college prospect with some upside. Colleges should be actively scouting him now.

Kody Shubert, PG, 2018 Class

Dujuan Waters (G, 5’9″, 2018) Wayne Country Day (NC) – heady player, athletic guard who looks like a ‘true combo’ right now, being able to run the point with his eyes up and working the offense, but also effective off of the ball.

Tyrik Ingram (G, 6’2″, 2019) Southern MS – coaches and scouts know that I rarely mention middle school players but I liked Ingram’s potential and his fluid play already. Definitely a player I will want to keep an eye on for the future.

Nicholas Tolbert (G, 5’9″, 2018) Asheville HS (NC) – solid handle with both left and right, understands how to run the offense while also looking for gaps in the defense.

Justin Myers (SF, 6’5″, 2016) North Iredell HS (NC) – immediately liked what I saw from Myers, plays hard and has great length from the small forward position. Was knocking down mid range shots and also putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. Plays through contact, good awareness. Definitely see Myers as a college prospect and looking forward to seeing him in AAU and high school.

Logan Vosburg (PF, 6’6″, 2017) Orange HS (NC) – Shot was falling early and was forced to defend on the perimeter early, being matched up against SF Justin Myers. Closes on the shooter well and has some range, should be considered a stretch 4 at this point and is most effective in the half court but is mobile with good hands.

Omari Wilson (G, 6’3″, 2017) Fayetteville 71st (NC) – a lot of potential here and upside, excellent wing player who puts a ton of pressure on the defense, especially in transition. High motor, was paired with several athletic wings on his team and at times they ran the other teams off of the floor. Colleges should definitely be taking a look now.

Brian McElveen (SF) New Hope Christian (NC) – good shot blocker and solid passer. Pretty quick first step and has a good understanding of the game. Showed a decent handle slashing from the wing.

Ubong Okon (C, 6’10”, 2017) Prominance Academy (NC) – fantastic hands and runs the floor harder than most guards. Great build already and will continue to add strength and muscle. Soft touch and a good passer, and as much as I love a big man who knows how to pass out of a double team, Okon could probably have easily padded his point totals by just powering over his smaller defenders. A Division I big man prospect with some signficant upside. Probably a MM prospect now.

Javier Rogers (PG, 5’5″, 2017) Kestrel Heights (NC) – small but deadly PG, incredibly quick, star handles and gifted passer. Size is an issue but is a flat out baller.

Elijah Manley (G, 6’3″, 2017) Uwharrie Charter Academy (NC) – solid athlete who can play both the SG or SF spots. Still a bit raw in some areas but another player to keep an eye on.

Tyler Maye (G, 6’1″, 2017) Greenfield School (NC) – Excellent motor with a quick shot release and good form. Really gets it done in transition – saw him get 3 transition layups in a row just because of his awareness.

Blan Hodges (G, 5’11”, 2018) Alexander Central HS (NC) – Has gotten bigger, moves well without the ball and understands spacing. Really did a good job playing off of the ball in the guard-dominated transition play of the showcase.

Taveon Ross (PG, 5’6″, 2017) Graham HS (NC) – Undersized but skilled guard, good handle and really solid passing vision.

DeShawn Patterson (PG, 5’11”, 2016) Victory Christian (NC) – have seen Patterson multiple times over the past two years and he’s a really solid and flashy pure PG, can shoot from outside and often makes the game look easy. We broadcast two of his high school games in November at the Phenom National High School showcase. Full game replay of his game versus Kennedy Charter is below.

I have yet to see a game where Patterson turns the ball over much, a solid ball-control type of point guard who I’ve also watched go against Terrence Phillips of Oak Hill earlier this season.

College prospect who has several colleges interested.

DeShawn Patterson, PG, 2016 Class

DeShawn Patterson: Full Game Replay, Victory Christian vs. Kennedy Charter (2014-15 High School Season)

Michael Wade (PF/C, 6’7″, 2017) – Big bodies post player with soft hands and a good passing touch. Looks like he has some good upside and already possesses the toughness to play the post but never seems rattled and is a very even keeled player. Had a nice shot release and looks like he could really develop a good hook shot as well.

Ebon Jay (PF, 6’5″, 2017) Person HS (NC) – really strong build player who gets both hands on the ball in the post and will no doubt be a handful for smaller players. Plays through contact and seals really well. Should also be able to play taller players at the 4 and 5 spots.

Jacob Skidmore (PF/C, 6’7″, 2016) Kings Mountain HS (NC) – great length and hands. Still working on adding muscle to a slender frame but was more assertive and aggressive than I’ve ever seen him. Made excellent decisions with the ball when trapped and works hard in the post. Really looks like a stretch 4 who has some upside.

DJ Myers (SG, 6’5″, 2017) Neuse Christian Academy (NC) – high octane, rangy guard with collegiate quicks and size. Offensively one of the most athletic wings in the state and fantastic first step. Great transition game player, a full court killer. First saw him in the Fall League at Garner Road and he’s gotten taller since then. Definitely a college prospect and really one to keep an eye on.

Jude Akubeze (C, 6’8″, 2018) Prominance Academy (NC) – great size and seals well in the post. Good hands and still a somewhat raw post player but already has muscle for the paint and good wingspan. Was a lot to handle in the post even for older players and is only a freshman. Definitely a college prospect already.

Donaldson Fanord (C, 6’7″, 2017) Fort Mill HS (SC) A big man who can play both facing the basket and with his back to the basket. Mobile big man who effectively uses ball fakes and footwork to get off shots.

Brent Davis (G/F, 6’3″, 2015) Victory Christian (NC) Good slashing wing player with a nice quick release and square up on his shot. Good length from the wing and good handle from the SG/SF position.

Josh Nork (G, 6’0″, 2016) York Prep (SC) – hard working guard who moves with or without the ball. True combo guard who can run the point or play the 2 position. Always looking to move to position and good understanding of spacing. High energy player.

Zavian Jackson (G, 6’2″, 2016) Burlington Cummings HS (NC) – Solid athletic perimeter player with a high motor and had no discernible drop off in full court play after multiple games. Nice two-handed monster dunk in transition.

DeVante Stevens (G/F, 6’4″, 2016) Neuse Charter School (NC) – good length and looks like he could play both the SG and SF positions, but has good timing inside for rebounding and putbacks and has better lane presence than most small forwards. Can play with contact in the paint and held his own even against larger post players.

Parker Julian (F, 6’7″, 2016) Charlotte Latin (NC) – showed some deep touch but his real asset is his length and hands. Can block shots both in the halfcourt and transition and has a high release, although I would like to see his release speed up. Does a lot of good things on both ends of the floor and swatted several transition shots on the move.

Charles Norman (PG, 6’3″, 2016) Prominance Academy (NC) – Explosive guard who I feel will be a steal for a college program. Great handle but is a nightmare to handle at full speed whether he has the ball or not. A high-octane player. Note: reigning champion of the Basketball Elite Southeast Summer Showcase Dunk Contest (awesome recap video below):

Drew Greene (PG, 5’11”, 2018) Chapel Hill HS (NC) – high basketball IQ and understands how to attack the defense with the drive or pass. Will need to add strength but a lot to like already and I really was impressed with his understanding of the game even in the pickup style of showcase basketball.

Jaylon Wray (G, 6’2″, 2016) Crest HS (NC) – another athletic guard who showed a high motor and played well above the rim as the day progressed. Had back-to-back dunks in one game was difficult for a lot of defenders to stay in front of him on the move.

Andreas Fuller (G, 6’5″, 2018) Village Christian Academy (NC) – a big time prospect with size and handles to play at the next level already, and a lot of upside. Can run the point even at 6’5″, makes great decisions on the break and already has savvy of an upperclassmen, combined with natural athleticism. Definitely a college prospect.

Hunter Ladler (G, 6’2″, 2016) Atlantic Shores (VA) – high motor guard with excellent passing skills and a great decision maker even at full speed.

Taylan Rowe (G, 6′, 2016) West Stanly HS (NC) – showed nice speed and an ability to create his own shot in a variety of ways, even in the halfcourt.

Johnathon Pearsall (G/F, 6’3″, 2017) North Raleigh Christian Academy (NC) – another high motor wing player who gets to the rim and gets buckets in transition, but understands fast break spacing. Was teamed up with other high motor wings like Omari Wilson and Justin Myers and they ran a couple of teams out of the gym with their relentless break.

China Jones (G/F, 6’5″, 2016) Voyager Academy (NC) – solid athlete who plays above the rim, had some monster slams in today’s action was active on both ends. Definitely one to watch.

Tre Doughty (PG, 5’11”, 2016) Neuse Christian Academy (NC) – big time bounce and athletic point guard who gets after it on both ends. Explosive but under control, very good first step but also played well off of the ball.

Temetrius Morant (G, 5’11”, 2017) Crestwood HS (SC) – solid guard play all day and was making solid decisions with the pass and the dribble all day.

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Want more scouting notes? You can follow Marcus Shockley on Twitter, right this second @M_Shockley

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Phenom Hoop High School Jamboree

Michael Okauru showed a flair for scoring at the Phenom High School Jamboree

By James Blackburn

I was able to attend the Phenom Hoop High School Jamboree on Saturday held at Proehlific Park in Greensboro, NC. 24 high school teams from around the region attended the event which was well attended by college coaches of every division. I was able to see see just about every team during my time spent there and my reports on some of the top performers are below.

2015

Cecil Moore

(5’10”, Calvary Baptist)
Super quick guard who can get to paint. Defends the ball baseline to baseline. Needs to improve playmaking ability but is a solid guard.

Xavier Hill-Mais

(6’8″, Greensboro Page)

One of the strongest bigs in attendance today. Great post defender who protects rim without fouling. Tough nosed and physical.

Dusan Kovacevic

(6’10”, Rabun Gap)

Was the top player in attendance today in my opinion. Is a point forward and ran the PG position for most of the day. Is in great shape and played almost every minute in all 3 games and was the number one offensive weapon. Has a great feel for the game and is highly skilled. Reminds me of Joe Ingles who played for Team Australia this summer in the FIBA World Cup. Is vocal and a floor leader. Solid ball handler who can also knock down open 3’s. Unselfish. Is from Serbia and played for the Junior National team this past summer. Utilizes pump fakes and can score the ball when needed. Not afraid of contact. Needs to improve quickness and explosion. Already holds several D1 offers and is a HM player in my opinion.

Luka Majstorovic

(6’9″, Rabun Gap)

Back to the basket C who has great hands and footwork. Is great in the high post or on the block. Has a soft touch and showed off several post moves including a nice turn around. Solid defensive rebounder and made several terrific outlet passes. Reminds me of Kennedy Meeks in several ways. Very good passer. Strong and big bodied post who has lost weight since the summer. Not very athletic but moves well for his size. LM/MM schools should be recruiting him hard.

Christian Adams

(6’3″, Calvary Baptist)

The Coastal Carolina commit looked solid on both ends all day. Lefty wing with good size and has the ability to create for himself and others. Can score in multiple ways.

Kentrell Barkley

(6’6″, 2015)

The ECU commit was all over the floor today. Love his energy and his motor. Uses his athleticism to his advantage. Solid rebounder who can score above the rim.

Rob Brown

(6’8″, Millbrook HS)

Mobile big who has tremendous strength and good size. Has solid upside. Would be a steal for some D2 teams.

Marko Tomic

(6’8″, Freedom Academy)
Stretch 4 who has a terrific stroke from 3-pt line. Skilled player who can pass, dribble, and shoot. Unselfish player who has a great feel for the game. Is from Serbia. LM schools should be all over this kid.

Corey Hanes

(6’5″, Forsyth Country Day)

Hybrid forward who looks more explosive then the last time I saw him. Can score above the rim and create own offense from perimeter or in post. Needs to improve consistency, but any D2/LM schools still needing a 4 man, they should give him a look.

Peter Parkitny

(6’10”, Calvary Baptist)

Mobile big who can shoot the midrange with consistency. Shows solid effort and is mobile. Would be effective in the right system. Hasnt been the states long and I expect his recruitment to pick up soon. D2/LM prospect.

James Dickey

(6’9″, Word of God)

Best shot blocker I saw on the day. Uses his length, timing, and athleticism to alter and block shots. Runs the floor well. Unselfish player who has upside. Can hit the 3 and has good arc on his shot. Needs to add weight. Dickey has committed to UNCG.

Darius Moore

(5’10”, Greensboro Day)

Smooth and unselfish. One of the best pure PGs at the event. Poised floor general who is a terrific passer. Scoring ability has improved. Has a great feel for the game and has good creativity around the rim. Will be heading to PC to play.

Peter Agba

(6’6″, Greensboro Day)

Always will be a big fan of Agba game. Plays much bigger then 6’6″ because of a great frame and a never ending motor. Tremendous rebounder and finisher inside.

2016

Kevin Quinn

(6’4″, Virginia Episcopal)

Underrated player who does the little things to help a team win. Elite shooter who can also score at the rim. College prospect without a doubt.

Delante Jones

(6’5″, Virginia Episcopal)

Loved this kids game. Super bouncy wing who defends and makes plays on both ends. American University got a steal with this kid.

Sacha Killeya- Jones

(6’10”, Virginia Epsicopal)

One of the top bigs at the event today. Mobile and athletic. Can block shots and finish inside. Is receiving interest from multiple HM schools.

Justice Kithcart

(6’2″, Virginia Epsicopal)

Shifty, quick, and athletic PG who can score with contact and get to rim at will.

Greyson Kelley (6’0″, North Raleigh Christian)
Plays extremely hard. Gives 100% energy every play on both ends. Attacks the rim hard. D2 prospect.

Jay Huff

(6’10”, Voyager Academy)

Good shot blocking mobile big man. Great length. Needs to improve conditioning and strength. Can stretch the floor with a solid looking stroke out to 3 and a soft touch. MM prospect.

Casey Penland

(6’1″, High Point Christian)

Athletic guard who is smooth and attacks the rim hard. Can finish at rim in creative ways.

Lawrence Williams

(6’7″, New Hanover HS)

Bouncy and long player with potential.

Michael Steward

(6’5″, Asheville Christian Academy)

Showed good patience in the post and some solid back to basket moves. Has a soft shooting touch out to 15′. Needs to add some muscle but has potential.

Jordan Shepard

(6’2″, Asheville Christian Academy)

One of the top players on his team and one of the best guards I saw today. Ball pressure doesn’t effect him. Poised and patient PG. Smooth and athletic player who can create his own shot. D1 prospect.

2017

Michael Okauru

(6’4′, Ravenscroft HS)
Terrific playmaker with solid court vision especially in transition. Capable of getting to the paint. High energy player on the offensive ends. Capable of becoming a solid defender because of athleticism, but needs to be more consistent on this sid of the floor. Better on the ball defender at this point, lost his man more then once when his man didn’t have the ball. D1 prospect at the guard spot.

JP Moorman

(6’5″, Greensboro Day)

Can catch and finish on the run. Runs the floor well and defends.

Kameron Langley

(6’0″, Southwest Guilford HS)

Kameron was another PG who stood out to me today as someone who was able to use his speed in the open court and also get to the rim. Excellent in a high tempo system. Can finish with contact.

Todd Smith

(6’4″, 2017)

Terrific athlete who had several highlight finishes today. Good shot blocker for size.

Douglas Elks

(6’4″, Ravenscroft HS)

True PG who plays with poise. High IQ player who is unselfish and willing to make extra pass. Moves feet well on defense and makes team better while on floor. Is an underrated player in my opinion and is someone D1 schools should begin to track.

Kaleb Hunter

(6’3″, North Raleigh Christian)

Active lefty who is a good wing defender. Solid across the board.

2018

Drew Tazuma

(6’4″, Knightdale HS)

High energy player who impacts the game on both ends. Love his motor and his potential. Mobile and athletic.

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James Blackburn is the Director of Scouting for Basketball Elite and Power to Win Sports. You can keep up with James on Twitter @JamesJunior21