5 biggest takeaways from the Phenom Hoop Stay Positive Showcase
The Phenom Hoop Stay Positive Classic put together some quality matchups between circuit teams this past weekend. Here’s a look at some of the biggest takeaways. 1. Team Charlotte 17U is finding their identity Last weekend, Team Charlotte 17U squad…
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Continue ReadingThe Phenom Hoop Stay Positive Classic put together some quality matchups between circuit teams this past weekend. Here’s a look at some of the biggest takeaways.
1. Team Charlotte 17U is finding their identity
Last weekend, Team Charlotte 17U squad took some lumps, losing to Team Loaded 16U team among other things. And after that tournament, head coach Jeff McInnis spoke individually with each player as the team exited the gym.
On Saturday, all those discussions seemed to work in an impressive showing against Team Felton. They won 64-45 behind 16 points from 2020 forward Jaden Seymour and 13 points from 2021 guard A.J. Smith as both players imposed their will on their opponent all game long.
It was a great confidence boost for them in one of the opening games of the weekend as Team Charlotte put on a show for all those in attendance. Seymour had his way in the paint with a number of thunderous dunks and Smith showed more aggressiveness with the ball in his hands. The Association should be on the lookout for this team, they’ve got size and length and defense.
2. Team CP3 has a strong backcourt duo
Team CP3 17U squad has some new faces on it, but their backcourt duo of 2020 guard Shakeel Moore and 2021 guard Cam Hayes is going to be one to keep an eye on this summer.
Moore poured in 24 points against Team Felton, scoring on a number of and-one plays. He’s an explosive, strong guard that can get to the rim and dunk on his opponent. Hayes is playing up a level and as he learns to play alongside Moore, his confidence will continue to grow. He can score from the perimeter, get to the rim and distribute with ease.
Look for these two players stocks to rise on the EYBL circuit.
3. Juice All-Stars NC (Stephenson) has some studs
The Juice All-Stars Stephenson 17U squad took home a championship this past weekend led by the play of 2020 guard A.J. Thompson and 2020 forward Saiquone Harris. Thompson handled the team’s point guard duties and given his size at 6-foot-5, he uses it to his advantage, getting to the paint when needed and distributing the ball when needed.
Harris is a versatile wing threat that can shoot it from deep and get to the rim with ease. He’s a player that’s developing and if he gets in the weight room a little bit, he could emerge as a solid prospect.
Outside of Thompson and Harris, there’s 6-foot-10 big man Kharye Cayne, who blocks everything around the rim. 2020 forward Christopher Nobles is roaming the wing on offense as a slasher that can finish above the rim.
4. Look out for Carolina Riptide 16U
In each of their games this past weekend, a different player stepped up for them. Against CP3, it was 2021 guard Michael Dulin. Against Pro Skills Basketball, it was 2021 forward Jacob Morgan. They’re a team of unselfish players always looking to make the right play at the right time. 2021 forward Christian Taylor stole the show in their championship game when he shocked everybody and took off for a two-handed fastbreak dunk in traffic.
One constant for them is the play of 2021 point guard Clay “Smoke” Hodges, as his name suggests, he wants all parts of physicality on the hardwood and took on the task of guarding the other team’s best player in the championship. Keep an eye out for this team as they’re loaded with college-level talent.
5. Team Charlotte 15U has a load of developing talent
Team Charlotte 15U squad is a dominant force and will be on this year’s Under Armour Rise circuit. 2023 point guard David Green III is their playmaker, 2022 Jeremy Gregory is their big man inside and 2022 guard Marcus Farley Jr. is their scoring threat outside of the paint. They won big in the championship 82-47, dominating on both ends.
Green is only an eighth grader but he didn’t really show it, handling the basketball with ease and making plays for his teammates on numerous occasions. Anything Gregory caught in the paint was a bucket. He finished with 20 points in the championship game. Farley had 22 points, showing off his ability to score on the break and off the dribble. Don’t be surprised if this team is in the championship come July.