Phenom Hoops Lakesgiving – Friday Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends and family, there's great basketball events rapidly approaching. One of these events is Lakesgiving, presented by Phenom Hoops, at Lake Norman High School in Mooresville. I expect to see plenty of talent perform on a big stage, and want to take some opportunity to highlight those guys below. Check out my top prospects who will be in attendance in Friday's session of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Guards</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelan Flowers - Dynamic guard who seems to always get a bucket no matter the scenario. Making lots of plays in the mid-range and paint areas so far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1281454' first='Quay' last='Watson'] - Dynamic scorer that may end up playing off the ball in college even though he looks like a traditional point guard in stature. Can really execute as a volume scorer, and has impressive shot making ability off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1672429' first='Cameron' last='Newman'] - Undersized guard who continues to kill as a floor general. Saw him be able to score the ball in AAU but is looking to run the show and be more of a playmaker for his group so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1975400' first='Markiest' last='Houston'] - Unquestioned leader of his Rocky River team this year. On the court is a combo guard who excels as a slasher but will also facilitate when his gravity attracts defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1334260' first='Santana' last='Lynch'] - Legitimate size at 6'4 and has really been let loose this season without having to share the rock with three HM commits in front of him. Attacking the glass and making an impact early for Lake Norman. Approaching the high end D2/LM D1 range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wings - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2279860' first='Jordan' last='Gonder'] - High motor wing that almost acts/plays as a hybrid post player. Does damage in the mid-range as a face up guy and attacking the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2043210' first='Mason' last='Smith'] - Lights-out shooter from deep. Physicality and size should be an asset with a little more development in the weight room, but his shooting could help him crack Mercer's rotation as a freshman next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1226603' first='Tre' last='McKinnon'] - Strong, physical wing that can score the rock in transition and above the rim. Really explosive leaper which makes him dangerous to stop with a head of steam. Shooting the ball better from 3 so far this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1030026' first='Jaylen' last='Cross'] - Really skilled and physical, a combo of which should send him somewhere at the HM level. Prolific scorer, as evidenced by his 70 point AAU game this summer, but can also defend multiple positions and fight on the interior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1730959' first='Kameron' last='Taylor'] - Dynamic threat in transition and improving from the perimeter. Covered him last week so it's largely the same, but is continuing to show off more touch from around the perimeter and not just being a straight line driver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1226598' first='Bryce' last='Slay'] - More of a 2 guard/jumbo guard that has real collegiate size. 3 level scorer that is able to take over games when he has the freedom and confidence to do so. Been looking really strong so far in the young season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bigs - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2055540' first='Will' last='Stevens'] - Rapidly improving 2026 big man who has great skill and IQ on the defensive end more-so. Immense rim protector and rebounder on that end that isn't afraid of battling with older, more physical guys. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1809464' first='Gabriel' last='Mabor'] - Above the rim big with explosive athleticism. Plays and runs the floor hard as hell, can never take him out of a game emotionally. Lob threat off half-court plays and ball screens especially.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Treint Steinour - One of the more skilled bigs in the state, who plays with IQ and control as a forward for his group. Nice touch around the rim, runs the floor hard, and can step out and help make plays in ball screens on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2444466' first='Cody' last='Peck'] - Really intriguing 2026 who seemed on the verge of a breakout year after the summer. Third option for CCS but has high upside on both ends of the floor. Is already an impact defensive player with his length and rim protection ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>David Reed IV - Undersized forward that is monstrously physical on the glass. Fights his tail off and is looking to pull down rebounds on both ends. Competent finisher around the rim and is a danger to take space and finish down low all the time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->