Phenom Hoops Lakesgiving – Friday Players to Watch
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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…
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Continue ReadingAs 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.
Guards
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.
Quay Watson Quay Watson 6'0" | CG Hopewell | 2024 State NC – 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.
Cameron Newman Cameron Newman 5'11" | PG Gaston Christian | 2026 State NC – 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.
Markiest Houston Markiest Houston 5'10" | CG Rocky River | 2024 State NC – 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.
Santana Lynch Santana Lynch 6'4" | SG Lake Norman | 2024 State NC – 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.
Wings –
Jordan Gonder Jordan Gonder 6'4" | SF Northwest Cabarrus | 2024 State NC – 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.
Mason Smith Mason Smith 6'7" | PF Davidson Day | 2024 State NC – 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.
Tre McKinnon Tre McKinnon 6'5" | SF Lake Norman High | 2025 State NC – 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.
Jaylen Cross Jaylen Cross 6'4" | SG Caldwell Academy | 2025 State #168 Nation NC – 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.
Kameron Taylor Kameron Taylor 6'7" | SF Carmel Christian | 2024 State NC – 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.
Bryce Slay Bryce Slay 6'5" | SG Carmel Christian | 2025 State #276 Nation NC – 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.
Bigs –
William Stevens William Stevens 6'10" | C Davidson Day | 2026 State NC – 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.
Makoi Mabor Makoi Mabor 6'11" | C Gaston Christian | 2024 State NC – 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.
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.
Cody 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.
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.