Freedom 828 Showcase – Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Phenom Hoops is putting on a big event in Greensboro this weekend, we'd be remiss to not highlight their WNC event going down in Morganton. With some great regional matchups as well as local teams able to represent and get some publicity. Read below for some info on some of the top prospects to watch this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Guards - </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1154672' first='Miles' last='Beard'] - Physical combo guard who scores it well from all three levels. Smooth jumper and an ability to get to the mid-range and elevate for jumpers. Can play physical defense as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1220163' first='Jullian' last='Mack'] - Good alternative scoring guard for Hopewell that deserves college interest of his own. He's got confidence to score in bunches and can get hot in a hurry as a volume guy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1672480' first='Ian' last='Bailey'] - Really smooth guard that has the ability to take and make difficult shots, and shows an uncanny ability at his age to control the game. Shown an ability to be a playmaker as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2058054' first='Carter' last='Anderson'] - Shooter who can really fire it from deep, with a consistent looking jumper and an ability to shoot over bigger defenders. Also rebounds well for his position is an overall tough competitor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1378411' first='Amore' last='Connelly'] - Super bouncy, athletic leaper that loves to put pressure on the rim. Should be an exciting watch in the nightcap in front of his home crowd.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wings/Forwards - </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1976854' first='Brendan' last='Bailey'] - Bailey may be a 2 guard, but his outstanding size and physicality at the position makes him a matchup nightmare. Excels at getting to his spots and operating in the mid-post or the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2092926' first='Michael' last='Phillips'] - Versatile two way threat that has almost no ceiling if he can keep developing at this pace. Can shoot it, drive it, and really clog the floor on defense with his length.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1672479' first='Bradley' last='Floyd'] - Elite scorer that is one of the best in the 2026 class. Likes to do work in the 10-15 foot area but can get to the rim as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2093864' first='Raheim' last='Misher'] - Strong, physical football player that plays on the interior on the hardwood. Switchable on defense and attacks the glass on both ends of the floor. High motor athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1892438' first='Jackson' last='Fannon'] - Sharpshooter but is playing the stretch forward spot. Ball skills are improving to where he can break down defenders off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->