Phenom Challenge: Out-of-State Standouts
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It was not just Palmetto State Prospects that stood out at the Phenom Challenge from the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday and Sunday. There were players from North Carolina and Arizona that stood out and had…
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Continue ReadingIt was not just Palmetto State Prospects that stood out at the Phenom Challenge from the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday and Sunday. There were players from North Carolina and Arizona that stood out and had strong performances from many different clubs this weekend. Check them out below:
Tyrin Graham
Tyrin Graham
Tyrin Graham was one of the top performers of the 2024 Phenom Challenge regardless of position, age group, or bracket. He caught fire from behind the arc, knocking down 25 threes across 5 games and having both a 20-point and 30-point game during the weekend. He does a terrific job of using dribble moves and body fakes to create space to get his shot off. Tyrin also has very deep range that draws defenses out of their normal posture. Although perimeter shooting was his best attribute this weekend, he also was able to create for himself and others off dribble drives.
Chris had a very solid weekend for the 17U Blue Bracket Co-Champions Upward Stars SE. I was really impressed with his overall game, but one thing that stood out in particular was his passing. He has great floor vision and feel for defenses for a big man. Eagan was doubled some, but not often, which made it all the more impressive that he was able to make key passes from the post. Chris had at least 3 assists in all 3 of Upward’s games this weekend.
Ashton was terrific for Team Swish against Upward Stars Gold on Sunday. He has a knack for getting the rack and scoring from close range. He doesn’t shy away from contact there either and is a good free-throw shooter when fouled. Dillon also has a terrific crossover that he uses to get by his defenders. In that Sunday Morning matchup, Ashton had a strong 15 points in a low-scoring game.
Highlights
Anton has a really strong physical frame and is a good post prospect. He is aggressive on both ends of the floor and on the glass, too. I was very impressed with his second-half performance in the first window of games Sunday Morning. He had 11 Points and 5 Rebounds in the game, scoring from close range and preventing second-chance opportunities on the defensive end. Liviu also has a modern touch to his game and can score off the dribble when needed.
Sanford is another member of 3SSB’s Upward Stars that stood out on their home floor at the Phenom Challenge this weekend. Lawrence is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and a nightmare for defenders to keep in front. He is very good with the ball in his hands in transition, but can create in the half-court as well. He stood out in particular against Team KST 17U on Sunday, scoring 9 points and chipping in on defense with 2 blocks and a steal.
Highlights
Quinton Rybczyk
Quinton Rybczyk
Quinton is a true do-it-all Guard from the backcourt of the NC Spartans Forest City. He can score off the catch or off the dribble and do it at all three levels. In particular, he proved to be very efficient on corner threes and from the right side of the lane. Rybczyk also contributes to rebounding and playmaking and can be trusted with the ball in his hands running an offense. He had a solid game against very good competition in the 17U Blue Bracket on Saturday Morning, putting up 9 Points and 4 Rebounds.