Phenom Challenge: Top 2024s
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The 2024 Phenom Challenge took place on Saturday and Sunday at the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. These six prospects are from the Class of 2024 and are still looking for a college home (although a couple will…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 Phenom Challenge took place on Saturday and Sunday at the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. These six prospects are from the Class of 2024 and are still looking for a college home (although a couple will be choosing the Prep School route). There are lead guards, scoring wings, and dominant big men and all had great performances this weekend. Check them out below:
Dashawn Byrd Dashawn Byrd 5’5″ | PG Spartanburg | 2024 State SC headlines our list of Standout 2024s from the Phenom Challenge after helping lead the Carolina Raptors to the 17U Orange Bracket Championship. Byrd is a small but extremely quick and shifty guard. He is crafty around the lane and a good shooter from the perimeter. He also sees the floor well and finds frequently finds teammates in good positions.
Highlights
After finishing the school year at Nation Ford High School, Giles will reclassify to 2025 and attend Flight 22 Prep. He was one of the top shot blockers in the state this season and had a solid tournament in Spartanburg. In all three games, Caden did a great job of controlling the paint on both ends of the floor through interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. Even if he doesn’t physically block a shot, his size around the basket affects lots of opportunities. Caden had a strong performance against Team KST 17U on Sunday Morning, finishing with 6 Points and 3 Blocks.
Mims is an intriguing 2024 Wing from Upward Stars Columbia . While he plays his High School Basketball in Georgia, he has strong ties to the Palmetto State and I’ve always heard positive reviews about his game. He backed those up with his play in Spartanburg. While he is not the most athletic wing, Justin is a good finisher around the bucket and has lots of good moments with the ball in his hands in transition. Mims is also a nice perimeter shooter, hitting both contested and uncontested threes.
Highlights
I have become very familiar with Drake’s game over the past 6 months and he had another solid performance this weekend at the Phenom Challenge. Stewart has the ball in his hands often with Team KST, and he is very comfortable scoring and facilitating. Drake also has a good combination of speed and strength and is a good scorer at the basket or in the mid-range.
Jaylen Peterson
Jaylen Peterson
Jaylen has a “deep bag” when it comes to putting the ball in the basket. He has a very good between-the-legs crossover and has a knack for beating his initial defender. Peterson is a great athlete who finishes above the rim and if he gets out in transition, it’s showtime. Jaylen is also a solid perimeter shooter as well, which is important to his game because it keeps opposing defenses honest. In a matchup with Upward Stars Gold on Saturday, Peterson had a solid game with 10 points, most of it coming in the second half.
Jamaal Chrisp
Jamaal Chrisp
Jamaal was one of the most exciting big-man performers regardless of class. He is a great athlete and is very versatile on the offensive end. He stood out particularly against Upward Stars Columbia on Saturday, putting up 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Chrisp is capable of scoring off the dribble, shooting off the catch from the perimeter, and is a good presence around the rim on defense. Also, if he breaks away in the open floor, he can finish with authority as he did multiple times throughout the weekend.