Phenom May Madness – Top Performers
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After catching EYBL competition on Friday and Saturday, I tuned in to some more local hoops Sunday, as Phenom Hoops put on their May Madness event this weekend. With some great regional talent that is beginning to turn some more…
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Continue ReadingAfter catching EYBL competition on Friday and Saturday, I tuned in to some more local hoops Sunday, as Phenom Hoops put on their May Madness event this weekend. With some great regional talent that is beginning to turn some more heads on the grassroots scene, there was no shortage of standouts. Check out a few of the best guys I saw in my viewing on Sunday.
The Carolina Flyers put on a good showing this weekend, finishing runner up in the Blue Bracket of the 17U, and Jeffries was a large part of the action. He wasn’t the leading scorer or the most flashy player on the floor, but he consistently made winning plays on both ends. Good frame for his size, standing around 6’3/6’4 with pretty long limbs. Very capable perimeter jump shooter who hit shots off the catch and the move, spacing well and finding open pockets to get his shots off. Also just plays with a high motor, hustling and looking to make that impact, energy play that gets his team going.
Jackson was the leader of the championship group, Truth Elite, today, acting as another balanced player who made impacts on all areas of the floor to help his team win. More of an interior scorer who attacks the painted area and finds a way to get the bucket no matter what. Also a tempo-pusher who plays with good pace and makes sure the offense is running as it should, or picking his team up when they are in a dry spell. Tenacious defender who makes life difficult for his matchup or any ball handler he’s matched up with.
Tyrin Graham
Tyrin Graham
Graham put on a couple of amazing scoring displays on Sunday, first going for TEN threes, and then putting up 22 in the 17U Orange championship game. This display of shooting immediately caught my attention as he has got to be one of the better shooters in his class. A quick, smooth release who can get it up in a hurry and get hot, expertly finding room to get his shot off. Able to handle the ball and run offense as well, looking solid with the ball in his hands.
Jeffries is in-state and played with the Durham Hurricanes this weekend, as they cruised to the 16U title. He’s got a naturally long frame with arms that seem to extend all the way up to the backboard when he’s around the rim. Really good and fluid scorer for his age, outclassing kids with his height but also his combo of skill and athleticism. Made some big shots as well as clutch ones, being the big play guy when his team needed it. Would love to see him on a shoe circuit team soon, as he’s got high level talent to compete with the best of them.
Highlights
Howard continues to electrify as a leader for his NLPB 2025 group, a skilled, physical guard who can play on or off the ball. Can do a little bit of everything scoring wise, shooting or attacking the rim. However, I’d say his best attribute is getting to the paint and finishing through contact and over length. Solid defender because of that natural athleticism, and is able to stay in front of guys easily. Also a legitimate playmaker in spurts, able to make the right read and get the ball out of his hands quickly.