Phenom/Seros Open: Underclass Standouts (Part 2)

Phenom Hoops and the Seros Agency teamed up to hold the Phenom/Seros Open at Henrico Sports and Events Center this past weekend, with some of the top teams from the state and beyond in attendance.   Here's a look at part two of some of the underclass standouts we saw at the event, some players we believe coaches should keep a close eye on moving forward this summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2139297' first='J'Lon' last='Lyons'] | 6'0” PG | New World 16U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/203-J_Lon-Lyons.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/203-J_Lon-Lyons.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2199115" /></a></figure>   Lyons has emerged as one of the top young guards in the DMV, turning his Clinton Grace team into a powerhouse in high school, leading New World to a 3SSB 15U championship last year and already receiving some major college attention. While he may not have been the first one to catch your eye on this team when he walks out, he quickly showed his ability to run the show and make plays that are very difficult look effortless as he controlled every aspect of the game. He showed his shifty handle and dynamic ability to change speeds and get in the lane, he controlled the tempo and was difficult to stop in transition, he picked his spots and scored it efficiently from all three levels and he made everyone on his team better too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2524394' first='Kareem' last='Smith-Bey'] | 6'4” WF | New World 16U (2028)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Image-7-15-24-at-7.01 PM.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Image-7-15-24-at-7.01 PM.jpg?w=893" alt="" class="wp-image-2494160" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Greg Clark <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bucshots_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@greg9clark</a></figcaption></figure>   In a hot bed of basketball the way the DMV is there's always a “next up” prospect who blows scouts and coaches away as a freshman, and Smith-Bey is firmly in that discussion after his freshman season at St. John's and what he's done playing up in AAU with New World. On a team full of talented guards and wings, he's one that will quickly catch your eye as he looks like a grown man and is actually the youngest player on the team. While it's shocking to see how mature his body is for his age his game also is as he plays with patience and a high IQ, he showed his ability to get to spots and make difficult shots from multiple levels, he didn't shy away from physicality and he made winning plays on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2548181' first='Isaiah' last='Carter'] | 6'6” WF | [program_tooltip program_id='2226307' first='Team' last='Loaded VA'] 15U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/745-Isaiah-Carter.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/745-Isaiah-Carter.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2552826" /></a></figure>   Carter was perhaps the most impressive freshman in VA this season, playing major minutes for a John Marshall team that won another state championship and played a national schedule, and he showed why he already holds a handful of high major offers. The 6'6” wing is advanced across the board with a great frame that will fill out, smooth athleticism in the open floor and an understanding of the game on both ends that is well beyond his years. He showed his smooth shooting touch connecting on shots from deep at a very high clip, he showed his ability to create in the midrange and in the open floor and he showed great instincts on the defensive end as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='2506228' first='Owen' last='Laver'] | 6'7” PF | [program_tooltip program_id='2226307' first='Team' last='Loaded VA'] 15U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/tempImagei3oUOD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/tempImagei3oUOD.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2801237" /></a></figure>   Laver was another freshman with an outstanding start to his high school career leading Stuart Hall to a state championship, and he showed it's not just because they were D-IV and that he can play with the best of the best with this Loaded program too. The 6'7” forward has a blend of strength, athleticism and touch that is hard to find in a forward his age, and couple that with a high motor he was one of the most productive players I saw at the event. He ran the floor hard and got tons of opportunities in the open floor, he crashed the glass on both ends, he showed his ability to finish around the rim with both hands while also being able to step out and stretch the floor, and he made a lot of hustle plays on both ends of the floor too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2767487' first='King' last='Bacot'] | 6'3” PG | [program_tooltip program_id='2226307' first='Team' last='Loaded VA'] 15U (2029)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/King-Bacot.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/King-Bacot.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2371437" /></a></figure>   Bacot is considered by many as the best 2029 prospect in the country, and the younger brother of former Trinity Episcopal and UNC star and current G-League star Armando Bacot showed why as one of two very impressive guards who play up on this Loaded 15U team. While his brother was known for his post work, King is much different as he's a big guard who has tremendous feel and skill for a guard his age. He plays with poise well beyond his years as he doesn't get sped up and knows how to change speeds and directions well, he sees the game a few plays ahead and delivered passes with both hands on point, he showed his crafty finishing ability in the midrange and at the rim and he showed his great instincts defensively too.   Damari Carter | 5'11” PG | [program_tooltip program_id='2226307' first='Team' last='Loaded VA'] 15U (2029)   Carter is another eighth grade guard in the Richmond area that has been playing up for much of his life and has already made quite the name for himself, and he showed he belongs with this talented Loaded group as well. While he isn't as big as Bacot, Carter is a dynamic athlete who brings great energy on both ends of the floor and sets the tone with his toughness and playmaking ability. He showed his blazing speed and quick first step to blow by defenders, he guarded 94 feet and forced a lot of turnovers, he scored it efficiently from all three levels and showed his athleticism as a finish around the rim too.

Phenom Hoops and the Seros Agency teamed up to hold the Phenom/Seros Open at Henrico Sports and Events Center this past weekend, with some of the top teams from the state and beyond in attendance.