Five New Names to Monitor From the PHL Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Phenom Hoops League Finals was not only a chance for Palmetto State AAU programs to compete for trophy, but also my final AAU event of the summer. As always, one of the biggest takeaways from the travel season was discovering new prospects who elevated their play when the opportunity presented itself. Whether they were previously under the radar or simply making the most of a larger role, these players left a lasting impression in Bermuda Run and earned a spot on the list of names to continue monitoring heading into the high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3705694"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a691866ba97a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3705694' first='JJ' last='Galberth'] leads off the list of new names from the Phenom Hoops League Finals. This wasn't my first time getting to see [program_tooltip program_id='3597623' first='Carolina' last='Celtics'] in action this season, but JJ showed some new things since the last time I saw them. He looked much more comfortable on the perimeter, knocking down a pair of threes in the game I caught. Galberth is also capable of playing closer to the rim in the dunker spot and working the glass because of his good motor. Plus, he plays bigger than his listed size because of good length, so keep an eye on JJ as a solid, role-playing big during the high school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2572775"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a691866ba9d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another new upstate prospect to monitor is James. Lauer is one I've been keeping an eye on for a while, but he might have finally had his breakout game in front of me in Bermuda Run. He caught fire in the second half of their round one win over Eastern Carolina Phenomz, going for 12 points including several clutch shots. James showed flashes of scoring at all three levels, but his three-point jump shooting was most dangerous and allowed him to drive closeouts for an easier look. If that perimeter shot continues to progress, it's an easy ticket to success for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2533682"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a691866baa18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Like James, [player_tooltip player_id='2533682' first='Chase' last='Marshall'] is a guy who I've seen a few times before, but left a great impression on me at the PHL Finals. Marshall is one of the most versatile players in his class, truly being able to play every position on the court depending on need and situation. He can play a small-ball five with a big frame and excellent effort on the glass, all the way to the one with a good handle and desire to get others involved. Chase is never going to be asked to be a high-volume scorer, but he will chip in with inside layups and floaters when it's the correct read. Keep an eye on Marshall to step into a bigger role at Westwood HS this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3578483"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a691866baa5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Switching over to [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] 15U, Prince is an intriguing prospect out of Richland Northeast. He had a good game against NC Spartans on Saturday, working well on the glass, playing in the middle of the zone, moving without the ball, and just doing lots of things to impact the game without needing a lot of the basketball. Earle has some good length and is a solid finisher at the rim, so as he grows physically and improves his jumper, you can see the vision for him on the wing. Prince finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the second-round win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3655879"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a691866baa99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tykavian Smith rounds out my list of five new names to monitor from the Phenom Hoops League Finals. Smith was a key figure in the backcourt to propel Upward Columbia to the 15U Final Four, and he already has some good traits as a Point Guard that could spell future success. Tykavian plays with good pace as he attacks a defense, and he has the feel to change it depending on the look. He has a shifty handle and some bounce as well, meaning he can not only get into the paint, but he can finish there as well. Smith showed lots of good flashes for the Stars this weekend, and is definitely one to monitor for the Blazers down the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->