PHL Finals: Emptying the Notebook

<!-- 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 PHL Finals in Bermuda Run, North Carolina brought my AAU travel schedule to a close, but not before providing plenty of final takeaways. From intriguing long-term prospects to players who continued to build on strong summers, the weekend offered no shortage of noteworthy performances across multiple age groups. Before turning the page to camp and high school seasons, here are a few final observations and standout notes from my notebook.</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":["3353260"],"_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-6a6d05d22b688"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leading off the list is [player_tooltip player_id='3353260' first='Victor' last='Farah']. He has been a key piece for [program_tooltip program_id='2229777' first='SC' last='BLUEJAYS'] all summer long, including at the PHL Finals in a high-level first-round win. The Blue Jays don't have any true bigs, so it's often Victor who has to play the five defensively and carry a lot of the weight on the glass. That rebounding production translates to the offensive end as well, as he fights for second-chance points. Farah is an excellent finisher off two feet in the lane, making him a sound scorer inside the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2887581"],"_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-6a6d05d22b6e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ferguson was playing up in the 17U division last weekend, running with [program_tooltip program_id='2415221' first='Upward' last='Stars Upstate'] in their search for the PHL crown. He showed a lot of his offensive potential with second-half scoring flashes, putting up 11 points in a quick spurt with buckets at multiple levels. Even playing against older competition, Kaden's physical traits stand out. He is a strong and athletic slasher who likes to get to the rim but can also knock down jumpers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1916765"],"_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-6a6d05d22b733"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of South Carolina's top two-sport athletes was in action on the hardwood in Bermuda Run. He had a pair of strong Saturday showings for [program_tooltip program_id='2134373' first='Team' last='USC Unleashed'] Premier, including a 21-point, 5-assist performance. KJ was clearly one of the most athletic wings in the gym, which allowed him to have success attacking the rim in transition. He was a little more balanced in the half-court, knocking down jumpers and setting up teammates, along with a couple of explosive finishes around the cup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2824781"],"_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","fullHeight":false,"anchor":"acf-block-6a6d05d22b777"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaleb pulled double duty with [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] last weekend, playing with both their 17U and 16U squads, which were in search of the championship. Playing against other natural 2028s, Kaleb's length was very impactful defensively, as he was in passing lanes on the perimeter and helped protect the rim. There was also a clear emphasis on getting Peters designed looks in the post, where he got most of his buckets. He finished with 20 points in an in-state matchup with the Celtics. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3667293"],"_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-6a6d05d22b7b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Along with Peters, Nellumz helped make up an impressive frontcourt duo for Upward Columbia's 16U group. He showed some intriguing offensive traits close to the rim as he worked from the post and in the dunker spot. Mason's length impacted the game in more ways than just scoring, as he racked up 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block to go with the 10 points. Keep an eye on Nellumz to make his debut in the Prep Hoops SC 2028 Rankings soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2985347"],"_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-6a6d05d22b7fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makai was running with Charlotte Skills Factory Select in Bermuda Run, and he was clearly one of the best players in the 15U bracket. McKnight turned it on in the second half of their second-round matchup, going for 20 points with some highlight-reel buckets. He hit tough shot after tough shot, including 4 3PM. The jump shot making was the most eye-catching part of his game, but his athleticism is clearly something that will separate him from other guards as he gets older. After seeing him with big performances for Nation Ford in June and now in AAU, Makai is due a big jump in the rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3041765"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3712161,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a6d05d22b853"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Capping off the list is [player_tooltip player_id='3041765' first='Desmond' last='Grant'], who teamed up with [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] last weekend for the Phenom Hoops League Finals. The addition of Grant helped take a very strong group to the next level, resulting in a run to Sunday's Final Four. Desmond's size and length were clear advantages against opposing 2029 guards, making him an elite two-way playmaker. Whether it was scoring off two feet in the lane, knocking down outside shots, running the pick-and-roll, forcing turnovers, or contesting jumpers, it was clear the difference that Grant made when he was on the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->