Phenom Memorial Day Classic: Top 2029s + 2030s

<!-- 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 2025 Phenom Memorial Day Classic took place this weekend in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Prep Hoops SC was in attendance for Day One on Saturday. This has been a must-stop for me the last two years and symbolizes the final event of the Spring Season for many teams. Take a look at some of the top 2029s and 2030s from Saturday at the Phenom Memorial Day Classic:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2872903' first='Deux' last='Greene']</strong> (Pasadena Stars) - First up is Pasadena Stars' [player_tooltip player_id='2872903' first='Deux' last='Greene']. Deux was a bright spot in the game one loss, going for 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. As that stat line shows, Greene does a little bit of everything from his Point Guard position but his team is much better with the ball in his hands. He has great defensive instincts and strong hands, allowing him to impact the defensive end on and off the ball. His scoring package features finishes through contact, floaters, and a nice pull-up game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2872890' first='Dante' last='Kirksey']</strong> ([program_tooltip program_id='2415221' first='Upward' last='Stars Upstate']) - Dante was on the other side of Deux on Saturday Morning, a crucial part of the [program_tooltip program_id='2415221' first='Upward' last='Stars Upstate'] team that went on to win the 14U Blue Bracket in Rock Hill. Kirksey started off the game with 6 quick points, displaying his ability to get to the rack in the half-court or in transition. Upstate likes to run a lot of pick-and-roll and Dante is a capable handler despite projecting as a wing. He put up 12 points and 2 blocks in the round one win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2554759' first='RJ' last='Oakes']</strong> (Upward Stars Midlands) - Next up is [player_tooltip player_id='2554759' first='RJ' last='Oakes'], a long and athletic forward from nearby Fort Mill High School. He was dominant throughout Upward Stars Midlands' run to the championship game, particularly in a win over TN United where he had 17 points. Oakes looked unstoppable in the paint in that game, controlling the offensive glass, working hard for positioning, and finishing through contact. RJ also runs the floor in transition and has good feet. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2419237' first='Jayden' last='Lewis']</strong> (Upward Stars Midlands) - Lewis is another one of Upward Stars Midlands' youngsters who impressed me at the Phenom Memorial Day Classic. He ran the show from the backcourt with a strong, tight handle. Jayden made a few key passes as well, helping get Oakes the ball in the lane. However, Lewis was most impressive on the defensive end, using his good instincts, fast feet, and strong hands to make life difficult for his opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2887698' first='Xavier' last='Harding']</strong> ([program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia']) - Rounding out the list is [player_tooltip player_id='2887698' first='Xavier' last='Harding'], who played up with [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] in the 15U Division. Harding was at his best when he could break down defenses off the dribble or force turnovers and get out in transition. He made plays on both ends of the floor, hustled for loose balls and long rebounds, and finished through contact. Xavier stepped up with clutch plays as well, including a buzzer-beating three to win their tournament opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->