First up on my list of 2027 Standouts from the Phenom Grassroots TOC John Cleveland John Cleveland 6'1" | CG Berkeley | 2027 State SC . Cleveland was playing with Play Tough 843 this weekend in Rock Hill, and he came alive in the second half of their early morning matchup with Team Pittman – a team that was undefeated in Phenom play coming into the day. The aggressiveness switch was flipped on over the last 16 minutes, leading to him getting in the paint and finishing often. Cleveland favors a spin move when attacking the rim and he has good feet overall. John finished with 10 points in the win.

Rounding off the 2027 Class 5A Fab Five is John Cleveland John Cleveland 6'1" | CG Berkeley | 2027 State SC . He plays at Berkeley High School in 5A Region 7. Cleveland led the Stags in scoring at 13.3 Points Per Game while shooting 44% from the field in 2023-24. John is an elite defender with sound feet and quick hands. He also has very good instincts in blocking shots and collecting rebounds. On the offensive end, Cleveland’s game is built around attacking the rim. He is great in transition, has a tight handle, can finish with either hand, and can make passes to teammates when the defense collapses.

Cleveland was an impressive prospect out of South Carolina’s 2027 class who stood out during the 3v3 portion of The Expo: Carolinas. He showed he could hold his own defending multiple roles on the floor while sporting a strong frame. Offensively, he showed he could knock down shots, handle the ball and make plays for others and keep plays alive as a rebounder in the paint. He’s a name with a bright future in the class at Berkeley High.

Cleveland can play either position in the backcourt and loves to attack the rim. He has been a factor for Berkeley for two seasons already and is primed for a big jump in his Sophomore Year. John has a good handle, is a high-flying athlete, and works hard on both ends of the floor. Cleveland’s size can be a strong defensive asset on opposing guards and is a nightmare in transition when he forces turnovers.

Cleveland was constantly taking his game to the rack here today for the Stags. John plays his best basketball stalking the baseline and working to get to the bucket for easy transition buckets. Cleveland still must improve on perimeter shooting for down the road. John was constantly crashing the glass for a scoring opportunity on the offensive side of the floor.

John really plays the game as a slasher deluxe for the Stags.