Charlotte Christian's Rooks impressive at adidas Phenom Basketball Showcase

The 8th annual N.C. Phenom 150 camp in Winston-Salem Saturday had 216 players from five states participating. In the past players like P.J. Hairston (UNC), Jackson Simmons (UNC), Anthony Gill (South Carolina), Deuce Bello (Baylor) and John Cannon (Georgia) have attended the camp and gotten national recognition from a bevy of scouts.

One of the top performers this year was Charlotte Christian junior Patrick Rooks, a 6-3 combo guard who has committed to Clemson. The left-hander has been known for his shooting but has really worked to improve his ball-handling skills.

"Before the event, Rooks was primarily known as a shooting guard, but the talented Rooks has worked hard in the off season on his ball handling and passing ability," said event organizer Rick Lewis. "He has really elevated his game and has become a better all around player. He will not be known just as a shooter anymore."


Two other hot prospects at the event were 6-6 sophomores Cody and Caleb Martin of Davie County High in Mocksville. Both have several ACC offers and showed off good size and a good overall skill set.

Lewis felt that Rockbridge (VA) 6-0 junior guard Andrew Rowsey had the best overall camp. Known as an undersized shooting guard last season, Rowsey worked on his point guard skills and demanded the ball last weekend.

"He was excellent in dribble penetration and kicking out to open teammates and definitely made his teammates better," Lewis said. "Throughout the day, he was constantly knocking down jumpers and made an equal impression on the defensive end of the floor. He accepted all challenges and was one of the favorites by all the scouting services in attendance."

This year's camp again attracted a bevy of recruiting gurus: Jason Jordan of ESPN High School; Clark Francis of Hoop Scoop; Corey Cooper and Kerry Willis of Courtcred.com; Jacey Zimbal of NC State Rivals; Mike Talbot of Starhooopers; Thom Jones of TJ Recruiting; Jonathan Watford of Hoop Scout; Patrick Stanwood of Hoop Masters; CJ Watson of Premo Hoops; Joshusa Capers of Coast 2 Coast; Rising Starz; and Phenom Hoop Report.

Francis, Cooper, Watford and Willis all returned for the middle school event Sunday



Ones in bold were there for Sunday too.





Other top performers:
Andrew White, 6-6 Senior G, The Miller (Va) School: Smooth jumper with a great dribble pull up and college ready body
Chuck Ogbodo, 6-11 junior center, High Point Christian: Long athletic star getting major college interst from ACC schools.
Tyrek Coger, 6-8 junior center, Raleigh Upper Room: Decommitted from Missouri; showed off "soft" hands and dribble drills from the high post.
Jaylan Robertson, 6-0 sophomore guard, Clayton: Transferred to Raleigh Word of God, scoring point guard
Kovacevic Dusn, 6-9 freshman, Rabun Gap: Perhaps biggest surprise of camp. Showed off 3-point range and ball handling ability. He's one to watch.
Gejuan Long, 6-5 junior wing, Winston-Salem Mount Tabor: Athletic wing who attacked the basket.
Harry Giles, 6-6, 8th grader, Winston-Salem: Could be the future of N.C. Basketball. Dominated the middle school players (5-8th grade) on Sunday. Great around the rim but also wonderful passer, rebounder and finisher. Scary good this young.
Others:
Diante Balwin, 5-11, HP Christian
Mark Pollock, 6-7, Charlotte Catholic
Jackson Kent, 6-6, HP Christian;
6'5 Sophomore Dominque Kelmar-Poto of Dunn, NC
6'5 junior Matthew Madigan of Winston-Salem Reagan
6'3 senior JT Miller of Clinton, NC
6'3 Freshman Muhammad Muhammad of Durham Riverside
6'1 Freshman PG Brian Thornton of Chapel Hill HS 6'10 senior Thor Emilsson of Forsyth Country Day in Winston-Salem, NC
6'7 Zane Waterman of Glen HS in Kernersville, NC
6'7 freshman Robert Brown of Raleigh Millbrook
6'6 junior Trey Chapman of High Point Wesleyan 6'0 junior PG James Daniels of Phoebus HS in Hampton, VA