8 Balla Hoop Insider traveled to Greensboro NC to cover the Phenom Hoop Top 80 event that brought 120 of North Carolinas top talent under one roof. We watched the kids go through drills and combine test and live game play. Here are the kids that stood out and caught our eye:

Josh Hall 6'8 2020 (Moravian Prep) was the top prospect that we saw on the court. He is a long bouncy scorer that has some Kevin Durant traits. He gets better and better every time we see him. We saw him light up Oak Hill Academy earlier in the year at another Phenom Hoop event. He can score at all levels, he plays defense and rebounds well. High Major coaches need to make him a top Priority.

Tristan Maxwell  6'5 2020(North Mecklenburg High) was on fire, scoring and pushing the tempo going against Jalen Cones' team. Both times we watched Tristan play he has exploded on the offensive end. He also displayed a high basketball IQ and played good defense. He is a High Major prospect that coaches will want to track as he plays travel ball with Team Charlotte this spring/summer.

Brady O'Connell (6'7 2020 Ravenscroft) was a pleasant surprise. He showed he not only can shoot and handle the ball but also possesses big time hops. He was constantly active, scoring and defending and throwing down dunks. He is a mid level D1 talent and I think he will have to find a good fit.  He would fit into a Michigian/ Davidson program very well.

Jalen Hood-Schifino (6'4 2022 Northside Christian) played like a upper classman and very aggresive, pushing tempo and finding his spots on the floor to score and knock down shots. He rebounded and defended well. He already has a good skill set for his age and great body. The sky is the limit for him. He is a sure lock to be a High Major prospect and already has a few offers.

Jalen Mcdonald (6'6 2021 Knightdale High) was an explosive athlete who had many highlight reel dunks. He is a long slashing defender who once gains muscle may become a good mid level D1 Propsect. He has a high ceiling and we look forward to tracking his development.

Francesco Borra (6'11 2020 Tri -City Christian) is an interesting talent. He is a strong forward who showed flashes of talent. In these types of events its hard to guage big guys due to guards not looking to feed the post, but he showed me enough to know some college will want his services. 

Dean Reiber (6'9 2020 Northwest Guilford) showed he can play above the rim and knock down shots. He has to develop his body more and work on his ball handle. He was very active and stood out. He already had D1 offers from Elon, App State, Liberty, High Point, College of Charleston, Charlotte, and Rice. I look for him to pick up a few more over time.

Other Bigs who stood out:

Jacori Owens 6'9 2021 Hickory Grove 

Jonas Aidoo 6'10 2020  Voyager Academy 

Justus Shelton 6'10 2020 Mountain Heritage

Notable Wings/Forwards:

B.J. Freeman 6'6 2021 Word of God Penn State offer

Christopher Nobles 6'6 2020 Garner HS

Anjay Cortez 6'7 2020 United Faith

Jadyn Parker 6'7 2021 Kinston HS

Nick Farrar 6'7 2020 Apex 

Todd Burt, Jr. 6'8 2020 Trinity Christian

Jeremy Gregory 6'6 2022 Carmel Christian

Jaden Seymour 6'8 2020 Northside Christian

Notable Guards:

Bryce Alfino 6'4 2021 Davidson Day

Ford Cooper 6'4 2020 United Faith

Jaden Bradley 6'3 2022 Cannon School

Jake Ledbetter 6'2 2020 Bishop McGuinness

Jalen Cone 5'11 2020 Walkertown

Randy Johnson 6'0 2020 Charlotte Latin 

Kris Robinson 6'1 2020 Lincolnton HS

Alton Hickman 6'2 2020 Terry Sanford 

Chandler Speight 6'1 2020 Comenius School

Cole Sinclair 6'0 2021 Durham Academy