DACULA, Georgia, – Insider Exposure and FBC partner to host the Phenoms of the Future last weekend. The tournament featured more than 70 teams from across the Southeast competing at two locations. The 28.5 Scouting staff was courtside to take in the action and document the top performers. Here is a look at a few names that made an impression during the tournament.

By: Jonathan Hemingway

Sanai McKenzie-Watson – Academy Elite – 2027

McKenzie-Watson earned praise from our staff throughout the weekend. She is a physical forward capable of two-way impact. She hits shots at tough angles and is not deterred by physical play. We were impressed with her ability to score while facing the bucket in the high post. On the defensive end, she uses that same mentality to block shots and rebound. She is emerging as one of the better players in the greater Augusta, Georgia, area.

Jayda Brown – Winners United – 2027

Brown caught our eye with her combination of athleticism and skill. She sank shots from distance with a consistent release. The South Gwinnett product is armed with length and athleticism that gives her versatility. She is capable of being a primary offensive threat or as a lockdown defender on the perimeter. Expect Brown to continue on this trajectory this spring and beyond.

Morgan Arnold – JSI Black – 2027

Arnold and the JSI Black organization traveled from Alabama last weekend to show their skills. Mission Accomplished. Arnold proved her abilities as a guard with a well-balanced skill set. She is confident as a ball handler and willing to attack the lane from the perimeter. We took note of her footwork and body control when matched in one-on-one situations. Defenders were not able to intimidate her or throw her off her path. Arnold is a solid all-around combo guard who will earn the attention of scouts in the Southeast this season.

Alliyah Hairston – FBC – 2029

Hairston has one of the highest ceilings of all the prospects we watched this weekend. She possesses size, athleticism, and instinct that are in high demand. When she is locked in mentally, she can turn the momentum of a game. Defenders find her game hard to contain given her strength and size. Hairston will continue to trend upwards so long as she brings the mentality we saw from her last weekend.

Taylor Hollins – FBC TN Gold – 2029

We came away impressed with Hollins’ game after watching her in the Aux gym late Sunday afternoon. She may not be the biggest player on her team, but she makes a big impact nonetheless. Her skill set allows her to make plays with the ball or be a threat on the wing. Her crafty footwork and soft touch on her jumper is a recipe for quick buckets if the defense is not aware.

Maliyah Gilbert – S.H.E. – 2027

Gilbert is a good size lead guard with shot making and play creating abilities. Her pleasant demeanor should not be confused with a nice game. She is ready to pierce the heart of the defense with a drive or a pull-up jumper. The lefty plays with poise and rarely forces the issue. She creates around a ball screen and keeps her eyes up for cutting teammates. The Kell High School product should draw the interest of coaches in the Southeast this spring.

Jonathan Hemingway is the new Director of Scouting for 28.5 Scouting. He brings 19 years of grassroots basketball evaluation experience across the girls’ and boys’ industries. He currently writes for OntheRadarHoops.com and contributes periodically to ProspectsNation.com. Connect with him at CoachHemi@gmail.com or on X at @CoachHemi.