Four NNS-area standouts featured in Phenom Hoops’ 2027 North Carolina rankings
Four NNS-area standouts featured in Phenom Hoops’ 2027 North Carolina rankings
Four basketball players from the Neuse News Sports coverage area have earned spots among Phenom Hoops’ top 150 prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2027.
Kinston teammates Keyshawn Herring and Jamarion Washington, Eastern Wayne’s Kairell Evans and Wayne Country Day’s Jeremiah Mercer were all included in the statewide rankings.
Herring leads the local group at No. 55. The 6-foot-2 Kinston guard has continued to build his reputation as one of Eastern North Carolina’s top backcourt prospects. Phenom Hoops has previously praised Herring for his athleticism, ability to attack the basket, create his own shot and make an impact defensively.
He was also a key piece of Kinston’s run to a state championship last season. Phenom described Herring as a player capable of putting pressure on defenses in transition and getting downhill consistently.
Washington comes in at No. 73.
The 6-foot-2 guard gives Kinston another highly regarded senior in what should once again be one of the area’s most talented backcourts. Washington scored 20 points in Kinston’s state semifinal victory last season, with Phenom highlighting his strength, speed and ability to attack the basket.
Having two players inside the state’s top 75 gives the Vikings another reason for high expectations entering the 2026-27 season.
Wayne County is also represented twice.
Eastern Wayne’s Kairell Evans is ranked No. 108. Phenom lists the 6-foot-3 Goldsboro product among the state’s top 2027 prospects, giving the Warriors another player to watch as basketball season approaches.
Wayne Country Day’s Jeremiah Mercer checks in at No. 114.
Mercer has steadily developed into one of the Chargers’ top players. The 6-foot-4 wing averaged 13.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps, and has continued to take on a larger role for Wayne Country Day.
Phenom Hoops previously described Mercer as a developing prospect while covering Wayne Country Day during his sophomore season.
The four selections give Lenoir and Wayne counties representation among some of the state’s most highly regarded players entering their senior seasons.
Phenom Hoops’ rankings include 150 players from across North Carolina’s Class of 2027.
NNS-area players in the rankings
No. 55 — Keyshawn Herring, Kinston, 6-2
No. 73 — Jamarion Washington, Kinston, 6-2
No. 108 — Kairell Evans, Eastern Wayne, 6-3
No. 114 — Jeremiah Mercer, Wayne Country Day, 6-5
