The Frogs Are On Fire
Premier Prep–PHHoenix Open is one of the teams in the PHHoenix Prep program, a basketball-focused prep academy based in south Phoenix, Arizona, that trains and plays out of its own facility, the PHHacility. The program was launched in 2020 by John Ortega, a pioneer of the Arizona prep scene who also founded Westwind, the state’s first prep academy, back in 2012.
In just a few seasons, PHH Prep has become one of the programs to know in a state that is a hotbed for prep basketball. In only its second season, PHH Prep stunned nationally ranked Hillcrest Prep on Hillcrest’s home floor in Gilbert, and the two programs have since staged tight, high-profile rematches, including a 68-66 battle at Phoenix’s Footprint Center. The Fire Frogs have also beaten AZ Compass Prep in a 79-76 overtime thriller in Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) play. The program regularly takes on junior college competition as well, giving its players exposure to older, physical opponents before they reach campus.
This fall, the Fire Frogs have already shown why they belong on scouts’ radar. They opened 13-3, including wins over Rancho Christian and Valencia at the AOG National Showcase in California, a 4-0 run through the AZ Compass Fall League, and a 53-48 win over Scottsdale Community College at the Area Codes Juco Jamboree. Even their losses have come against quality competition, including a 79-83 battle with Bella Vista’s EYBL Scholastic team and a 65-71 game with St. Anthony.
PHH Prep is also a hub for college evaluators. Each fall it hosts the PHH Prep Classic at the PHHacility, drawing 20-plus prep teams from Oregon, California, Washington, Minnesota and Arizona.
Premier Prep–PHHoenix Open is led by head coach Erik Hood, a Philadelphia native who moved to Arizona in 2014-15 while his nephew, future NBA forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, was playing at the University of Arizona. Hood founded the TeamRHJ club program, spent four years helping rebuild Phoenix South Mountain High School’s program as an assistant, and later led AZ Compass Prep’s second national team. He knows the Arizona talent pool as well as anyone, and his career has been built around developing players into college prospects. He is assisted by Tim Jackson.
Below we profile the Premier Prep–PHHoenix Open 2026-27 Players
Makhi Anthony (2027) 6'1, 165lb guard - Anthony is an ultra-efficient connector (52% fg, 47% from 3) with high-IQ playmaking (2.6 apg, 3.80 ast/TO). He impacts winning without volume as a spacer/off-movement shooter. He is active on the glass (2.8 rpg) and an elite disruptor (2.1 spg). PH profile
DJ Childs (2027) 6'5 wing - Childs is an explosive athlete with good size, strength, and agility for a wing. He has the outstanding physical assets that should take him to success at the next level. PH profile
Dalen Felder (2027) 6'2 guard - Felder is one of the better shooters in the senior class seems automatic at times. He loves the corner threes with a quicker trigger and a clean stroke. He will also pull up from mid-range, dunk it on the break with some improving bounce and make plays for his teammates. PH profile
Boie Gomo (2027) 6'3 shooting guard - Gomo has a terrific motor. He shows his chops on the glass and especially on the offensive end, flying in and fighting for every board to give his team an extra possession. He is a fantastic on-ball defender who plays with high intensity, working through screens to stay attached and forcing multiple turnovers. Offensively he can hit the catch-and-shoot three or get to the rim, where his speed and euro step do the work. PH profile
Chase Robertson (2027) 6'5 point guard - From Desert Pines School (NV) - Robertson is a force to be reckoned with on offense when he is in the zone, and he makes very tough finishes, including contested layups and huge dunks. Robertson also averaged 4.5 APG this season and had a couple of 25+ point performances. Defensively, he made opponents work to gain ground, and he can alter shots with his long arms. PH profile
Mayen Timothy (2027) 6'8, 7'0 wing span, wing - Timothy is a long, wiry combo guard/point-forward who uses his length to shoot over smaller defenders. He loves to push off rebounds and create transition offense. He guards 1-4 giving his defense switch-ability and gets passing lane deflections. 3.2 gpa
Ruben White (2027) 6'7 forward - White is menace on the offensive glass, snagging multiple boards on a single possession and converting on put-backs. Mixes in midrange pull-ups and can hit from beyond the arc. Makes the right read out of traffic in the paint and delivers good assists. Sound defender as well, elevating for defensive boards and going for strip steals, playing with activity at both ends. PH profile
Philip Johnson Jr. (2028) 6'3 guard - Johnson is a long, versatile slasher/secondary playmaker who shoots the 3 at a high clip.
Ja'Mere Jones (2029) 6'1 shooting guard - Jones is athletic. He is a top-notch on-ball defender with quick feet, hands and bounce. He is a capable three point shooter who likes getting downhill and getting out in transition. He plays above the rim on the break. PH profile
Click here for the team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results.