Phenom High School Jamboree: Biggest Takeaways
The high school season is right around the corner. Here’s a look at some takeaways from the Phenom High School Jamboree at Proehlific Park. Look out for the Henderson Collegiate Pride The Henderson Collegiate Pride (so aptly named) are one…
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Continue ReadingThe high school season is right around the corner. Here’s a look at some takeaways from the Phenom High School Jamboree at Proehlific Park.
Look out for the Henderson Collegiate Pride
The Henderson Collegiate Pride (so aptly named) are one team at the 1A level you’re going to want to see. As if I haven’t mentioned them enough, through the 10 Teams to keep an eye on this season, they didn’t disappoint this past Saturday at the Phenom Hoops High School Jamboree.
2021 Javonte Waverly is the fearless leader for this squad and it’s easy to forget about Queens commit Kalib Matthews while having to deal with Waverly. He’s their energy guy on defense, playmaker on offense and competes in every way possible when he’s on the floor. Then there’s 2021 guards Akhiris Holden, JaQuaveon Venable, Nick Green, Khris Franklin and forward Davon Allen, who feed off his energy and provide their own support. Holden is slowly figuring out to be a factor in the paint with his length and athleticism. Venable plays passing lanes and forces steals with ease. Green is a knockdown 3-point shooter you don’t want to leave open. Franklin is a pest defensively on the ball. Allen is a burden in the post and on the glass. If I haven’t said it once, I’ll say it again, get a good look at Henderson Collegiate this season.
Piedmont Classical is ready for another strong year
Piedmont Classical is ready for another strong season behind North Carolina A&T commit Evan Joyner and 2021 point guard Jamarii Thomas. Joyner is a 6-foot-8 forward that can lead the break and finish above the rim. Thomas is a player that sets the tone on defense and won’t hesitate to put an opposing defender on a poster as he did this past weekend. They’ve also got the likes of 2020s Trent McIntyre and Jalen Joiner on the wing, who can create for themselves on all three levels. Then there’s 2022 forward Amare Miller, who at 6-foot-6, is beginning to find his way in the paint. Look for them to be a factor in the CAASC State Championship once again in 2019-20.
Shakeel Moore’s confidence is growing
Moravian Prep isn’t all full strength just yet, but 2020 guard Shakeel Moore is slowly growing his confidence, especially as a shooter from behind the arc. Moore turned heads against Christ School by making seven 3-pointers from behind the arc. His 3-point shot and shooting off the dribble are two things he’s really been working to improve and looks like they’re coming along. He’s already slashing at a high level. If his shooting keeps up with that ability, he’s really due for a strong season with Moravian Prep this season.
Youth will carry Vance High School this season
Vance High School already has one stud in its wheelhouse with Western Carolina commit Daniel Ransom but don’t be surprised if the bulk of their production comes from their sophomore and freshman. They’ve got something brewing in both the frontcourt and backcourt with 2022 forward Daniel Sanford and 2023 guards Trey Green and Jaylen Curry. Sanford is a physical post presence with tons of room to grow as a stretch forward. Green and Curry are already terrorizing opposing backcourts with their ability to make plays for each other. Both of them lock up on defense as well. 2021 guard Antoine Piper is an underrated high-flyer on the fastbreak as well that should play a role this season.
Calvary Day School should be fun to watch
Speaking of youth, another team who’s youth stood out, but in a good way, was Calvary Day School. They’ve got a solid backcourt brewing with James Wilkins III, a 2022 breakout candidate, and 2021s Zech Gibson and Owen Gulledge. Wilkins is a lethal threat off the pick-and-roll and off the dribble drive. Gibson Gulledge is a long guard at 6-foot-6 that can get to the rim and finish.
In the frontcourt, there’s 2021 Javon Floyd and 2022 Charles McClenahan. They’re two versatile forwards that can crash the glass hard and stretch opponents with their ability to shoot it out to the perimeter. Floyd is more of a post presence that will battle down low for points and free throws. McClenahan is a solid pick-and-pop threat that can also get things done in the post.
2020 James Maguek is a 7-footer whose development will be interesting to watch this season as well. He’s a prospect that moves well up and down the floor and quite the rim protector.