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Oak Hill vs. Hargrave Scimmage

October 26, 2012 by 2 Comments

We traveled to Danville, Virginia last night to watch the annual pre-season scrimmage between the Oak Hill Warriors and Hargrave Military. Last year, the contest was the first step in Oak Hill marching to an undefeated and national championship season. After a surprisingly tough contest with Massanutten Military that ended in a 90-90 tie, this contest would be a telling sign of what Coach Steve Smith could expect from this year’s team. The game would feature two 20-minute halves and the score being reset to zero for the second half.

The game featured many of the top players in the country and a jam-packed crowd witnessed an entertaining “up and down” game that pleased the fans with many highflying dunks in transition. That being said, the first half was dominated by Oak Hill as they stretched a lead to 17 points before winning 51-42. Both teams struggled to find any rhythm in the half court offense, but the domination by Oak Hill on the defensive glass led to countless transition points for the Warriors. The underlying story for the first half was the overall team balance displayed by Oak Hill. 6’5 senior RJ Curington and 6’8 Rokas Gustys chipped in 10 points apiece. Others that got into the scoring act was Nate Britt (UNC) with 8, Sindarius Thornwell (USC) with 7, Troy Williams and Lennard Freeman both chipped in 6. On the other hand, it was a one man scoring show for Hargrave as 6’1 PG Terry Rozier (Louisville) simply put on a clinic. He tallied 17 first half points and got little to no support from his teammates. Midway through the first half, the game turned into a “dunk a thon” for Oak Hill as 6’6 Troy Williams was simply Mr. Windex as he was cleaning the glass and leading the break for crowd pleasing dunks.

The second half started like the first half, but the Warriors from Oak Hill got careless and sloppy with the ball and made too many turnovers that allowed Hargrave to make a run and eventually take the lead.  Hargrave was unable to hold onto the lead in the last few minutes of the contest and Oak Hill pulled out a 45-42 second half win. The total score for the two halves was 96-84 in favor of Oak Hill.  6’1 Terry Rozier (Louisville) was as good in the second half as he was in the first half. He tallied 16-second half points and finished with a game high 33 points. 6’1 Shannon Evans (Buffalo) knocked in four 3 pointers and finished with 13 second half points and was Hargrave’s second best performer for his team. While Rozier had little support, Oak Hill found no shortage of scoring options as six players finished in double digit scoring. Nate Britt led the way with 20 points while Troy Williams had a monster game of 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Sindarius Thornwell finished with 16 points while RJ Curington and Rokas Gustys both finished with 14 points and Lennard Freeman chipped in 10 points.

Top Performers For The Game

6’1 PG Terry Rozier (Louisville): The improvement in Rozier’s game has improved immensely and is highly undervalued nationally in the majority of the national rankings. We believe Rozier is a legit top 40 prospect and should continue to rise with national scouting services. He has good size, strength and athleticism combined with an excellent skill set. One of the top plays of the game was when he stripped Nate Britt at half court and finished it off with a “rim punishing” dunk. Rozier finished with 33 points and scored from all areas on the floor. He was knocking down 3 pointers and was simply impossible to stop going to the rim.

6’6 PF Troy Williams (Undecided): Without question, Williams was the most explosive athlete in the gym last night. He dominated the game on both ends of the court as he tallied 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. He was the game’s leading assist guy and rebounder. His best position on the court may be the PF position and is at his best in transition. The acrobatic Williams has narrowed his list to 4 schools. He mentioned Indiana, Louisville, UNC and Ohio State. IU Head Coach Tom Crean and UL assistant coach Kevin Keatts were in attendance to watch his outstanding performance.

6’1 PG Nate Britt (UNC): By all standards, Britt didn’t enjoy an outstanding AAU summer season and his stock dropped in many of the national rankings. That being said, Britt looked like the player two summers ago at the NBA Players Camp when many pundits were touting Britt as the top lead guard in his class. Britt was solid in his performance as he finished with 20 points and 4 assists.  Britt and Rozier had their own personal battle on the court, but Britt is also excellent in transition and is crafty in using his “off hand” in finishing many layups in transition. The southpaw knocked down back-to-back 3 pointers in the second half and used his open court speed repeatedly to get into the lane. We believe Britt has a newfound confidence and should see his stock to rise once again.

6’5 WF Sindarius Thornwell (South Carolina): Thornwell didn’t enjoy the dominating performance as he did against Massanutten Military where he exploded for 30 plus points. He finished the game with 16 points. While he did the majority of his damage attacking the basket, he did knock down two 3 pointers. Thornwell has a physically mature “college ready” frame and is nearly impossible to stop when he is in attack mode. Oak Hill utilized Thornwell at the high post on offense and his strength, speed, quickness and skill gave him an advantage over the taller opponents from Hargrave.

6’5 WG RJ “Microwave” Curington (Uncommitted): Like death and taxes in life, there is also another thing one can expect from Curington! He absolutely brings it every time he steps onto the court. His full throttle approach to the game is exempfied by 100% effort/hustle 100% of the time. He has a knack for having his hands on loose balls and is excellent in scoring “garbage points.” The next step for Curington is to tighten up his handles. That being said, Curington finished with 14 points and 100% effort (something we just expect from him)

6’8 JUNIOR PF Rokas Gustys (Uncommitted): Without question, Gustys is one to put into your SIM card, especially mid majors. While Gustys will not wow you with athleticism, but he does seems to be at the right place at the right time! He has good footwork in the post, but more important he has “Charmin” soft hands. Once he puts his handprint on the ball, no one is going to gain possession. He has strong hands and has advanced post moves in the paint. Gustys finished with 14 points in about 20 minutes of action. He was highly productive and gives Oak Hill a legit scoring option on the interior.

6’8 PF/C Lennard Freeman (Uncommitted): Freeman has a physically mature “college ready” body and is active on the interior. He set the tone early for Oak Hill by his hustle and rebounding by getting his hands on many loose balls. He anticipates well off missed shots and has a knack for being in position for many offensive rebounds for easy put back points. Currently, his strength and athleticism is further ahead of his skill, but will be a late recruiting target for many D1 schools.

6’1 SG Shannon Evans (Buffalo): Evans ended up being the surprise player for Hargrave as he tallied 13 second half points and kept Hargrave in the game. He hit four 3 pointers and benefiting from the driving ability of Rozier as he kicked out to Evan repeatedly for open looks. He gave Hargrave an added lift and provided scoring help, which was desperately needed for Hargrave.

6’3 SG Anton Gill (Louisville): Simply put, it was just a bad day at the office for the talented SG committed to UL! We have seen Gill as a “quiet assassin” and has the knack to make shots, especially clutch and game winning shots. Against Oak Hill, Gill simply couldn’t find his rhythm but did manage to knock down two late 3 pointers and finished with 11 points.

6’7 WF Greg McClinton (Wake Forest): McClinton started out strong the first few minutes by tallying 6 points and getting missed offensive rebounds. He went 4-6 from the free throw line but McClinton didn’t get involved much in the offense and played sparingly in the second half.

6’4 SG Donte Clark (Virginia Tech): We saw Clark many times over the summer and he just seemed more comfortable having the ball in his hands. At Hargrave, he is used primarily as a shooting guard and just didn’t seem to be in the flow of the game. Sometimes, it is difficult making the adjustment from being the main ball handler on your AAU team to being an “off guard” on the high school team. Clark possesses tremendous athleticism and was expecting more. We’re sure the ACC commit will bounce back in his next game.

6’2 PG Ike Iroegbu (Washington State): Without question, Iroegbu is physically gifted and may have as much athleticism at the PG position in the country. He makes it look easy getting to the rim, but had a tough day at the office finishing in traffic. Iroegbu has the physical attributes, but just seems to be stressing at times on the court. Once his mental outlook matches his physical attributes, he is going to be a strong PG at the collegiate level.

Others To Watch

5’10 sophomore PG Terrence Phillips of Oak Hill Academy entered the first half and gave the Warriors a spark off the bench. He is super quick and the ability to make things happen on both ends of the court. 6’3 junior SG Chris Tang was instant offense in the extra 10-minute segment. He knocked down four 3 pointers and may be more important as an effective perimeter shooter for Oak Hill as the season progresses. 6’10 Neville Fincher of Hargrave is a strong and physical center that is a willing rebounder. While somewhat raw offensively, he should be a target for lower tier to mid major D1 schools. 

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Best of the 2012 Dave Telep Carolina Challenge: 1-10

March 27, 2012 by 2 Comments

The Phenom Hoop Report was in full force this past Saturday to cover the Dave Telep Carolina Challenge. My counterpart Ryan Mattocks was covering gym one while I was covering action in gym two. We wanted to get a thorough evaluation by watching entire contests to get the most complete player summary as possible and I believe we achieved just that. We will divide our report into two parts, but today we will look at the top 25 performers of the day based upon performance.   [Read more...]

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Then & Now: Looking back at Carolina Challenge players

February 22, 2012 by 3 Comments

In today’s issue of the Phenom Hoop Report, we will take a look at last year’s Dave Telep Carolina Challenge that took place in Raleigh, N.C. This is one of the single greatest exposure events in the country as 80 of the top players in North Carolina were chosen for this prestigious event. We will go back through our archives for our evaluations from the event with the “Then and Now”.

Rodney Purvis – 6’3”, 190 PG/SG (2012 -  Upper Room Academy, Raleigh, NC)

THEN: The heralded local prodigy took everybody’s best shot on Saturday and Ryan Mattock was front and center for his final test of the event – a showdown with another Raleigh Phenom, ’13 wingman Anton Gill.  Although Purvis struggled to finish in the lane in the early going, the explosive athlete showcased his tightened handle and nearly unstoppable combo of lightning quick first step and bruising upper body strength.  Hitting on a couple perimeter bombs, he displayed solid mechanics on the jumper (although he could use a little lift).  What sets this local product apart from a handful of other great prospects at the this year’s CC, along with most other elite level wing prospects on the national landscape, is Purvis’ undeniable “extra gear” that needs to be seen to be believed. The mark of a true champion is how they respond to a bad game and adversity. In the early morning game with his head to head matchup with fellow 2012 guard Braxton Ogbueze, Purvis struggled to find his rhythm on his jump shot and clearly was disappointed in his performance. Most kids would hang their head and feel sorry for him but Purvis bounced back in the next two games. Next up for Purvis long term development is to develop a consistent outside jumper.

NOW: Purvis is a consensus top 20 player according to every major scouting service and a McDonald All American. Purvis is a fierce competitor and plays the game with passion and purpose. The future NC State Wolfpacker already sports a college ready frame and should see significant playing time and contribution as a freshman. On the court, Purvis is a proven winner!

T.J. Warren – 6’7” , 215 SF (2012 – Word of God, Raleigh, NC)

THEN: Warren makes the game looks so easy at times that it appears he’s loafing.  Not at the CC.  The versatile SF scored every way imaginable, including a handful of treys in his first game of the day.  In the 40 point performance, the matchup nightmare also posted up smaller defenders, hit pull up jumpers from 15’ on the wing in the half court, and dazzled the crowd with his craftiness around the tin in transition (through contact).  His most impressive move came on a hard drive to the baseline against heavy ball pressure where he stopped on a dime and drilled a high arching step-back jumper in a helpless defender’s face.  Toeing the line between ‘one of the best prospects in the state’ and ‘can’t miss national prospect’ before the event, Warren may have firmly entrenched himself in the latter category with his outstanding performance in Raleigh on Saturday.  One area Warren needs work on is shot selection (although everything was clicking for him at the CC).  At his size and skill set, he can get good looks from midrange and in virtually any time he wants at the prep level.

NOW: We were calling Warren “a can’t miss national prospect” at the Dave Telep Carolina Challenge and before his ascension in the national rankings. Warren has displayed an uncanny ability to score at every level and is leading scorer on the loaded Brewster Academy team. (Not an easy task) Warren is also a legitimate top 25 prospect and McDonald All American. His overall skill set for his size and position is unique and should also be an impact player for NC State. He will need to add strength and muscle to his frame, but he has all the skill sets to play at the highest level.

Torian Graham – 6’4”, 180 SG (2012 – Word of God, Raleigh, NC)

THEN: The junior’s jump shot was a thing of beauty this weekend – and the best part wasn’t the fact that the ball was going in the basket most of the time.  Graham’s lift is rarely seen from a prospect his size at such a young age and allows him to get his shot off almost anytime.  His slight frame belies the aggressive streak Graham uses to get into the lane off the bounce.  He finished strong at the rack with two hands at the CC and had no qualms mixing it up with bigger players.  Physical strength is an issue for TG in terms of possible early impact at the next level.  Has the length/speed to defend two positions in college, possibly three. Graham will need to improve his shot selection in actual game situations, but clearly there was not a more athletic and explosive WG at the event.

NOW: Torian Graham went through last spring and summer with a knee injury and sat out some major events for rest and recovery. Unfortunately, Graham never recovered his explosiveness until he enrolled at Arlington Country Day in Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, he has left the school and has enrolled in Christian Faith Academy in Durham, N.C.

Braxton Ogbueze – 6’1”, 180 PG (2012 – United Faith, Charlotte, NC)

THEN: The Florida pledge lived up to his billing on Saturday, torching the nets from deep all day.  What set Ogbueze apart from other shooters, though, was his ability to knock shots down from distance off the dribble.  His body control in the air was impressive, routinely coming off high ball screens and adjusting his torso in mid-air to square up.  The junior point man’s physique continues to develop as well and, frankly, is ready for the physical pounding of Division 1 basketball right now.  At most showcase events, defense is not in many people’s vocabulary, but not with Ogbueze. He had a stellar defensive effort against Purvis in the first game of the day and his tenacity on both ends of the court was impressive. That being said, Ogbueze’s greatest strength is his ability to score!

NOW: The Florida signee may just be one of the best scoring point guards in the country. Ogbueze has an excellent right to left crossover where he elevates for his patented midrange jumper. He is an accurate 3 point shooter, but his bread and butter are the midrange game off the dribble. He has a muscular frame and sports a high elite level athleticism that should make him a contributor early in his freshman season for the Gators.

Montrezl Harrell – 6’7”, 235 PF/SF (2012 – North Edgecombe, Tarboro, NC)

THEN: Although Harrell’s performance in the game wasn’t his best (he basically mailed it in the first half), his incredible athleticism and intimidating defensive presence were too strong to be held down for long.  He opened up the second half of an afternoon game with an earth-shattering, two-handed tip dunk that had the crowd stirring and was easily the Play of the Day in Gym 2.  Harrell has the potential to guard the 2, 3, and 4 positions in college and could become the ACCDPOY if he wanted to.  He’s that talented, athletic, and versatile.  Offensively, his handle has to improve by leaps and bounds and he needs to decide if he’s an undersized 4 at the next level or try to move his game outside (I say the former).  If he stays on the block, Harrell will need to hone a go-to move.  Incredible talent that will fun to follow, but right now his position at the next level will greatly depend on his overall growth. (Committed to Virginia Tech) 

NOW: Harrell has regained his explosiveness at Hargrave Military Academy this season and has developed an aggressive approach to his game. He is relentless in attacking the basket and has become a major force on the interior this season. He is extremely versatile and has the ability to take over a game on both ends of the court.

Anton Gill – 6’3”, 170 SG/PG (2013 – Ravenscroft, Raleigh, NC)

THEN: The Raleigh product with a growing reputation stepped up to the plate Saturday and more than held his own against the best competition in the state.  In the final game of the day in Gym 2, Gill locked horns with Rodney Purvis and drew the unenviable defensive assignment.  To his credit, Gill frustrated RP in the half court and forced him into a few ill-advised shots and even stripped him on a drive.  Purvis eventually got it going, but the Ravenscroft sophomore deserves credit for slowing him down.  Offensively, AG looked outstanding.  He excelled in transition and left the crowd gasping with a hesitation move in the second half.  Gill plays a little bigger than 6’3” at this point (wingspan) and compounds his effectiveness with effort/athleticism when crashing the glass hard on both ends.  No guard at the event rebounded the ball better than Gill. What makes AG so impressive is his ability to score in so many different ways. If you leave him open, he will knock down the 3 ball efficiently and will also jab step you to create space. If you play up tight on AG, he has a really quick first step and he will blow by you for an aggressive drive to the basket.

NOW: Anton Gill surprised many by committing to Louisville and many schools in the ACC may wish they would have aggressively recruited him more. In our opinion, Gill has tremendous upside and still hasn’t received his full potential and we personally feel Gill along with UNC commit and AAU teammate Isaiah Hicks may be the two best prospects in the state for the 2013 class. He has large hands and feet and looks like he could easily grow a few more inches. He has the ability to create his own shot and is really effective in coming off screens in a catch and shoot situation.

Codi Miller-McIntyre – 6’2”, 170 PG (2012 – First Assembly, Concord, NC)

THEN: If I had one word to describe MM’s game, it’d be “winner”.  The 6’2” lead guard doesn’t wow you on first look – not elite athleticism, average size, not a dead-eye shooter, but in game 3 was shooting on all cylinders and was playing more of the off guard position. In earlier games, he played more of a lead guard position and found teammates in the open court with precision passes for easy scores all game.  Makes the easy play instead of the flashy play.  Miller-McIntyre’s intensity of the defensive end was refreshing to see.  Gets up high for boards – not necessarily a big 6’2”, but certainly not small.  Maintained great spacing in PNR situations and found the roll man.  Finished nicely in the lane with his left.  Great leadership capabilities and could possibly be a boon for Coach Bzdelik in years to come in Winston-Salem. (Committed to Wake Forest) 

NOW: Since the DTCC, Codi Miller-McIntyre enjoyed an outstanding NBA player’s camp and enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy and that move alone has paid huge dividends. He has excelled and we feel that CMM is a top 40 player nationally. He has added strength and explosiveness to his game and will be the surprise player in the ACC next season. He is extremely talented and can play both guard positions. He has the unique ability to come off screens and be effective in a catch and shoot situation or create his own shot off the dribble. In addition, he has the size and athleticism to throw down impressive dunks in the lane.

Aaron Roundtree- 6’8, 180 SF/PF (2012- Greenfield School, Greenfield, NC)

THEN: Roundtree is unique because of his size, length, and ability to handle the rock. He has exceptional ball handling skills for a 6’8 player and has good court vision and his passing ability is tremendous. In speaking with his high school coach, Rob Salter, he made the best comment, “Tree doesn’t do anything great, but does a little bit of everything well.” He can create mismatches with his size, but will need to develop a mid range arsenal to his skill sets.  (Committed to Wake Forest)

NOW: Aaron Roundtree continues to be one of the country’s most unique players. He has the size and ball handling skill of a PG, but rebounds extremely well, plus has the length to be an effective shot blocker. This season “Tree” has enjoyed some triple doubles and his ability to affect the game defensively as well as offensively makes him one of the state’s most versatile players. He is another player that should make an early impact in the ACC at Wake Forest.

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