On Sunday, Phenom Hoops sat down to watch the HoopHall Classic being presented by ESPN. The matchups were off the charts, providing high school basketball fans a chance to watch some of the premier talents around the country and names you will certainly be hearing about at the college level.
Here though are some of the top standouts from a great day of basketball.
2020 6’1 K.D. Johnson (Hargrave Military Academy)
Johnson was simply OFF THE CHARTS vs. Orangeville. Scoring inside and out, there wasn’t anyone that was going to stop him and his confidence could be felt from outside the building. Johnson’s blend of athleticism, strength, speed, and burst was tough, especially when he plays his game at getting downhill and attacking the basket. But don’t let that fool you with his range, as he certainly can be a knockdown shooter from three as well. Johnson showed it all and Georgia fans should be excited to watch hi in the coming years.
Stats: 35 points (12-for-23) (5-for-10 from 3)/ 9 rebounds/ 7 assists/ 0 turnovers
2020 6’7 Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe (Orangeville Prep)
Moncrieffe is a 6’7 prospect that plays long. His excels in the open floor and in transition with his long stride/ length, as well as his blend of athleticism on the floor. He displayed the ability to get to the rim on a dribble or two, break down defenders, and finish strong at the rim. Moncrieffe’s ability to play multiple positions and versatility is fun to watch and can be a difference-maker on both ends of the court.
Stats: 21 points (10-for-15)/ 5 rebounds
2020 6’0 Mark Sears (Hargrave Military Academy)
Sears may not always get the credit with the talent around him but this young man is tough on the floor and can be a steal for any program at the next level. Whether you need him to score, he can score inside and out, can be a knockdown shooter but also has a smooth feel/pace getting to the basket. But he also can make an impact in other ways, seeing the floor tremendously and playing with his head up at all times. Unselfish player. Then that doesn’t even mention his willingness to be a competitor on the boards, as he finished with x rebounds.
Stats: 18 points (7-for-15)/ 13 rebounds
2020 6’4 DJ Steward (Whitney Young)
Already one of the top prospects in his class and committed to Duke, it will be interesting to see how he can be used at the next level. Steward has great size if he plays the point guard position, especially with his ability to find teammates and unselfishness. But he also has the ability to play off the ball, as he showcased that he can be a knockdown shooter with range. As he continues to develop his frame at the next level, Steward will be a key piece for the Blue Devils.
Stats: 28 points (11-for-23) (6-for-13 from 3)/ 4 rebounds/ 4 assists
2020 6’3 Tyler Beard (Whitney Young)
Beard was sensational and part of the duo for Whitney Young with Steward. Beard’s speed and change of direction are what first caught the eyes, along with some underrated bounce in his step. With his pace, he excelled in the open floor and stayed aggressive, getting to the basket and scoring as well as distributing. He also showed his range with a little fadeaway jumper.
Stats: 24 points (11-for-14)/ 6 rebounds/ 8 assists
2020 6’6 Troy Hupstead (Mount Vernon)
Got to give credit to the senior forward, as he had that never-give-up mentality and played extremely hard. With his big frame, he moves his feet well and has a solid blend of strength and soft hands to his game on the offensive end. Hupstead’s ability to step out with the mid-range jumper caught a few off guard. The big man recorded a double-double in the loss, as he was strong throughout the game in the paint.
Stats: 25 points (11-for-22)/ 12 rebounds