The first game for day one of Phenom’s Holiday Classic took place between two talented girl’s teams in Comenius and Mount Zion. Though the start was somewhat slow, it was very competitive throughout the first quarter. Comenius has been undeniably impressive despite only having eight players and vast majority of their roster being in middle school. They gained the lead behind an unselfish, high-energy attack. With one minute left in the second quarter and a 21-12 lead, Comenius turned it on and really began to apply pressure—rattling off ten unanswered points and entering halftime with a 31-12 lead over Mount Zion. Both teams came out of the break with improved offensive efficiency, but Comenius maintained a firm grasp on their lead at 59-24 at the end of the third quarter. The intensity remained until the final buzzer, but Comenius never wavered en route to securing a 79-34 victory over Mount Zion.
Comenius:
5’9 ’26 Jaida McClure
Arguably the most enticing prospect on the team, McClure possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside. She’s already more than capable of affecting all facets of the game due to her strong frame, high IQ, and well-rounded skillset. McClure secures rebounds, forces turnovers, alters shots, and can adapt to numerous different roles on offense. She showed range/consistency on her jumper, quality decision-making, and off-the-bounce ability. McClure is already a great player and more than capable of competing (and outperforming) older opponents. She’ll certainly be one to watch going forward.
5’4 ’25 Zion Pimentel
As the primary ball-handler and floor general for this group, Pimentel could be found making a ton of plays throughout the course of this showing. She’s smart, quick, and displays great instincts on both ends of the floor. Though slightly undersized, Pimentel is a great lateral athlete with a sharp first step and speed in the open floor. She forces turnovers at a strong rate, both through intercepting passing lanes and as an on-ball defender. Pimentel is tough, unselfish, and makes quality passes as a playmaker but also understands how to seize offensive opportunities when available.
Mount Zion:
5’9 ’21 Shameen Brown
Considering Mount Zion only had six total players, Brown could be found making a seemingly nonstop flow of plays throughout this contest. She really dictated the action on both ends of the floor, carrying the offense, defending multiple positions, and getting involved as a rebounder on nearly every possession. Brown possesses a great physical frame with length, toughness, and phenomenal activity. She attacks the basket with regularity, positions herself for second-chance opportunities, and frequently makes her presence felt in transition. It’s easy to envision her at the next level.
6’3 ’22 Fama Diagne
Despite struggling with foul trouble, it’s easy to see what makes Diagne such an intriguing prospect. She has phenomenal size and obvious upside as a post prospect on both ends of the floor. Diagne possesses great length and utilizes it effectively to consistently secure rebounds and alter shots around the basket. She displayed quality touch, footwork, and toughness. That being said, her best basketball is likely still ahead.