On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Shining Light Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina as the Knights prepared to host the Reidsville Rams. The Knights entered this game with a 2-7 record, but have played extremely talented and competitive opponents. Despite their lack of wins, Shining Light has generated a ton of buzz behind the duo of Will Rhodes and Nasir Gibbs (averaging 28.7 and 23.0 PPG, respectively). On the other side, Reidsville returns as one of the top teams in 2A for the NCHSAA behind the all-around leadership of Breon Pass. The Rams lost numerous productive seniors, including 45% of their scoring, and will need a fresh approach with their new-look roster. Given the background and atmosphere, the stage was set for an exciting game…
Things kicked off in heavy favor for Shining Light, as they quickly mounted a 19-6 lead behind their aforementioned duo. Although the Knights ended the quarter on top, the action was just starting to heat up. They applied nonstop pressure against the opposing star but it didn’t work for very long, as Pass began to effortlessly dominate and take over the entire game. He turned their double-digit deficit into a 42-35 advantage by halftime. The Knights continued to fight behind Rhodes, Gibbs, and Canon Roberts, but the role players like Eric Neal, Stevian Harrison, Cam Peoples, and Yoshua Courts continued to step up and execute for the Rams, allowing them to maintain the lead at 70-59 going into the final period. Though it was a long, entertaining battle, Reidsville ultimately secured a 99-84 victory over Shining Light Academy.
Reidsville:
6’0 ’21 Breon Pass (NC State signee)
For anyone who has watched Pass over his high school career with the Rams, this was just another day at the office. While so many guys opt to transfer, he has remained loyal while leading and learning how to propel others towards success. Pass is a leader in all facets of the game, including by example and through communication. His IQ is evident as a creator, defender, and sheer tone-setter on both ends of the floor. The bizarre thing about his ridiculous scoring totals from this contest' Pass wasn’t forcing the action and could’ve easily gone for 60+ points if he were to deliberately put his foot on the pedal. Instead, he chose to control the tempo, display unselfishness, and spread the ball around as much as possible. While his scoring will get the most recognition, Pass also had a slew of incredibly impressive blocks and would’ve probably finished with double-digit assists if not for dropped passes and missed layups by others. NC State will get a winner in every sense of the word. Final stats: 44 points (13-20 FG), 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 blocks, and 2 steals.
6’2 ’24 Eric Neal and 6’1 ’21 Stevian Harrison
The interior duo of Neal and Harrison were undeniably important for the Rams’ overall success in this showing. They showed the ability to play together or individually anchor the paint, alter shots defensively, and control the glass on both ends of the floor. Neal is already very productive for his age and should be a useful building block for this program. Meanwhile, Harrison offers nice veteran leadership and understands how to embrace his role at all times. Both guys were obvious difference-makers. Final stats (Neal): 8 points and 7 rebounds. Final stats (Harrison): 7 points and 5 rebounds.
Shining Light Academy:
6’0 ’22 Will Rhodes
Plenty of folks have been talking about Rhodes’ ridiculous production this season as a star for the Knights. Although the overall flow of this contest was so up-and-down, Rhodes consistently found ways to create opportunities for himself. Not only did he step up when the team needed a leader, but his ability to mix up his approach and score the ball effectively from all three levels was certainly on display. Rhodes is capable of being a scoring threat upon crossing halfcourt and continually highlights a lot of confidence with the ball in his hands. He’s also a capable penetrator and playmaker with a solid nose for the ball. Final stats: 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals.
6’1 ’22 Nasir Gibbs
After being a standout during the Triad Blue Chips League, Gibbs only continued to assert himself as a next-level prospect throughout this showing. He’s a crafty, fairly athletic scoring guard with the ability to assert himself from all three levels. Like Rhodes, Gibbs is a threat to score immediately upon crossing halfcourt and will absolutely take advantage of any appealing shot attempt. He never shied away from the moment and wanted the ball in his hands when the lights were at their brightest. Gibbs also did a great job of intercepting passing lanes and making a steady impact defensively. Final stats: 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals.