On Saturday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to High Point Christian Academy in High Point, North Carolina, as the Cougars prepared to host the Bobcats of Piedmont Classical. Both teams entered this contest with winning records (coming against quality competition) and each sought out to separate themselves from the pack. Anyone who has followed HPCA should know about the leadership of KJ Garrett, addition of Ethan Smith, and their roster full of complementary pieces. Meanwhile, Piedmont Classical has really done a great job of finding success despite a coaching change and complete roster overhaul within the last six months. The Bobcats just recently hit their stride as a balanced, well-oiled machine and looked to maintain their status against a tough Cougars squad.
Like most high school games, it took both teams a few minutes to shake the jitters and play focused, disciplined basketball. After somewhat of a sluggish first quarter where everyone gradually found their footing, Piedmont Classical held a slight 11-8 advantage. The tempo picked up in the second period, which allowed the Bobcats to continue expanding the deficit and enter halftime with a 29-22 lead. Following the break, both squads played an even third quarter (15-15), keeping the deficit at seven with a score of 44-37. Despite a late surge by the Cougars, the Bobcats
