Phenom Hoops continues to look around the state, checking in on teams and games to find more talent. Monday, we checked in at Wake Forest high school as they welcomed in Green Hope. Both teams were going back and forth early in the first, with Wake Forest taking the narrow lead 14-13. But their offense started to get going, as Wake Forest attacked more and allowed their defense to make plays, as well as a few outside shots. Green Hope did what they could, pushing in transition and looking to score but they were outscored 23-12, as Wake Forest held a 37-25 halftime lead.
Second half was much like the second quarter, as Wake Forest looked to push the pace. Shots continued to fall, as Wake Forest got out in transition well and shots from outside fell. They were able to maintain their lead until the final buzzer, with Wake Forest winning 90-59.
Wake Forest: 14 – 23 – 29 – 24: 90
Green Hope: 13 – 12 – 14 – 20: 59
Wake Forest: Jaevian Alston 21pts/ Sam Frye 14pts/ Nigel Lucas 12pts/ Dashaun Grant 12pts
Green Hope: Walker Hamilton 14pts/ Nikhil Ranganathan 9pts/ Bence Koloszar 7pts/ Grayson Cuffe 7pts
Standouts:
Wake Forest:
– 2024 6’6 Jaevian Alston is a new name that grabbed our attention. He is a fluid forward that impacted the game on both ends, and really displayed nice versatility in his game. He was excellent in putting it on the deck and getting to the basket, finishing through contact and beating his defenders.
– 2023 Dashaun Grant and 2023 Nigel Lucas were two strong guards that continued to attack out in transition and finish when getting to the basket. Time after time, they plays and were able to finish strong, at times allowing the defense to turn into offense.
– 2025 6’2 Kavon Simmons showed flashes of being a guard to watch around the area. He had moments in which he was able to knock down shots, but also seemed to have a solid feel for the game, creating and making plays off the bounce, and seeing the floor.
-2023 Sam Frye really showed how much of a difference-maker he can be with his perimeter shooting, hitting multiple threes with a ton of confidence.
Green Hope:
– 2023 Walker Hamilton led the charge offensively for his team, moving well without the ball but also showcasing his mid-range jumper. He finished with 14 points to lead his team, as he remained active all throughout the game and shot the ball with confidence.
– 2025 Nikhil Ranganathan is a young guard that showed flashes of his game. He is a crafty guard that does a great job creating with the dribble, finding ways to get inside the defense, and finding his teammates. Shifty guard with his handles.
– 2024 Rafik Khismatov is a 6’6 center that stayed active in the paint, stayed active on the boards, and kept balls alive off the glass. Soft touch offensively that made his presence felt in the paint.