This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to various different locations for the June Live Period. Between the talent in Advance and Greensboro, there was plenty of buzz about the NCHSAA and NCISAA competition throughout the weekend. Although the public-school event was at capacity for most of the weekend, Greensboro Day School (as expected) hosted an extremely entertaining three-day slate of games for the private school sector. These events typically serve as tune-up periods more than anything else. There were plenty of notable takeaways, but no team has ever been handed a state championship trophy in June. Numerous individuals also stood out, like Matt Kirby—who continues to shine as a two-way leader for Greenfield.
Every so often, a player will come through the North Carolina landscape who really makes you question the rationale of why some players receive offers while others do not. Right now, Kirby is that player. The incredibly smart, rugged, unselfish manner in which he leads a team and sets the tone on both ends of the floor clearly separates him from most floor generals. Sure, Kirby doesn’t get the label of “big guard” but he does earn the title of “consummate winner,” and that should be considerably more valuable to the masses. He’s simply a steady, reliable player that instills a unique level of trust with the ball in his hands. Kirby possesses a tight handle, sharp vision, and a clear willingness to make the right play whenever possible. He utilizes his blinding first step to effortlessly break down opponents, touch the paint, and finish or set up others. Kirby is an efficient shooter and overall scorer who doesn’t force the action. He’s also an exceptional defender, both in the passing lanes and at the point of attack, and forces turnovers at a nonstop rate.
After making the decision to reclassify, one would assume Kirby’s recruitment should’ve taken off by now. However, he’s the exact type of player that college coaches will learn to appreciate the more they watch. The calm demeanor, clear leadership, and natural understanding of how to control a game are merely a few of the impressive traits he brings to the table. It’ll be exciting to follow his journey over these next few months, as Kirby is going to be an absolute prize for whatever program earns his commitment.