Phenom Hoop Report provided day long coverage of “The Battle Lines II” at Kings Fork High School in Suffolk VA on Saturday, an event that matched teams from the 757 area code in Virginia against school’s from the 804 area code. In addition to some of the top teams from Virginia the event featured some of the state’s top talent. Let’s take a look at the players, some well known and others looking to establish themselves who turned in the events top performances.
LaMondre Gregg (6’1 2020 Meadowbrook) The 6’1 senior guard and Virginia Phenom 150 alumn scored 13 points but his presence meant so much more than just point production. LaMondre played solid defense and showed versatility on the defensive end and on the glass. He nailed two three pointers during a Meadowbrook stretch that allowed them to pull away in an otherwise tightly contested win against Hampton High School.
Zeke Edwards (6’5 2020 Meadowbrook) Zeke had a double/double leading Meadowbrook to a 62-57 win over Hampton. The 6’5 senior wing scored 16 points but was outstanding in the second half where he scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
James Patterson (6’4 2020 Meadowbrook) Jamesscored15 points for Meadowbrook and grabbed 9 rebounds but used his great length and quickness to clog up the middle and forced Hampton to settle too often for long jumpers. The long armed and explosive 6’4 senior is a powerful and crafty finisher at the rim and pounds the glass relentlessly and routinely flirts with double figure scoring and rebounding games.
Ihsan Duncan (6’3 2022 Hampton) One of the state’s top ranked sophomores, Ihsan turned in a spectacular performance on both ends of the floor for Hampton. Ihsan shot 10-17 from the floor for 22 points but he showed his defensive prowess with 12 steals in the contest to keep Hampton close against Meadowbrook. The powerfully built 6’3 sophomore guard earned his first offer just more than a week ago from Hampton University.
Kanye Clary (5’10 2022 Princess Anne) One of Virginia’s top ranked sophomores, Kanye scored 22 points, dished out 6 assists, grabbed 5 rebounds and had four steals to lead Princess Anne in a thriller. Kanye is drawing Division I interest from the likes of Norfolk State University and Hampton University.
Jarrell Pope (5’10 2021 Princess Anne) Jarrell Pope got Princess Anne off to a great start with four first half three pointers. Pope finished 5 of 7 from beyond the arc for 15 points as Princess Anne survived a close game against Matoaca that wasn’t decided until the final buzzer.
Azaiyah Roberts (6’4 2020 Princess Anne) Zai scored 11 points and pulled down 9 rebounds to help lead Princess Anne to the win. The 6’4 195 two sport star has a UVA football offer!
Zakari McQueen (6’0 2021 Matoaca) Zakari was outstanding shooting the basketball especially from beyond the arc where he was 6-9 for a team high 24 points. Zakari hit jumpers off the dribble and in catch and shoot situations and also showed plenty of quickness and ability to get in to the lane with the dribble and score. Zakari also grabbed four rebounds in the game.
Daeshawn Jefferson (5’10 2021 Matoaca) Daeshawn is explosive off the dribble and got in to the lane time and time again against Princess Anne. He scored 13 points, dished out 6 assists and grabbed four rebounds against Princess Anne.
Bryce Phillips (6’1 2021 Maury) Strong, agile and versatile Brice has a nose for the basketball. Brice scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help Maury to a commanding lead. He played just more than a half of basketball because Maury established such a large lead early.
Kiemari Artis (6’0 2020 Lakeland) Keimri had by far the most impressive performance of the day scoring 34 points leading the charge as Lakeland rallied from eight points down in the final 1:46 only to come up short. The powerful and quick senior guard hit on 10 of his 19 shot attempts and went 6 of 13 from beyond the arc including big three pointers late to give Lakeland a chance. The Cavaliers had a chance to tie but a shot from the top of the key was off the mark as time expired.
Raymond Bellamy (6’4 2020 Lakeland) Raymond had a monster effort on the glass grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with nine points to help his Lakeland Cavaliers nearly erase an eight point deficit in the final 1:46. His three point play with :39 seconds left got the Cavaliers within two, 67-65.
Alphonzo Billups (6’7 2022 Varina) Alphonzo had stretches of sheer dominance both scoring from all over the floor and rebounding. His 19 point, 9 rebound effort helped Varina to a thrilling win over Lakeland. Alphonzo scored six straight points during one stretch with just under two minutes left to keep Lakeland at bay.
Amari Baylor (6’3 2021 Varina) Amari was a force inside. He finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds and helped Varina build a third quarter lead before fouling out. His powerful frame, ability to hit the jumper or create off the bounce makes for a matchup nightmare.
Jayden Epps (6’1 2022 Kings Fork) Jayden scored 12 of his game high 28 points in the first quarter to help Kings Fork jump to a 27-11 lead. In addition to his lofty scoring totals, the sophomore sensation grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 5 assists.
Quentin Livingston (6’5 2021 Kings Fork) Quentin scored 16 points and pulled down 9 rebounds for Kings Fork as they jumped to an early lead and never looked back. Quentin’s versatility allows him to impact the game in a number of ways and he did in this one. He hit jumpers and scored off the dribble, rebounded and blocked shots and sets the tone on the defensive end for the Bulldogs.
Osmand Harris III (6’0 2020 Hugenot) Osmand really shot the ball well finishing with 15 points for Hugenot. A two sport star and physical playmaker, Osmand attacks the rim fearlessly and has the strength to overpower many defenders and finish through contact. He has a solid handle and good quickness and gives Hugenot solid and consistent play on both ends of the floor.
Jordan Parham (5’11 2020 Hugenot) Jordan knocked down four three pointers and finished with 15 points for Hugenot. In addition to being one of the states better three point shooters, Jordan has a quick first step and explosive leaping ability and can go around or over the top of defenders at the rim.