We kicked off another day at the Phenom Holiday Classic on Tuesday, as Westminster Catawba and Calvary Day started the day off in a great fashion. I would say it was a pretty tight battle throughout the first half but it was Calvary Day that was able to produce offensively, getting inside the paint, making the extra hustle plays, and scoring effectively. It helped them retain a lead throughout and at halftime, 37-31. Calvary Day continued to play really well, helping create a double-digit lead late in the third but MJ Collins helped cut that lead down to eight at the start of the fourth. Westminster Catawba started to make a run in the fourth, cutting it down to a 1-point game in the final minutes. Calvary Day wasn't able to capitalize late from the free-throw line and MJ Collins created a late turnover and tied it up in the final seconds to send this game into overtime. In overtime, the two teams battled but it was Westminster Catawba that ultimately able to seal the deal from the free-throw line late, winning 71-65.
Stats:
Westminster Catawba:
MJ Collins 19 points
Lucas Heckaman 13 points
Jahseem Felton 11 points
Calvary Day:
James Wilkins 20 points
Zech Gibson 12 points
Francesco Rodella 12 points
Standouts:
Calvary Day:
6'2 '22 James Wilkins III
It would be unfair to refer to Wilkins' showing as anything other than dominant, given the way he effortlessly dictated the action and shined as a leader. His skill and offensive polish are well-documented, but his ability to disrupt opposing ball-handlers and accumulate deflections was equally as impressive in this contest. Wilkins offered unselfish playmaking while actively taking advantage of scoring opportunities from all three levels. He was the best player on the floor for numerous stretches.
6'6 '21 Owen Gulledge
For a team that doesn't necessarily possess a ton of size, Gulledge did a lot to impact the game as one of the biggest players on the court. He operated around the basket, finished through contact, and spaced the floor at an effective rate. Gulledge offered a quality interior presence, specifically as a rebounder and defender around the basket. He also looked to make the extra pass and ran the floor hard in transition.
Westminster Catawba:
6'4 '22 MJ Collins
Right now, there might not be a more underrated prospect than Collins (in terms of recruitment) throughout the Carolinas. Between his IQ, size, athleticism, and all-around skillset, Collins should appeal to programs at all types of levels within the Division I ranks. He possesses beautiful shooting mechanics and scores the ball with efficiency, and regularity, from all three levels. Collins is a great defender with quickness, toughness, and the ability to defend multiple positions. In all honesty, he checks all the boxes and should have at least a dozen offers at this point in time. Expect Collins' offer sheet to grow tremendously going forward.
6'7 '21 Lucas Heckaman
Although Westminster Catawba has a ton of lethal weapons, Heckaman continues to quietly stand out as one of the more reliable pieces for this group. He's tough, skilled, and athletic with quality size, offensive versatility, and defensive instincts. Heckaman stretches the floor, finishes around the basket, and offers a surprising about of bounciness as a rebounder and rim-protector. He's a definite scholarship-level player that always seems to outperform what his unassuming nature would imply.
