Carmel Christian vs. Davidson Day Game Recap
| 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | |
| Davidson Day | 18 | 30 | 46 | 63 |
| Carmel Christian | 17 | 27 | 39 | 47 |
Phenom Hoop Report travelled to Davidson, North Carolina to cover a key matchup between two highly ranked and well coached teams. Carmel Christian came into the contest with a 28-2 record and the number one ranking in the Phenom Hoop Report NCISAA Sweet 16 ranking. On the other hand, Davidson Day came into the contest with a 17-4 record and ranked 8th in our NCISAA Sweet 16 poll. Playing before a capacity and enthusiastic crowd, Davidson Day gave the home crowd plenty of excitement with the impressive upset win. Now, let’s take a closer look at the stand out players of the game.
6’8 2020 CJ Huntley (Davidson Day)
We have seen CJ Huntley several times and each time, he has shown tremendous improvement, tonight was no exception. Playing before college coaches from UNC-Greensboro, Davidson, Wofford, Bucknell and Charlotte, Huntley showcased why he is going to be a hot prospect in the North Carolina 2020 class. We’re talking about an ultra-smooth, fluid, and lengthy forward with an advanced skill set. Huntley can score from all three levels. has a soft shooting touch that extends beyond the 3-point line, can hit the mid-range off the dribble/bounce, and finish at the rim. More importantly, Huntley has extremely soft, passer friendly hands and nifty footwork in the paint, not to mention the ability to run the floor. Huntley finished with a game high 19 points including four 3-pointers. In addition, Huntley collected six rebounds and blocked three shots. We have stated previously that Huntley is a definite “buy now” prospect and expect this stock to elevate sooner rather than later.
6’5 2020 Jackson Threadgill (Davidson Day)
Jackson Threadgill has been a model of consistency throughout the season. He’s reliable, steady and just seems to make all the big shots within the framework of the offense. Nothing is ever rushed, forced or manufactured. His game should translate well at the collegiate level simply because he is so efficient in the half court. He moves well without the ball, is ready to catch and shoot in an efficient fashion, not to mention he has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. Threadgill finished the game with 14 points including three 3-pointers. In addition, he collected five rebounds and dished out three assists. Simply put, he is just a complete all-around player that will garnish a lot of interest at the mid major level.
6’4 2021 Bryce Alfino (Davidson Day)
College coaches, go ahead and put this young man in your SIM Card. He’s the real deal. We’re talking about a high IQ, fundamentally sound, and athletic wing that can score from all three levels. He plays with tremendous energy, effort and passion. We were so impressed with his high motor and “fun loving” approach to the game. Alfino finished with 12 points including two 3-pointers, but collected three rebounds, dished out four assists and even had two steals. In other words, he did it all on both ends of the court.
5’8 2020 Adam Brazil (Davidson Day)
Adam Brazil is the team’s glue guy. As the old saying goes, he’s the “straw that stirs the drink.” Brazil goes about his business and runs the team in an efficient manner, constantly surveying the court to get his teammates the ball in a scoring position. He’s a pass first point guard that picks his spots nicely on the offensive side of the ball. Brazil finished with eight points including two timely 3-pointers in the second that helped pushed Davidson Day over the top and secure the win. In addition, Brazil dished out four assists, controlled the tempo and limited the team’s turnovers which was crucial in the win.
6’6 2019 DeAngelo Epps (Carmel Christian)
DeAngelo Epps gave a valiant effort in defeat. Epps finished with a team high 16 points, but it was his relentless energy that most impressed us. He battled, competed and did what he could on both ends of the court. Epps continues to expand his game with his ability to hit an occasional 3-pointer, which opens up his game. While he was the team’s leading scorer, he managed to step into passing lanes and get several steals for easy transition baskets.
Final thoughts
Davidson Day moves to 18-4 for the season and looks more and more like a serious contender for the NCISAA 2A Championship. One thing is for certain, coach Ron Johnson is no stranger to cutting the nets down as he has won a NCISAA state championship at both Cannon School and the Burlington School. While his team may still be one year away, don’t sleep on Davidson Day for this current season. Davidson Day is such a well-balanced team and has multiple pieces to the puzzle, not to mention coach Johnson is one of the top coaches in the state regardless of affiliation.
As with many teams at all levels, there are ups and downs to a season. All good teams hit a snag and that can be said the same about Carmel Christian. Coming off a state championship and being nationally ranked, it’s easy for the players to get a little complacent. It happens to all teams at every level. If there are games that are a “wake up” call, this should be the game. Coach Joe Badgett is one of the most genuine coaches and most of all persons you will ever meet and we strongly believe he will use this game as motivation to get the team back on a run for another NCISAA state championship repeat.
Davidson Day connected on 13 3-pointers by five different players, compared to two 3-pointers made by two different Carmel Christian. Playing without the services of injured Marten Maide, Carmel Christian will need to step up the defensive intensity. Carmel Christian is at its best with their trapping and pressure defense which leads to easy transition baskets. That being said, Carmel is still 28-3 for the season and are still the favorites to win the NCISAA 3A championship.