On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Glenn High School in Kernersville, North Carolina, as the Bobcats prepared to host the Eagles of East Forsyth. Despite losing a key piece in Julius Reese due to transfer, the Bobcats have been excellent to start their season. Coming into this game, they faced adversity against quality opponents but consistently maintained their undefeated status. On the other side, Monte Gray has already found nice success in his first season as head coach for the Eagles. We expected a competitive matchup, and that's exactly what we received'
After a few rough minutes to start, both teams found their comfort zone and started converting. Glenn jumped out to the first lead and held it for most of the quarter, but East Forsyth controlled things at 15-14 through eight minutes of play. The second period offered more of the same, given how neither team was willing to give an inch'essentially keeping the score within one possession for the entire quarter. Thanks to a bucket just before halftime, Glenn recaptured their lead going into the break. Following the pause in action, the tables turn yet again. It remained extremely close and competitive, but East Forsyth regained the lead and seemed likely to never turn back after establishing a 39-37 lead going into the final period. Both teams continued trading buckets for the next few minutes, until Glenn completely took over in the closing minutes. The Bobcats converted numerous big baskets down the stretch to ultimately claim a 61-53 victory over East Forsyth.
Glenn:
6'3 '22 Jeremiah Scales
There were many strong performers for both teams, but Scales was easily the most productive player on the floor. He's a strong, tough wing prospect with the understanding of how to constantly assert himself as a scorer from within the arc. Scales knocked down a three-pointer and showed comfort when creating for others, but primarily dominated with midrange pull-ups, finishing through contact, and second-chance opportunities. He's a quality athlete with IQ and steadily improving skill. Add in his motor, defensive ability, and sheer nose for the ball, and it's easy to see a clear path for Scales finding success at the next level. Final stats: 26 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.
6'4 '21 Armani Almonor
Though Scales was arguably Glenn's top player, there's simply no denying the massive impact Almonor brought to the table. He's somewhat undersized for his position and overall play style, but is genuinely pound-for-pound one of the best rebounders across North Carolina. Almonor found numerous opportunities to finish and score, but honestly doesn't require offensive touches to make his presence felt on either end of the floor. He also showed the ability and unselfishness to smartly set up others whenever possible. Almonor's combination of length, athleticism, and instincts for locating the ball made him a legitimate problem for the opposition. Final stats: 7 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal.
6'0 '23 CJ Vaughn
Despite an up-and-down showing from Vaughn, Glenn absolutely does not win this contest without his late-game heroics. He came alive in the second half, specifically in crunch time, and hit numerous big shots to shift the momentum in Glenn's favor. Vaughn finished, made some solid passes, and hit a late three-pointer to allow the Bobcats to secure a win. Final stats: 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal.
East Forsyth:
6'1 '23 William Gray
Despite an extremely balanced game plan from East Forsyth, Gray still shined as the most notable long-term prospect in the gym. In addition to skill, athleticism, and leadership, he possesses an appealing frame and excellent all-around feel. Gray just moves differently than a lot of other highly talented floor generals, displaying an advanced sense for how to exploit openings and mismatches. In all honesty, he could've probably been more selfish and it would've actually benefitted his team in this contest. Gray's ability to simplify the game makes him a terrific candidate to led an offense or run a team. Along with his offensive poise, the long, wiry guard also effortlessly set the tone on defense. Not only did he suffocate opponents with his length and motor, but also highlighted extremely impressive anticipation for jumping into passing lanes and forcing turnovers. Gray scored in a variety of ways, set up others with regularity, and proved to be a pest defensively. It's early, but Division I coaches would be wise to monitor the two-way floor general going forward. Final stats: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks.