On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the heart of Greensboro for a highly anticipated battle between Caldwell Academy and Greensboro Day School. The Eagles have continued to trend upward in Coach Clifford’s second year at the helm while the Bengals have maintained a powerhouse and national reputation across nearly fifty years behind the tutelage of Coach Johnson. These schools are only about five to ten minutes apart, which led to a completely packed gymnasium full of supporters from each side. The atmosphere was intense, the energy was almost palpable, and everything was in place for this to be an extremely entertaining contest.
Things kicked off with Caldwell attacking first and the Bengals quickly responding, as the two squads went back and forth for the opening few minutes. Then, the Eagles gradually started to take over. They were pushing the break in transition, hitting three-pointers at a high clip, and showing no fear on either end of the floor—leading to a 19-13 advantage after the opening quarter. Although Greensboro Day continued to battle, the deficit only got larger as Caldwell entered the break leading 34-25. Following halftime, the Bengals began to settle down and start applying pressure in their usual manner. They attacked the basket at a seemingly nonstop rate, and were finding great results, yet still trailed 49-45 after three quarters. In the final period, Greensboro Day was able to tie it up multiple times with chances to take the lead but ultimately fell short, as Caldwell Academy secured a 62-59 victory.
There were multiple reasons why Caldwell won this game, but none bigger than clock management and three-point shooting. Coach Clifford managed the clock in a very Greensboro Day-like manner and never allowed the Bengals to control the game at the end of quarters like they usually aim to do. Instead, the Eagles were able to take care of the ball, burn clock if needed, and consistently strike during the closing seconds. Additionally, the difference in made three-pointers (nine for Caldwell, zero for Greensboro Day) also stands out.
Caldwell Academy
6’4 ’23 J3 Swindell
Although the Eagles were led by a core group of guys, it’s impossible to ignore the significance of J3 Swindell and everything he showcased during this contest. His status as a smart, polished, veteran presence was on full display, as he consistently defended bigger opponents, battled on the glass, and asserted himself during big moments offensively. Swindell is able to score the ball in a variety of ways, whether post-ups, attacks off the bounce, or hitting jumpers from beyond the arc. This is where a guy like him, who has been a key varsity piece since his freshman year, is extremely valuable. His comfort level was impressive throughout the game. Swindell did a remarkable job of fighting on defense, especially given the size difference. It’s genuinely shocking that he doesn’t have more action within his recruitment, as Swindell is clearly a useful piece at the next level. Final stats: 18 points and 5 rebounds.
6’5 ’25 Jaylen Cross
It goes without saying, but Jaylen Cross is a major leader for this group. That being said, his leadership is evident in various different forms. He played the entire game, controlled the pace offensively, took on a notable defensive assignment, and more than held his own for four consecutive quarters. Cross scored the ball as needed while looking to set up others, establish his presence on the glass, and wreak havoc defensively. Having a leader who takes pride in the non-scoring facets of the game is why his teams will always have success. His IQ, athleticism, and two-way identity continue to make him one of the top prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2025. Final stats: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal.
5’8 ’26 Ayden Johnson & 6’2 ’24 Zackary Goodman
The Eagles simply don’t win without the contributions of Ayden Johnson and Zack Goodman. Though small, Johnson is a tough, heady guard with knockdown perimeter shooting. He possesses nice vision, creation skills, and is able to hit jumpers at a high clip from midrange and beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Goodman is a long, wiry wing prospect with the ability to score in multiple ways. He’s an excellent three-point shooter who can reliably attack closeouts and finish or get to the line and convert. Both guys are major x-factors for this group. Johnson: 15 points. Goodman: 11 points.
Other Notable Contributors:
Neal Swindell- 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Greensboro Day
6’3 ’23 Jaydon Young
No one should be surprised to hear that Jaydon Young was the Bengals’ clear leader in this showing (in addition to the entirety of the season). He patiently asserted himself on offense and then started finding great success after getting comfortable. Young was phenomenal at getting downhill, using his strength to muscle opponents out of the way, and finishing or getting to the line and converting. He’s a polished scorer with an understanding of how to adapt to various different situations offensively. Young usually looks to take what the defense is giving him, but will also take what he wants. Final stats: 26 points and 7 rebounds.
Other Notable Contributors:
Will Otto- 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Addison Newkirk- 8 points and 5 rebounds.
Joseph Bachman- 9 points and 9 rebounds.