On Friday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Grimsley High School in the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina, as the Whirlies prepared to host the Tigers of Ragsdale. Both schools have been well-known for producing extensive lists of notable athletes over the past century or so. Ragsdale has only enjoyed a single winning season in the last five years for basketball while Grimsley is coming off their most success in recent memory. Regardless, a battle is bound to ensue with any pair of Guilford County teams'and this was no different.'

Things kicked off in somewhat of an expected fashion, as Grimsley came out of the gate firing on all cylinders. It was tough to find much fault in their offensive approach during the first quarter, as they breezed to securing a 20-13 lead. Although the Whirlies remained in control, Ragsdale outperformed them in the second period of play and only trailed 34-30 going into halftime. Following the break, both squads played another tight quarter, yet the Tigers chipped down their deficit to just three points. It appeared as if Grimsley was going to close things out until around the four-minute mark in the fourth quarter, when the Tigers completely took over. After trailing for an overwhelming majority of this contest, Ragsdale was simply better down the stretch and ultimately secured a 70-66 victory over Grimsley.

Grimsley:

6'5 '21 Daniel Cooper

It would be very difficult to go against calling Cooper the best overall performer from this contest. He's so naturally productive, able to legitimately utilize his nonstop motor and exceptional nose for the ball to walk into a nightly double-double. Cooper displays great feel for the game and it's evident in his positioning'especially as a two-way rebounder. He's a strong finisher with touch and the physicality to absorb contact around the basket. Cooper's steady, straightforward identity should make him coveted by various types of programs, as he doesn't even require play calls or a ton of offensive touches to make a lasting impact. Final stats: 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists.

6'0 '22 Tyler Albright

Easily the glue-guy of the Whirlies operation, Albright simply does a strong amount of everything for this squad. He does a phenomenal job of making decisive decisions, whether when attacking the basket or keeping the ball moving, and understands how to seek out the smartest play on every possession. Albright is an efficient scorer, quality passer, and heady defender with toughness and the ability to run the team or find opportunities without the ball in his hands. Final stats: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

6'0 '22 Jayden Watlington

The Whirlies' lead guard has become a valuable piece for this group over the last two seasons, as he offers a nice balance between scoring and playmaking. He's a tough, wiry guard with quickness, perimeter shooting, and a quality drive-and-kick game. Final stats: 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. 

6'5 '22 Travis Shaw

Although he's a noteworthy name on the gridiron, Shaw also has a ton of ability on the hardwood. He's so big, strong, and basically impossible for opponents to move around the basket. Shaw possesses IQ, touch, passing vision, excellent rebounding instincts, and is capable of knocking down a perimeter on occasion. The Whirlies are simply better with him on the floor as opposed to on the bench. Final stats: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block.

Ragsdale:

6'2 '22 Jah Saigo

It was easy to appreciate the all-around leadership and production from Saigo throughout this showing. He effortlessly dictated the action from start to finish, making intelligent decisions and elevating his teammates at an incredible rate. Saigo regularly initiates the offense and consistently mixes up his approach on that end of the floor. He can attack the basket, knock down jumpers, and reliably set up others in scoring positions. Saigo is strong, sturdy, and does a tremendous job of affecting all facets of the game for this group. Final stats: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.

6'3 '22 Aaron Fant

Given the Tigers overall lack of elite size or length on their roster, it made Fant's contributions even more valuable. He's long, wiry, and plays much bigger than his size would imply as a rebounder and shot-blocker. Fant made a ton of hustle plays while still seizing easy scoring opportunities within the flow of the action. He utilizes his length very well around the basket on both ends of the floor. Final stats: 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

6'0 '22 Andrew Siler

After the previous duo, Siler was easily the next most valuable player for Ragsdale from this contest. He's a reliable perimeter shooter with secondary ball-handling and the ability to make his presence felt in transition. Siler defends well, makes smart passes, and understands how to embrace his role on both ends of the floor. Final stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.