Hoodies House Hoops Classic: Friday Standouts and Storylines Part 2
Phenom Hoop Report travelled to Mint Hill, North Carolina on Friday to cover the 6th Annual Hoodie’s House Hoops Classic. Hoodies House is a nonprofit organization with a mission to raise proceeds that would aid, support, engage and provide assistance to underserved Charlotte Mecklenburg and on occasion, New York community based youth related causes and organizations, as well as, to engage in bringing awareness and support to Homelessness, hunger and education and out of school time related initiatives. Earlier, we took a look in our Part 1 segment. See attached link: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/28/hoodies-house-hoops-classic-friday-standouts-and-storylines-part-1/
Now, let’s take a closer look at the semifinals standouts in our Friday Night Standouts and Storylines Part 2. In one semifinal games we had Nazareth Regional going against Charlotte Christian. Nazareth Regional had advanced to the semifinal game by beating a very athletic and talented Northside Christian team by the score of 74-61. On the other hand, Charlotte Christian beat South Atlanta by the score of 80-65. In the other semifinal game, Long Island Lutheran by the score of 57-39.
6’0 2019 JC Tharrington (Charlotte Christian)
One thing is for certain, the “stat sheet” doesn’t alway tell the complete story and that was just the case in the performance by Appalachian State signee JC Tharrington. Tharrington is the pulse, heart beat and the straw that stirs the drink for coach Shonn Brown and Charlotte Christian. He controls the tempo and pace of the game, not to mention his on-the-court leadership that he provides. Nazareth Regional head coach Dwayne Morgan knew this as well. His game plan was to put as much defensive pressure on the senior point guard, wear him down and get him to make mistakes and commit turnovers. In the first half alone, Nazareth tried four different players on Tharrington, all to no avail. Tharrington did what he always does and he controlled the tempo and led Charlotte Christian to an impressive 60-44 win. For the game, Tharrington finished with 14 points going 5-11 from the floor, 3-5 from the 3-point line, and 1-2 from the free throw line. In addition, Tharrington collected two rebounds, dished out five assists, and only committed one turnover. Overall, a terrific all around game!
6’4 2019 Seth Bennett (Charlotte Christian)
Seth Bennett may be the best senior in the state that very few college coaches know about, but that should sooner rather than later. Simply put, Bennett can flat shoot the cover off the ball. Prior to the game, there was speculation that Bennett would not play due to an ankle injury he suffered the night before. However, in the game vs. Nazareth he had it heavily taped and went out and had a “modest” game high 15 points going 4-8 from the floor, 3-6 from the 3-point line and 4-5 from the free throw line. In addition, he collected four rebounds and dished out four assists, not to shabby playing on a “gimpy” ankle. We’re talking about a silky smooth shooting guard that has excellent mechanics, nice extension and follow through, and it looks like every shot is going in. More importantly, we talking about a shooting guard that is efficient and scores within the framework of the game and this alone will translate at the next level. For the season, Bennett is the team’s leading scorer and is averaging 16.2 PPG, not to mention he is averaging 4.0 APG and 4.2 RPG.
6’1 2020 Andre Curbelo (Long Island Lutheran)
Nationally ranked point guard, Andre Curbelo showcased why is is highly coveted by high major schools. He is blessed with tremendous quickness, athleticism, and a “big time” competitive spirit. In the 57-39 win over a very tall and talented Holly Spring team, Curbelo controlled the tempo from start to finish. He’s electric in the open court and has amazing ball speed, but more importantly has a knack for being around the ball. In addition, he is an excellent rebounder for his size/position. For the game, Curbelo finished with a double double. He had 17 points going 8-19 from the floor, 1-4 from the 3-point line, collected 11 rebounds, dished out two assists and had two steals. Curbelo makes his presence known on both ends of the court and we were equally impressive with his on-the-ball defense and overall defensive intensity. (Photo supplies from Long Island Lutheran0
6’0 2020 Marcus Elliott (Holly Springs)
While much of the media attention has centered about Virginia signee Kadin Shedrick and Kaleb Scott and rightfully so, college coaches need to check out Marcus Elliott. We’re talking about a quick and athletic two-way point guard. Although Holly Springs came up short against a very talented Long Island Lutheran team, Elliott demonstrated toughness, grit and a fearless approach even when things were not going well for his team. These are big attributes and intangibles that one looks for a future D1 point guard. Elliott has good basketball instincts, ability to create his own shot off the dribble/bounce, or create opportunities for this teammates. More importantly, we were impressed with his tenacity and ability to knock down shots especially from the 3-point line. Elliott finished with a team high 16 points going 6-10 from the floor and 4-8 from the free throw line. In addition, he collected three rebounds, dished out two assists and had two steals.
6’8 2020 Zed Key (Long Island Lutheran)
Zed Key is a physical strong power forward that made it difficult for Holly Spring duo of Kadin Shedrick and Kaleb Scott to score on the interior and that was the difference in the game in our opinion. Key brings a blue-collar workmanlike approach to the game. He isn’t the flashiest player, but simply goes about his business. He rebounds, plays defense, alters and blocks shots, scores and just does a little bit of everything to fill out the box sheet. We were impressed with his passer friendly hands. He is a sure-fire two handed rebounder that secures rebounds with authority and is quick to make the outlet pass. As our Phenom regional scout Chick Gillespie stated after watching him over the summer, “Simply put, Zed Key is a model of consistency. He has deft footwork and a strong base as he gets to the rim where he can finish through contact or even earn trips to the free throw line.” For the game, Key finished with 11 points going 5-9 from the floor and 1-1 from the free throw line. He addition, he collected seven rebounds, block two shots (altered more) and even had two steals.
BEST OF THE REST
6’5 2019 Paul Hudson (Charlotte Christian)
Almost had a double double with eight points and nine rebounds. Hudson was active the entire night, played excellent defense, altered and blocked a few shots, rebounded and just made things happen. The Dartmouth signee should have a stellar career in the Ivy League
6’6 2020 Peter Lash (Charlotte Christian)
One thing is for certain, you can’t leave him open. Lash is an excellent “catch and shoot” player. He has a quick release, excellent shooting mechanics, extension and follow through and the ball often finds the bottom of the net. Last finished with an efficient 12 points going 5-6 from the floor, 2-2 from the 3-point line.
6’0 2019 Garrett Phillips (Holly Springs)
Absolutely loved the hustle of 6’0 Garrett Phillips. He’s crafty, cagey and plays with a tremendous amount of moxie and confidence. Phillips has outstanding range and has terrific range and touch. He finished with 12 points going 4-9 from the floor with 4-8 coming from the 3-point line.
If you missed our coverage of the John Wall Holiday Invitational, be sure to check out the below.
Opening Day Standouts: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/26/john-wall-holiday-invitational-opening-day-standouts/
Day 2 Standouts Part 1: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/27/john-wall-holiday-invitational-day-2-standouts-part-1/
Day 2 Standouts Part 2: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/27/john-wall-holiday-classic-day-2-standouts-part-2/