Lake Norman scores impressive win over West Rowan
Lake Norman 68
West Rowan 58
Phenom Hoops travelled to Mooresville, North Carolina to cover North Piedmont 3A West Rowan and I-Meck 4A Lake Norman. West Rowan came into the contest with a 9-5 record while Lake Norman sported a 10-6 record. It was a close and exciting game as both teams exchanged leads throughout the first half. Midway through the third quarter, West Rowan led 45-40, but Lake Norman went on an 8-0 run to take a 48-45 lead heading into the final quarter. Lake Norman executed in the half court and went on to capture a 68-58 victory. Now, let’s take a closer look at the standout players of the game.
6’5 2021 Seth Aeschliman (Lake Norman)
In our Phenom Open Gym Tour, Jeff Bendel (Player Analysis) stated Seth Aeschliman could be Lake Norman’s “X Factor.” We’re talking about a highly skilled inside/outside player that does a lot of little things well. He finished with a game high 21 points and has touch and range from all three levels. We were also impressed with his passing ability from the high post where he was able to initiate the offense, not to mention knocking down three 3-pointers for the game.
6’2 2021 Christian Taylor (Lake Norman)
Christian Taylor plays with a high motor. We were impressed with his full throttle approach and his ability to attack the goal whether it was in transition or in half court sets. Taylor finished with 20 points. Taylor is a strong two-way guard that plays with effort, energy and passion.
5’10 2021 Clay Hodges (Lake Norman)
Clay “Smoke” Hodges is the heart and soul of the Lake Norman team. He is one of the few high school players we’ve watched this season that can impact the game without scoring a single point. Hodges finished with four points, but the pass first and unselfish point guard simply enjoys the game. He’s one of the toughest on ball defenders and plays with tremendous heart and intensity. Hodges values each possession like the game is on the line.
5’9 2021 Jalen Moss (West Rowan)
Jalen Moss impressed us with his quickness and athleticism. Moss finished with a team high 14 points and was a model of consistency throughout the game. He knocked down midrange jumpers, hit floaters in the lane, and created scoring opportunities for his teammates by his dribble penetration.
6’3 2021 Macari Allison (West Rowan)
The slender and quick shooting guard that touch and range, not to mention a quick release. We were really impressed with his patience and poise throughout the game. Allison finished with 11 points including three 3-pointers.
From the Sidelines: Coach Grant Hodges has something brewing at Lake Norman. His teams are disciplined, run and execute their sets to perfection and run the secondary break extremely well. They are scrappy and play with a lot of energy and effort. More importantly, we were impressed with their ball movement and overall unselfish play.