After coming off a tremendous event at the Carmel Christian Tip-Off Classic, it is only right to get excited about this weekend’s event in the Phenom November Classic, presented by Ivester Jackson Christie. The talent on the court is going to be fun to watch, as we have some tremendous matchups coming your way. That is why we are looking at a few to watch for with each game, ones you will not want to miss.
Saturday
10:30 AM Charlotte Country Day vs. Lincoln Charter (Girls)
This will be our first viewing of Charlotte Country Day Girls, so it will be interesting to see what they bring to the table in their home gym. We got a view of Lincoln Charter recently, and they bring a few guards to watch including 2022 Lauren Horton, who competes and can showcase her outside game as well as 2023 Maddie Lusk, who plays with a high IQ on the court.
12:00 PM Westminster Catawba vs. Wesleyan Christian
Wesleyan is looking to come in and make a statement, as they have a nice balance of talent and senior leadership on the court. 2022 Jefferson McLamb and 2022 Luke Grace lead the charge but this is a balanced team that can score in a variety of ways. But they will go up against a talented group in 2022 MJ Collins, 2022 Richard Black III, and 2023 Derek Bradley. The trio looked strong last week and will look to showcase their firepower once again.
1:30 PM Gaston Christian vs. Henderson Collegiate
These are two teams that seem to be flying a little under the radar. Henderson Collegiate never backs down from competition, helping them prepare for a championship run and they do the same this year. Seniors 2022 TJ Ragland and Jarrod Small lead the charge but this is a team that competes on both ends, especially with Coach Marshall leading the charge. Gaston Christian is an intriguing talent to learn more about, as they have some good talent that includes 2024 Jahseem Felton, 2023 Isaiah Tate, 2024 Joe Rhyne, and others that should make some noise. They are a sneaky team to watch as they start putting it all together.
3:00 PM Christ School vs. The Burlington School
This is a game that could really put Christ School on the map. Yes, both teams have plenty of talent, they have intriguing scoring guards, they have size down low, and experienced players. The Burlington School comes in as one of the favorites this year for a title, with plenty of talent to go around. Christ School has the talent to make noise but will it come all together on the big stage' Expect this to be a great game.
4:30 PM Providence Day vs. Carmel Christian
There are some very intriguing matchups in this game. Cade Tyson vs. Donovan Atwell… both shooters that can really light it up from deep. Kaleb Siler/Luke Krawczyk vs. Riley Allenspach… both bigs that can make a huge presence down low. Logan Threatt vs. Quave Propst-Allison… two quick guards that can make plays in transition but also can score the ball effectively. The matchups in this game certainly should bring fans to the stands.
6:00 PM Lake Norman Christian vs. Liberty Heights National
Coach McCarthy will have Lake Norman Christian ready to go in this game but this is also a senior-led team that is looking to make a statement in a big way on a national stage. Seniors like JP Haggarty, Shane Fernald, Khalil Marshall, Ty Barbee, and Christian Cornish all will be prepared to take on a talented Liberty Heights team that brings a lot of size. Liberty as well will have plenty of seniors looking to keep their record unblemished early on in the season.
7:30 PM Northside Christian vs. Winston Salem Christian
When you look at the talent between these two teams, there are certainly names that you will want to watch. 2023 Wesley Tubbs will be heading up against 2024 Isaiah Washington and company… which is worth the price right there. But 2023 Mychael Mitchell had a terrific event last week but will have his hands full against the guard play of WS Christian. And it is a great opportunity for others to step up for both teams. One thing to watch is the size of WS Christian and how Northside will be able to handle it.
9:00 PM Charlotte Country Day vs. United Faith
In this game, fans will end their night getting a chance to watch two very talented and athletic guards in 2023 Dallas Gardner and 2022 Xavier McKelvy. McKelvy blew up over the last year or so and is now heading to Winthrop; could Gardner be trending down that same road' This is a big opportunity to do so and to show what he can bring to the table.