Oak Hill Academy 92 West Oaks 78
Phenom Hoop Report travelled to Mouth of Wilson, Virginia to cover the game between West Oaks (Florida) and nationally ranked Oak Hill Academy. Oak Hill entered the contest with a 20-2 record and suffered from a little “jet lag” for the first three quarters of the game and rightfully so. You see, Oak Hill just returned around midnight from their west coast trip to California to play in the Nike Extravaganza at Mater Dei High School. Oak Hill went into the half with a 44-40 lead, but West Oaks tied the contest at 44 with minutes into the third quarter. After watching a few careless turnovers, legendary head coach Steve Smith calmly called a timeout to regroup the sluggish Warriors. As with any Steve Smith team, they respond immediately and this was the case and point as Oak Hill went on an 8-0 run to take a 52-44 lead at the 4:55 mark in the third quarter. From that point on, it was all Oak Hill as they outscored West Oaks 48-34 and secured a 92-78 win. Now, let’s take a closer look at the outstanding players of the game.
6’3 2020 Cam Thomas (Oak Hill Academy)
We have repeatedly stated Cam Thomas is the best scorer in the country regardless of class and once again he proved exactly why. In the game vs. West Oaks, Cam Thomas liked fellow teammates suffered a little “jet lag” and tired legs. Early on, his usual high efficiency jumper wasn’t falling and was only able to connect on one 3-pointer. That being said, Thomas did exactly what great scorers are able to do. When the jumper isn’t falling, they attack the rim and Thomas did just that. Driving hard and aggressively, Thomas ulitized his terrific body control and was fouled repeatedly thus gaining opportunities to convert at the free throw line where he went 18-20. Thomas finished with a game high 25 points.
6’6 2019 Christian Brown (Oak HIll Academy)
It’s no secret the move to Christian Brown has proved unbelievable dividends as he may be playing some of his best basketball to date. The high flying wing has diversified his game and has become a better all around player. Known mostly for his straight line drives and transition game, Brown has become a reliable and go to scoer in the half court setting. Brown finished with 22 points including two timely 3-pointers and going 5-6 from the free throw line.
6’3 2019 Cole Anthony (Oak Hill Academy)
When West Oaks tied the game at 44-44 at the start of the second half, Cole Anthony literally took charge and had a monster third quarter as he scored 10 of his 21 points. Anthony controlled the tempo and set the pace as Oak Hill went on an impressive run to take a 13 point lead heading into the final quarter. In addition, Anthony dished out seven assists and played an all around game. He rebounds his position as well as any point guard we’ve watched in quite some time, he defends and plays with poise, maturity and has an unbelievable calming influence for this teammates.
6’11 2019 Cofi Cockburn (Oak Hill Academy)
When Kofi Cockburn works hard to establish low post position, he is nearly impossible to stop. With Oak Hill struggling at times to hit perimeter shots, coach Steve Smith called Cockburn’s number often and made sure the big guy got plenty of paint touches. Cockburn’s dedication to establishing low post position paid off as he finished with 17 points where he finished or got fouled. In addition, Cockburn collected 12 rebounds and was completely dominant on both ends of the court. (Committed to Illinois)
6’1 2019 Tyrell Jones (West Oaks)
The super quick point guard had a nice all around game in his match up against Cole Anthony. Jones has tremendous ball speed and has exellent court vision and has the ability to make laser quick passes off the dribble with his “off hand.” He has excellent body control and has the ability to score easily from all three levels. In the game vs. Oak Hill, Jones finished with 17 points and got into the paint and made plays for his teammates.
6’5 2019 Noble Crawford (West Oaks)
It was an outstanding all around game for the senior wing. Crawford finished with a team high 18 points including two 3-pointers. Crawford has excellent basketball instincts, he rebounds, defends and plays with a high motor. He was active on both ends of the court and we were impressed with his toughness, grit and hustle throughout the game.