We are back after the holidays, as Phenom Hoops hit the road to check in on the talent around the state. We headed down to South Meck high school Tuesday night, as they were welcoming in Ardrey Kell. Two premier programs in the area dueled it out, as it was a fun battle to watch. Early in the first half, both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket; neither team was able to really get going but it was a back-and-forth type affair with South Meck holding the narrow halftime lead 23-21.
Second half though, the offenses started to pick up. Ardrey Kell’s Brock Rose started to find his rhythm and knock down shots while Evan Smith continued to be aggressive like he was in the first half. It helped Ardrey Kell build their first double-digit lead in the second half. Credit to South Meck, as they never stopped competing and started to chip away late in the fourth quarter, bringing it within 7-8 points with minutes remaining. But it wouldn’t get any closer than that, as Ardrey Kell walked away on the road with a 62-52 victory Tuesday night.
Ardrey Kell: 8 – 13 – 21 – 20 : 62
South Meck: 7 – 16 – 8 – 21 : 52
Standouts/Notes:
- 2022 Evan Smith (Ardrey Kell) was the most consistent player throughout the entire game, as he did an incredible job in creating for himself, scoring in an array of ways, getting to the basket, and making tough shots. Smith continues to be that go-to leader for this team and it shows in how he plays.
- 2023 Brock Rose (Ardrey Kell) was off the charts, especially in the second half. After scoring three points in the first half, he went off for 20 points to lead his team. What is so fun to watch is how he excels in getting to his spots and his strong pull-up game, as he has a quick release and doesn’t hesitate at all in letting it go with his mid-range and from three.
- 2024 Peter Moye (South Meck) continues to grow and develop as a player, as well as get stronger. He has really elevated his play in being a threat for his high school team, showing what he has shown in the past. Moye finished strong in the lane and through contact, was able to get paint touches, and as well knock down shots from multiple levels.
- The guard play for South Meck had some strong moments throughout the game. 2024 Bishop Boswell faced some early foul trouble but it is easy to see why schools are looking his way with his size and his ability to impact the court in an array of ways. 2024 Sincere Raul chipped in with 8 points and is a young guard that should only continue to get better and 2022 Jacob Newman was able to be physical and get downhill on multiple occasions. 2024 Will Rothaker stepped up as well, hitting multiple threes on his way to nine points.
