Phenom Hoops tuned in Tuesday night to check out the action between Fork Union Military Academy and Blue Ridge, two programs with a ton of intriguing talent that has the attention of college coaches around.
Both teams battled on the court, with Fork Union Military Academy holding an early lead and eventually pushing it to double digits in the second half. Blue Ridge made a late push but Fork Union came away with the 76-71.
Here are the players that captured our eyes:
Fork Union:
2021 6’8 Anouar Mellouk: Mellouk was the player of the game in this one, as he finished with 24 points, going 10-of-13 from the floor and 4-of-5 from three. He also added in four rebounds, a steal, and a block. Mellouk showcased a terrific ability to knock down shots with a smooth, confident stroke but also was able to attack the paint. He brings a ton of versatility to the floor and scored from multiple areas, as he did a tremendous job in creating space to get his shot off. Highly impressed with what he showed and more college coaches should look at his game. Stats: 24 points
2021 6’4 Zy’Ever Wingfield: Wingfield was tremendous on the floor with the energy and athleticism that he brought. Scoring 15 points in the win, he also was a huge impact on the boards and distributing the ball, showing his impact all over the court; he filled up the sheet. He also finished with 13 total rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Wingfield finished strong at the rim on multiple occasions and brought a relentless motor; was a real difference-maker. Stats: 15 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals
2021 6’3 Jules Bikoy: Bikoy is a shifty, strong guard. He works his tail off on both ends, bringing a tremendous two-way ability to the floor. Absolutely loved his on-ball defense, really creating havoc for his opponents but also scoring from multiple levels on the floor offensively. Stats: 16 points
2021 6’8 David Kamwanga: Kamwanga is an interesting prospect with his size and mobility. He struggled with his shot but really showed his ability to play inside and out, stepping out offensively and putting the ball on the floor but really made an impression with his ability to make a wall at the rim defensively. Kamwanga showed a tremendous ability in making himself long and has a knack for getting on the boards and blocking shots.
Blue Ridge:
2021 6’2 Mike Gray: He recently committed to George Mason, Gray was the leading scorer and did a good job showing what we have seen in the past. A tough, physical guard who was relentless on the court, Gray works well off the dribble, getting downhill and finishing strong. He knocked down some tough shots both inside and out. Stats: 23 points
2022 6’9 Maliq Brown: Brown is a big-time target and prospect in the class of 2022, as he can be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor. He is a 6’9 versatile forward, defending multiple positions, scoring well and effectively around the rim, and got on the boards with 11 rebounds. Brown did a solid job of not settling for jumpers and getting to the paint/rim. Stats: 15 points, 11 rebounds
2021 6’6 Derrick Jones: Jones is a long wing that really made an impact in multiple areas. He rebounded the ball well, finishing with nine total but also brings a good motor, handled the ball in transition, scored inside and out, and made a defensive impression with four steals. He uses his length really well on both ends of the floor and showed good athleticism on the court. Stats: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals
2022 6’10 Houston Emory: Emory brings a long forward that is athletic, has a good feel for the game in the post, protects the rim, and rebounds well with his size. He had a strong finish at the rim, rising over defenders but also showing nice touch. Stats: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks
2021 6’3 Kobe Jerome: Jerome played well both on and off the ball, showing he can initiate the offense and lead the charge but also get out to his spots and knock down shots from the perimeter. Stats: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals