Phenom went down south on Tuesday night to check in on a very intriguing matchup with LOADS of talent, as The Rock Hoops traveled to DME Academy for a showdown. Two tremendous teams battled it out in a thriller. DME came out really strong to take an early 16-2 lead behind the play of 2022 Victor Panov and 2022 Alex Doyle. They were able to knock down shots and really showcase how skilled they are as forwards. But 2024 Kam Wright and 2024 Sammie Yeanay kept their team within striking distance with their play, using their size and length well, combining for 22 first-half points, as DME only led 46-39 at halftime.
Second half, shots continued to fall for DME with Panov, while 2022 F Marvin Brumfield came alive scoring in a variety of ways. But it was the firepower of 2023 Moses Horne and 2025 Evan Sterck, who knocked down seven 3-pointers in the second half that eventually gave The Rock their first lead around the 10-minute mark. It was a back-and-forth affair for the last 10 minutes but The Rock was able to increase their lead to 10 points with three minutes to go. A few big plays by DME late cut the lead down to two points but they couldn't come up with the rebound late in hopes of tying or winning the game, as The Rock sealed the game from the free-throw line 93-89.
Final: The Rock 93 – DME Academy 89
Stats:
Rock: Moses Horne 21pts (6 3's), 6rebs/ Sammie Yeanay 18pts, 12rebs/ Kam Wright 17pts, 7rebs/ Evan Sterck 12pts
DME: Victor Panov 25pts (3 3's)/ Marvin Brumfield 21pts/ Niccolo Moretti 16pts/ Alex Doyle 14pts
Standouts:
- Even in a loss, 2022 Victor Panov immediately grabbed our attention with his play and that fact that he doesn't hold a D1 offer is absurd! The 6'8 forward is incredible skilled and fluid on the court. He has tremendous touch with his mid-range and from three, shooting over bigger opponents, but he also runs the floor well, has really good footwork, and battles down in the paint.
- 2024 6'9 Sammie Yeanay is going to be a name you hear often and big-time schools will be coming with offers. Only a sophomore, Yeanay has a great body and frame, moves extremely well for his size, and finishes strong at the rim. He is capable of stepping out but that is an area he can still develop in, but this big man has all the tools to be a big-time player at the next level.
- 2023 6'4 Moses Horne is an absolute shooter and showed why in the second half, knocking down six 3-pointers with a ton of confidence. Good size point guard really stepped up and showcased his impact from outside.
- 2022 Niccolo Moretti (DME) really has a natural feel in helping run the show. He is a shifty, crafty guard that can create and get into the paint but you have to love his ability to see the floor, whip passes and hit his teammates, and make high IQ decisions. He holds a few offers but more should be looking his way.
- Other players that really stepped up: 2024 6'5 Kam Wright (Rock) scored in a variety of ways, using his size well, stepping out for his shot, but also be aggressive and getting to the line. 2022 Alex Doyle (DME) is a 6'9 forward that can play the wing. He has an excellent feel and perimeter sense, runs the floor on both ends, makes impact plays on both sides of the court, and really can be tough with his ability to rise up and knock down shots. 2022 Marvin Brumfield (DME) also really stepped up in the second half, scoring 16 of his 21 points. The 6'6 forward moved extremely well all throughout the court, knocked down shots from a variety of areas, and played with a tremendous motor to help his team.
