Phenom Hoops tuned in on Tuesday night, as Freedom Christian Academy traveled to Greenfield for a big-time showdown. Two teams that have a lot of intriguing talent, took the court for an interesting matchup. Greenfield started out strong behind the play of Aaron Murphy, getting out to an early lead by the three-ball was key for Freedom, as they found success from behind the arc to get right back in the game and hold a first-quarter lead. Freshman Hampton Evans started to find success for Greenfield but Freedom continued to use a balanced attack, led by 2022 Jalen Higgins and 2022 Deng Atak.
Freedom was able to hold a 37-31 halftime lead and eventually went up by double digits in the third. That is when Greenfield came storming back, as Evans continued to find success and Murphy played strong around the paint. After taking a 1-point lead, Freedom answered back to regain the lead. In the fourth, Greenfield struggled to put the ball in the basket, being outscored 14-6 in the fourth. In the end, Freedom Christian secured the win behind Zy McLean’s seven fourth-quarter points and from the free-throw line, taking home the 74-61 victory on the road.
Stats (Unofficial):
Freedom Christian:
Jalen Higgins 16 points
Deng Atak 14 points
Zy McLean 11 points
Gavin Sharpe II 11 points
Greenfield:
Aaron Murphy 23 points
Hampton Evans 17 points
Jordan Vick 8 points
Standouts:
2022 Jalen Higgins (Freedom): Higgins continues to show how effective he can be on the floor, using his 6’5 body well to score in multiple ways. He continued to show his range, especially early on but also scored off the dribble and from the line. Higgins’ ability to impact the game offensively was impressive and he uses his height to his advantage against guards.
2022 Deng Atak (Freedom): A new name to monitor on this team, Atak found success with his lean-in jumper from behind the arc, knocking down three 3-pointers. Atak is listed at 6’2 but has a tremendous wingspan, using that to rise or finish over defenders. He also gave us glimpses of his ability to create off the dribble.
2022 Aaron Murphy (Greenfield): A 6’4 prospect, though he may be undersized down low, Murphy plays incredibly strong and finishes well around the rim. His strong frame helps him battle against bigs but he moves faster than taller opponents. He operated incredibly well and efficient, but also stepped out and got to the line. Love his energy and motor scoring and on the boards.
2024 Hampton Evans (Greenfield): Only a freshman, Evans just has a natural ability to score the ball. He has a 6’5 frame but understands and reads defenses on how to score from the perimeter with a crisp, smooth shot from deep but also how to attack with the dribble and score around his opponent. Evans is a name that has been producing all year long and did so once again.