Phenom Hoops was out in California as well on Friday night, as two of the top teams met up between nationally-ranked Harvard-Westlake and Notre Dame. Both teams were coming off great wins on Wednesday, and both were looking to go home with a title. Both teams started out well, knocking down shots, making plays, scoring well in a variety of ways, as we were all tied up at 15 at the end of the first quarter. But 2024 Trent Perry and 2023 Jacob Huggins went to work in the second quarter, with Huggins being a force down in the paint and Perry knocking down shots with range. Their play helped lead Harvard-Westlake to a 37-26 halftime lead.
Second half, Huggins continued to be dominant down low in the paint and on the boards, scoring 10 points in the quarter and allowing Harvard-Westlake to increase its lead a little, leading 58-43 at the end of the third. Harvard-Westlake was able to maintain their double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter, but Notre Dame started to push the tempo and knock down shots, as well as get to the line. Notre Dame ultimately was able to get it down to as many as four points in the final seconds, but time eventually ran out with Harvard-Westlake securing the title, 75-71.
Final: Harvard-Westlake 75 ' Notre Dame 71
Stats:
HW: Jacob Huggins 23 points/ Trent Perry 24 points/ Robert Hinton 14 points/ Brady Dunlap 12 points
ND: Caleb Foster 26 points/ Dusty Stromer 19 points/ Mercy Miller 15 points
Standouts:
- 2023 Jacob Huggins (Harvard-Westlake), who is committed to Princeton, was a huge difference-maker in this game. The 6'8 prospect was extremely active in the paint, displayed tremendous toughness around the basket, finished well, and was able to get to the line also.' He was also a force on the boards, really using his wingspan and length to his advantage, as Notre Dame couldn't stop him.' Had a huge third quarter.
- 2024 Trent Perry (Harvard-Westlake) showed why he is one of the premier guards in the country. Excellent feel for the game, shot-maker with range, is able to create and get to his spots off the bounce well, tremendous facilitator, and plays with an excellent pace. Fluid release in his shot, knocked down multiple threes, and really stepped up as a leader in this one. Can easily see why so many schools have already offered him.
- 2023 Caleb Foster (Notre Dame) led the charge for Notre Dame, as the Duke commit continues to flourish and lead the way. Foster is such an interesting point guard in how he operates, his ability to create and score for himself, his confidence from the perimeter, and how strong he is in creating. Does a great job in creating off the bounce, getting into the paint, and embracing contact, but also can rise up and knock down shots. Calm feel to his game.
- 2023 Dusty Stromer (Notre Dame) finally got going more in the second half, and continued to show how dangerous he can be with his shot-making ability and range. 2023 Mercy Miller, Houston commit, is a tough-as-nails type guard that got downhill and finished well.