Final: Richmond 82 ' Pinecrest 55

Pinecrest: 7 ' 10 ' 16 ' 22 : 55
Richmond: 17 ' 21 ' 28 ' 16 : 82

Phenom Hoops was on deck for what looked like an intriguing matchup between Pinecrest and Richmond, getting a chance to watch 2024 Paul McNeil and company in action going up against a scrappy Pinecrest team.  McNeil came out strong early in the first half, imposing his will against Pinecrest and scoring in a variety of ways, as he went for 18 first-half points.  2024 Jullien Cole started to get going as well in the second quarter, really bringing a balanced attack and scoring well inside the paint and inside the arc for the most part.  Pinecrest struggled at times to put the ball in the basket, but they continued to compete and hit a few outside shots.  But they found themselves down 38-17 at halftime.  Second half was much of the same, as McNeil scored 13 more points in the third quarter before eventually sitting out the fourth quarter.  Richmond found themselves up 66-33 after three quarters and got others into the game, as they eventually cruised to an impressive 82-55 victory.

Stats:

Richmond: Paul McNeil 31pts / Jullien Cole 17pts / Jayden Hamilton 6pts / Zion Baldwin 6pts
Pinecrest: Elijah Melton 8pts/ Colby Wallace 10pts / Will Stites 8pts

Standouts:

Richmond:

  • No shocker here, as 2024 Paul McNeil continues to dominate on the court.  It was great to see him once again, as he showcased his ability to knock down shots from all levels and with a ton of confidence. At his size, he does a great job in rising up over defenders to hit shots, finishing around the basket and at the rim, and simply filling it up.  But what also impressed us was his vision and delivering on-point passes to his teammates; an underrated factor in his game.
  • 2024 6'4 Jullien Cole is a player that should garner more attention, as he looks and fits the mold of a next-level prospect. Though he started out slow, Cole was able to break down defenders and create, get downhill and finish around opponents, and also play off the ball and knock down shots from behind the arc. 
  • A player to jot down for the future of Richmond would be 2026 Jayden Hamilton. Liked the flashes he played with, was quick out in the open floor, and was able to get inside and finish.

Pinecrest:

  • Though it was a rough day, the player that really stood out to me was 2025 6'5 Elijah Melton. Melton simply competed and played extremely hard, being assertive and active on the glass, creating second-chance opportunities, running the floor well, and showing the ability to be a presence in the paint but also create for himself at times.
  • 2023 Colby Wallace and 2023 Will Stites did a nice job in stretching the court and knocking down shots from behind the arc at times. 
  • 2023 JD Scarbrough is a senior guard that did a nice job in penetrating inside the defense and getting to the line, but also kicking it out to open teammates as well.  Also hit two three-pointers as well.