Phenom Hoops hit the road to kick off the season and what a way to kick off with a game between two powerhouses in Winston-Salem Christian and Bull City Prep National.
The energy was off the charts and there was over 10+ Division I players on the court, as both programs were looking to make a splash to start the season.
It was a single-digit game all throughout, with Bull City National getting out to the early lead and holding on for much of the first half. Both teams looked to use a zone defense to create some havoc and it did early on, as both teams were looking to find their rhythm offensively. In the second half though, the tempo picked up for both teams, as Winston-Salem Christian got out in transition and got a spark a few key players. Both teams traded blows in the second half, as the lead changed multiple teams.
W-S Christian though had the last laugh, as they were able to hit some key buckets and knock down huge free throws to help them secure the 71-68 victory. It was an absolute thriller, as both teams competed at a high level.
Stats:
Winston-Salem Christian:
Jordan Wildy: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks
Christian Cornish: 16 points, 7 rebounds
Brandon White: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks
Quante Berry: 6 points, 8 assists
Christ Essandoko: 4 points, 5 rebounds
Bull City Prep National:
Dondre Watson: 22 points
Treyvon Byrd: 16 points
Luc Therrien: 9 points
LJ Thomas 15 points
Standouts:
Winston-Salem Christian:
2022 Christian Cornish: WS Christian needed a spark and Cornish delivered in the second half, scoring all 16 points to really bring a ton of energy to the court. Cornish came out strong to ultimately help his team take the lead in the second half, attacking the basket, bringing a relentless motor on both ends, and scoring around the rim and knocking down shots as well. He also got on the boards really well on both sides, as one can say he was ultimately the difference-maker for his team.
2021 Jordan Wildy: Wildy started off well but picked up some early fouls. However, that did not stop him once he got back in the game, as he was really effective scoring around the rim, using his length to his advantage, showing touch, but also continuing to show his ability to step out and hit three's. He played a big game and was really effective all night long.
2022 Brandon White: White started off early doing what he does best; finishing at the rim with power and touch. He finished through contact, finished strong dunks, and used that same length and timing to be relentless on the boards and make some impressive blocks. His play is what college coaches are starting to realize what he can provide and his potential, as he showed it all.
Bull City Prep National:
2021 Dondre Watson: Watson was terrific on the court, as the athletic prospect showed his full arsenal on the court. Watson brought a relentless motor to the court on both ends, getting after it on the boards, scoring in the paint, block shots, and knocking down perimeter shots (including two 3-pointers). Watson was extremely impressive and showed why more schools are starting to offer his way.
2022 Treyvon Byrd: What Byrd does on the floor sometimes doesn't seem physically possible. The up and unders with his length' it is hard to think that a player can do that. Byrd did a tremendous job in pushing the ball, scoring in transition and attacking defenses, using his length to his advantage. The athletic wing also impacted the game with his length on the defensive end.
2022 LJ Thomas: Thomas started out a little slow but came on in the second half, showing his ability to score on multiple levels. What is impressive about his game is how easy he makes things look, especially with his ability to attack defenses and find holes in the defense. Thomas just has a natural feel with the ball in his hands and simply is a playmaker.