Phenom Open Gym Tour “United Faith”
Phenom Hoop Report travelled to Matthews, North Carolina to cover open gym at United Faith. Last year, United Faith finished with a 17-13 overall record and loss the services of Marcus Henderson (Evansville), Ford Cooper (Missouri State), Jason Thompson (Houston Baptist), Sam Wolfe (VMI), and AJ Morris (Coastall Alabama Community College) As you can clearly see, head coach Josh Coley loss key members of the team, but has also reloaded with scholarship level prospects, plus the return of Western Carolina commit 6’6 Joshua Massey. Now, let’s take a closer look at the impact players for the 2019-20 team.
6’6 2020 Joshua Massey
It’s not often you find an athletic wing that sports such a soft shooting touch as Joshua Massey. We’re talking about a smart, smooth, and skilled scorer that can score from all three levels, not to mention a nifty midrange jumper. He has good length, athleticism and a matching skill set that made him a high priority for Western Carolina. Massey has the ability to guard multiple positions and has natural basketball instincts including rebounding the ball. Last season, Massey averaged 12.3 PPG and we expect that Massey will be looked upon to be the “take charge” scorer for the 2019-20 season.
6’1 2021 Cedric Patterson
Cedric Patterson will be looked upon by head coach Josh Coley to provide valuable floor leadership from the point guard position. To put it mildly, we were extremely impressed with the play of Patterson at open gym. We’re talking about a crafty, athletic, and savvy point guard that can balance scoring and being the team’s facilitator. He has the ball on the string and may just be the area’s biggest surprise player in the Charlotte Metro area for the 2019-20 season. In speaking with coach Josh Coley and assistant coach Paris Roberts, they both spoke glowingly about Patternson. They stated, ” Patterson is lightning quick and can score at all levels. He’s a great facilitator, highly skilled and is getting serious interest from Furman and Dartmouth.” In addition, Patterson is a high academic student athlete.
6’8 2020 Anjay Cortez
Anjay Cortez is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2020 class. He has tremendous length, athleticism and can impact the game with his ability to protect the rim, rebound, and defend. Mobility and versatility are his strongest attributes. In speaking with coach Coley and Roberts, they both stated, “Cortez is freakishly athletic and can guard all five positions, even the opposing team’s point guard. He can score effectively from the midrange and has an offer from Catawba.
6’5 2021 Mike Dudley Jr.
Mike Dudley is a super athletic wing that can make an impact on both ends of the court. He has quick and effortless leaping ability and has the ability to play above the rim. He’s a strong two-way player and may just make the biggest impact defensively and will be looked upon on defending the opposing player’s best offensive player. Coach Coley stated, “Dudley just competes at the highest level. He really likes to play defense and already sports an offer from Elon. Dudley has a great body and once he adds consistency on his jumper, he will take his game to another level.”
6’10 2021 Quinton Scheuermann
What’s not to like about a 6’10 highly skilled and fundamentally sound “big.” We were impressed with his high basketball IQ, passer friendly hands, and nifty footwork in the paint, He has advanced basketball instincts, skills, and touch around the rim. He has the ability to use either hand and finish effectively. That being said, he has impeccable timing on securing rebounds and blocking shots.
6’4 2021 Charlie Hester
Charlie Hester is going to provide steady and reliable perimeter shooting for coach Josh Coley. Hester has outstanding range, touch and the ability to score from all three levels. He’s extremely smart, high IQ and fundamentally sound player that will play within the structure of the game.