Phenom High School Jamboree Team Preview
High Point Christian
Coach Joseph Cooper
High Point Christian plays in the most competitive basketball conference (NCISAA Piedmont Conference and the toughest associations in the country (In our opinion). Coach Joseph Cooper and High Point Christian had an impressive 18-10 record and exceeded expectations during the 2016-17 season. You see, 6 of the 10 losses came to national powerhouses Greensboro Day (3) and Wesyelan Christian (3). High Point Christian will lose three key members of the team and have are all currently playing at the next level. Jalen Seegars (UNC-Asheville), Reece Bogan (Walsh College in Ohio) and John Kerr (Guilford College). Overall, High Point Christian loss a total of seven seniors and has Coach Cooper nicely stated, 'There will be some big shoes to fill, but we have a lot of talent and depth.' While most coaches would be in panic mode, Coach Cooper is excited about the upcoming season. That being said, High Point Christian will still have a lot of talent and depth. High Point Christian will open the season at the Phenom High School Jamboree Saturday, November 4th at Proehlific Park. Now, let's take a closer look at some of the impact players for the 2017-18 season.
Key Returners
6'8 '18 Andrew Gordon
We first saw Andrew Gordon up closely at the Phenom HS Summer Jam. Andrew has good length and has solid leaping ability and we were impressed with his high motor. He was still a little raw offensively, but he does add excellent size and athleticism that is sorely needed for HP Christian. Coach Cooper stated, 'Andrew is a 3 or 4 who has gotten a lot better. He has improved range and added strength and confidence will fuel his leadership and senior season.'
6'2 '18 Kyle Watkins
One thing is for certain, Kyle Watkins is a fundamentally sound player with a high basketball IQ. Kyle can score from all three levels and has good range on his jump shot. More importantly, Kyle has always allowed the game come to him and rarely forces or takes bad shots. Coach Cooper stated, 'Coming off a major injury is never easy and Kyle is still rounding into form, but his intelligence, ability and desire will serve him just fine until his body catched up and he returns to form.'
Key Newcomers
6'1 '18 Jordan Roberson
Jordan Roberson can flat out shoot the cover off the ball. We have always been impressed with his outstanding range and quick release. He is simply terrific off the catch. In addition, Jordan is a fierce competitor and gives maximum effort. Coach Cooper stated, 'Jordan is set for a big year. Not only can he shoot the ball, but also his maturity and smarts will be on full display in a system tailor-made for his strength.'
6'1 '20 Jake Ledbetter
Jake Ledbetter is another big time shooter. We have always been impressed with his high basketball IQ and ability to make others better. While Jake is best suited at the shooting guard position, he is also a willing and skillful passer. Coach Cooper stated, 'Jake is an in-the-gym, in-range type of young man. As one who has the ultimate green light, with an improved focus on defense, Jake is in store for a big year.'
5'11 '20 Landon Sutton
Landon Sutton was one of the most improved players we saw over the summer. Simply put, Landon Sutton has game. He plays with a nice flair and can score from all three levels. He's an efficient 3-point shooter, but we are more impressed with his ball handling and creative passing skills. Coach Cooper stated, 'Landon knows how to play the game. He is a gritty competitor with a great motor and is set for a big year. There are big expectations for him.'
