Phenom Porter Gaud Holiday Classic

Thoughts, Takeaways, and Stock Risers

Day One 

Phenom Hoops travelled to beautiful and historic Charleston, South Carolina to cover the Porter Gaud Holiday Classic. Now, let's take a look at some of our thoughts, takeaways, and stock risers. 

Christ School on the Rise

Christ School started the season 0-7, a brutal start due to a tough schedule. Since that time, Christ School has won 7-8 of their games and now sports a 7-8 record for the season. In the 79-46 convincing win over Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach, it was a very balanced attack that allowed the majority of players to get into the score book. That being said, Christ School is playing with more urgency, energy and enthusiasm. While winning has a tendency to correct many of the early season troubles, it was apparent that the Greenies are playing more together and as a team. Throughout the contest, Christ School had excellent ball moment and the players made a concentrated effort to make the extra pass. Each possession, the Greenies were making 7,8, 9 and even 10 passes before making a shot attempt. If Christ School can develop guard play to match the interior presence of Justice Ajagbor, Deante Green, and Charlie Browder, they could make a deep run in the NCISAA 4A.

6'7 2021 Charlie Browder (Christ School) 

The two-sport star (football and basketball) won the game MVP and rightfully so. In our post game, Browder stated the team is playing much better because they are playing more together. Browder is a strong, physical 'power forward' that has good low post skills, but has the ability to step out and hit the midrange and occasional 3-pointer. Browder finished with a game high 17 points. 

6'5 2020 Sincere Brown (First Baptist)

For Sincere Brown, playing hard and aggressive comes naturally. He's the one player that you don't have to teach effort. While Brown won game MVP honors and scored a game high 15 points, it was his hustle, rebounding and all out approach that quickly won us over. Defensively, he moves his feet extremely well, anticipates rebounds, and just 'gets after' it on both ends of the court. 

Double Trouble 'The Blake Sisters' (Ashley Ridge)

What a performance by the Blake sisters! Senior Amanda is headed to play at UNC-Asheville at the collegiate level. The 6'0 forward is mobile, fluid and assertive on both ends of the court. She finished with 18 points and countless rebounds. Younger sister Vanessa is a two-sport star in basketball and volleyball, but is looking to follow in big sister's footsteps and also play basketball at the collegiate level and her performance at the Porter Gaud Holliday Classic is any indication, she should have a nice list of suiters. Vanessa ended up with 22 points in the winning cause. (Left to right: Vanessa and Amanda Blake)

Elise Pearson (Porter Gaud)

Elise Pearson lit it up for a tourney high 34 points, including four 3-pointers. Although Porter Gaud was on the losing end of the score, Pearson continued to play with purpose, energy and with a scorer's mentality. In addition, we were more impressed with her positive body language and 'never quit' attitude throughout the game. 

6'5 2021 Mason Grant (Porter Gaud) 

In the 52-39 win over Calvary Day, several players from Porter Gaud was in contention for the game MVP, but we went with the 12-point performance of Mason Grant. Upon receiving this award and recognition, Grant politely said, 'I really didn't deserve this.' At that point in time, I knew we made the right choice. Although, Grant picked up a technical foul for expressing too much body emotion/language, it's the pure fact that young players take the time to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses. That being said, Grant has a nice basketball frame, long arms and plays with passion and purpose. 

6’4 2020 Drew Coleman (Oceanside Collegiate)

Coming into the game, 6’4 senior Drew Coleman was averaging about 5 points per game. Against Goose Creek, Coleman came up big time after time in the 41-39 hard fought win. Coleman finished with a game high 17 points and impressed us with his solid play throughout the game on both ends of the court. Coleman is a high IQ and cerebral player that just makes winning plays.

Be sure to check out Day Two “Thoughts, Takeaways, and Stock Risers” https://phenomhoopreport.com/porter-gaud-holiday-classic-thoughts-takeaways-and-stock-risers-part-two/