On Tuesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Walkertown High School for an inter-conference matchup between the hosting Wolfpack and the visitors from Reidsville High School. The Rams enter this contest undefeated and sporting arguably the most dynamic basketball duo across North Carolina. However, Walkertown is also enjoying a ton of success and should ultimately emerge as a challenging opponent come playoff time. Either way, the stage was set for an exciting contest.
Things kicked off and the Wolfpack found themselves in control throughout the opening minutes. It didn’t take long for Reidsville to string together a few consecutive scoring possessions and grab a 21-12 lead after the first eight minutes. In the second quarter, Walkertown continued to find quality offense but (like most teams) just struggled to contain the Rams defensively. The visitors held a 38-28 lead at halftime. Following the break, Reidsville did an excellent job of keeping their foot on the gas and maintaining a double-digit lead. Walkertown showed a ton of resiliency to remain within fighting distance for the entire contest, but ultimately suffered an 80-66 loss to Reidsville.
Reidsville
6’7 ’26 Kendre Harrison
There were several standouts, but none more impressive than Harrison. In the most positive way possible: he’s an absolute freak athletically. No human of his size should be that agile and nimble with his level of strength and body control. It’s legitimately insane to watch him on the basketball floor and imagine his ability as a football player. Between guys like Drake Maye, Jordan Burch, Chance Morrow, and several others, he’s the best football-playing basketball prospect in a long time. That being said, Harrison is more than just a physically imposing force. Sure, he nabs seemingly every rebound and looks to dunk everything in sight, but it’s clear that he possesses terrific instincts on both ends of the floor. Harrison is a timely passer, shot-blocker, and finisher who constantly lurks for lobs, putbacks, and drop-offs. He’s one of the best rebounders to come through the state over the last decade. Harrison also possesses terrific hands, toughness, and the ability to play through massive amounts of contact. While some numbers might’ve been bumped up a tad, this was still one of the most memorable individual performances in recent memory. Final stats: 27 points (13-14 FG), 24 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal.
5’9 ’26 Dionte Neal
Despite the constant discussion surrounding his size, it’s clear that Neal is one of the most poised and intelligent floor generals in the state. Everything is purposeful. Every dribble, every step he shifts the defense, every pass leading to another immediate pass, everything. Neal sees the game ahead of others and dissects the opposing defense with such ease and consistency. He’s so calm at all times with the ball in his hands, regardless of time, score, or defensive pressure. Neal’s quickness, tight handle, and incredible change of direction make him one of the most difficult players for opponents to contain. When his shot isn’t falling, he’s terrific at switching it up, attacking the basket, and drawing fouls at a nonstop rate. Neal is also a brilliant passer, pesky defender, and polished all-around offensive weapon who controls the pace as a leader. He’s definitely earned his reputation among the top players in North Carolina. Final stats: 27 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals.
6’3 ’25 Cam’Ron Jones
Although there are several meaningful pieces on the Rams’ roster, Jones stepped up to emerge as their next guy in this contest. He’s a strong, physical forward prospect who defended, rebounded, and caused problems from the heart of the zone. Jones was great at catching around the free-throw line, surveying, and making the necessary pass or attacking the basket. He finishes well through contact and makes unselfish decisions with the ball in his hands. Jones’ physicality allows him to play bigger than hist listed height would imply. Final stats: 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block.
Walkertown
6’0 ’24 Jaylen Wilkerson
It’s honestly surprising Wilkerson doesn’t currently have more action within his recruitment, especially given his well-rounded identity and leadership presence for this group. He truly did everything. Wilkerson set the offense, created for others, and applied efficient scoring pressure from all levels. He did a terrific job of consistently taking what the opposition gave him. Wilkerson played well without the ball, defended multiple positions, and made his presence felt as a rebounder. He should be a target for college coaches. Final stats: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal.
6’0 ’24 Jaden Tyson
The Wolfpack had multiple productive pieces, but Tyson was quietly the biggest surprise from this contest. He was excellent at establishing his presence within the flow of the action and reliably impacting all facets of the game. Every time things started looking grim, Tyson would hit a shot, make a defensive play, or locate a pivotal assist. He’s a tough, steady guard who naturally does a healthy amount of everything on the court. Final stats: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal.
