The only way to start the high school season off right is for the annual battle between Hargrave and Oak Hill, as PHenom Hoops went up to West Wilkes high school to watch all the action and to check out the talent on the floor. In a game that was broken up into two halves, along with an extra ten minutes of action, Hargrave won the first half 45-33 and backed that up with a 58-42 victory in the second half.
Here are the players that really stood out for both teams.
Hargrave:
2023 Jaden Daughtry: Daughtry is a player Phenom Hoops has watched a few times in the past before but getting another look at him was fun to watch in this game as he finished with 31 points and seven rebounds. The 6'7 prospect from Virginia played extremely well, as he was able to showcase his ability to operate and be impactful from multiple levels. Whether it was using his physical frame to finish around the basket and through contact, put the ball on the deck and make plays, and his ability to step out and knock down shots, Daughtry was really able to create a mismatch on the court. His energy and impact were quite impressive and he could be in for a big year if he shows what he did vs. Oak Hill.
2023 Kailon Nicholls: Hargrave just continues to have a guard that leaves an impression on us and it looks like Nicholls is next up. The 6'0 guard made play after play all throughout the game, whether it was creating off the dribble and finishing or knocking down tough shots. Nicholls filled it up all over the court, showing his burst of speed to get by defenders while also using his impressive 6'7 wingspan to finish around defenders and at the rim. If he wasn't doing that, Nicholls was able to create space for his jumper from multiple levels, as well as make plays in the open floor to find his teammates at times. He was a tough scoring option in this one, as he finished with 20 points in impressive fashion.
2023 De'Shayne Montgomery: Though it wasn't the best day shooting the ball, you can see the impact that Montgomery brings to the court at 6'5. He can get downhill, shows tremendous athleticism, can get to the rim and finish well but also create and make plays for himself. Even though it wasn't his best offensive showing, Montgomery really impressed with his impact in other areas, being active on the boards, making plays on the defensive end, blocking a few shots, and finding his teammates. He already holds a few offers and interests are coming in, so he is a name to really watch out for this year even more.
2023 Diovion Famakinde: Famakinde was another sturdy, strong guard that was able to make plays more off the dribble but continued to show that he has confidence in his outside shot-making. The 6'5 prospect from New York played with nice pace, created nicely for himself, and was able to get around defenders and finish strong in the paint. But again, even though shots weren't falling outside, he showed that he has confidence in that part of his game to also step outside. Strong, physical prospect had a good outing.
Others: 2023 Kyle Sandler was able to stretch the floor and knock down shots from outside, while 2023 Sam Bradford so was active and able to get in the paint to finish well also.
Oak Hill:
2024 AJ Swinton: Swinton was the best player for Oak Hill on this night, as the 6'5 prospect really showed that he can make an impact in a variety of ways on the floor. Swinton is a smooth, confident shot-maker from multiple levels, knocking down multiple threes from all over but also showing his mid-range shot as well. With his size and frame, he can really be a load to guard. He is a multi-level scorer but also has bounce with his game, finishing with power and flare at the rim. Swinton can really make his presence felt on both ends, whether it is scoring as well as defending as well. He holds multiple offers already.
2023 Drayton Jones: Jones is a new name personally for me but was intrigued with the flashes he showed at times. The 6'10 big man stayed active in the paint, showed glimpses of his ability to battle and be physical down low, make his presence felt on the boards, and his ability to finish extremely strong at the rim with multiple throwdowns. Though he is still raw in some areas, Jones is one that captured our eyes with his energy level and hard work on both sides of the ball.
2024 Zion Pipkin: Pipkin is a 6'1 playmaking guard that was effective in getting in paint touches, making plays off the dribble, and either finding ways to score or finding his teammates. He showed that he can be a dynamic guard on the court, find ways to get inside the defense and score around defenders but also hit the open teammate. Strong finisher, a guard that can embrace being physical, and knocked down shots from outside at times.
2024 Micah Robinson: Robinson was just a player that caught the eyes of multiple scouts. He is just a player that finds ways to make his presence felt for his team; a very good glue guy and one that just does the dirty work. Whether it was creating opportunities on the boards, making defensive plays, being active offensively around the rim and scoring with touch, or showcasing his motor and energy, Robinson just found ways to make his presence felt on both ends of the court.