On Thursday night, Phenom Hoops travelled to Raleigh to watch the non-conference matchup between Trinity Academy and Cary Academy. Trinity Academy came away with the 99-65 win. Let’s take a closer look at the standouts from the game.
Noah Ross 6’7 2022 (Trinity Academy)
Noah Ross finished the game with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists in three quarters. Ross continues make his presence known on the recruiting scene, and it is easy to see why. To start with, Ross has great size to go along with his shooting ability. Last night, he knocked down five three-pointers. Not only can he hit the perimeter shot at a high rate, he can also make plays off of the bounce. He had multiple plays in which he caught the ball on the perimeter, ripped and finished at the rim, once to the right and another time to the left. He can get to the midrange and knock down the pull-up jumper. He elevates well on his pull-ups and has the size to shoot over top of defenders. Also, Ross has a nice handle and can attack the basket. He can finish above the rim, and he can finish through contact. Defensively, he uses his length well to force opponents to take tough shots over his length. In addition, he rebounds the ball extremely well. He goes up and snatches rebounds over opponents. He grabbed his 10th rebound and recorded a double-double midway through the second quarter of the game. And we can’t forget to mention his put-back dunk in the second quarter! Ross will have a huge junior season, and expect his recruitment to continue to rise.
Tyler Gill 6’0 2021 (Trinity Academy)
The Towson signee makes things go for this Trinity Academy team. Gill finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. He sets the tone on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he pressures opposing ball handlers and forces turnovers, leading to easy scoring opportunities for his team. For a point guard, he rebounds the ball very well. Offensively, he really pushes the pace. He puts the pressure on opponents when he attacks in transition. He puts the defenders on their heels. Last night, he had a tough in and out move with the left in transition going right by the defender and finishing at the rim. He attacks the basket strong and can finish through contact. More importantly, he really gets his teammates involved. He gets into the paint and finds the open man. He also made a beautiful full court ball ahead pass to Sam Perez for the layup after he grabbed a rebound. Towson is getting a really good point guard who knows how to run a team and is a high level competitor.
Jakwon Moore 6’5 2023 (Trinity Academy)
We talk about the loaded 2023 class in North Carolina a lot. One young man that can’t be forgotten when discussing some of the state’s best is Jakwon Moore. The 6’5 guard has a tremendous feel for the game. What is most impressive about him is his ability to impact all facets of the game. Moore finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. He fills up all areas the stat sheet. Defensively, he is arguably the best defender in his class. With his size, strength, and athleticism, he can really guard any position on the court. He has the quickness to contain smaller, quick opponents. He has the strength to battle in the post if he gets switched onto a post player. Not only that, he protects the rim, whether it’s blocking shots while he’s on the ball or rotating for weak side blocks. Offensively, he is very tough to contain when attacking the basket. He finishes above the rim and is strong enough to finish through contact. With all of his athleticism and ability to finish at the rim, one can’t overlook his passing ability. He is extremely unselfish and makes the right basketball play. He doesn’t force the issue. He will gladly give up an open shot to hit his teammate who has an even better shot. Expect Jakwon Moore’s stock to continue to rise.
Sam Perez 6’7 2022 (Trinity Academy)
If you want to talk about a player with an extremely high basketball IQ who knows how to make the right basketball play throughout the course of the game, Sam Perez is that guy. Perez finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. During the third quarter, Trinity Academy exploded on a run and Perez was a driving force of that run without even scoring a single basket during that stretch. He was grabbing rebounds, initiating the break, and making beautiful passes to teammates. He is a gifted passer. He is able to create plays off of the bounce and find the open man. He makes passes that sometimes won’t show up in the stat sheet, like the hockey assists (the pass that leads to the assist). Or he gives up a good shot of his own for a great shot for a teammate. As a scoring threat, he can really shoot the ball from the perimeter, knocking down three three-point field goals. He can also finish at the basket. His versatility on both ends of the floor will be extremely valuable for Trinity’s success this year in their hopes to make a 2A State Championship push.
Chase Dawson 5’10 2023 (Cary Academy)
Chase Dawson was impressive from the opening tip. The young point guard made his presence felt with 11 points in the opening quarter. He was doing it all from a scoring perspective. He was attacking the basket and drawing fouls. He got to the midrange. He drilled a tough step-back three-pointer. The lefty is super quick and shifty. He is able to really break defenders down off of the bounce. He has a quick first step and vicious cross over. He is crafty when scoring over taller defenders at the basket. He also has the ability to get his shot off quickly once creating separation. Dawson finished a nice floater, drawing the foul, after a tough right to left spin move to beat his man. He is able to get into the paint and also make plays for his teammates whether it is dropping it off to a post player for a layup or kicking it out to the open shooter. Last season, Dawson averaged 16 points and 3 assists for Cary Academy as a freshman. Expect him to continue to put up big numbers again this season.
Trinity Academy Final Stats
Noah Ross – 30 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists
Tyler Gill – 16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Jakwon Moore – 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks
Sam Perez – 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Tobey Young – 9 points
Zach Perry – 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks
Kevon Venderhorst – 7 points, 2 assists
Ben Boylston – 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
Cary Academy Final Stats
Chase Dawson – 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Cameron McClanahan – 12 points
Hagan Aderhold – 8 points
Sean Sheridan – 8 points
