Yesterday, Phenom Hoops and the Hoop State Network kicked off our annual Hoop State Championship with the opening round of games. Although “first-round” outcomes are usually lopsided, this ultra-competitive field offered four quality games to start the event. Bull City, Quality Education Academy, Combine Academy, and Winston-Salem Christian all advanced to the second round. However, this article will take a closer look at some subplots from the first day of action…
Bull City Takes Down Word of God
In a contest that many would consider an upset, Bull City National defeated Word of God in an impressive fashion. It was a team effort, but the duo of Armani Henderson and Khyelle Ingram stood out as focal points. Between their team success, individual production, and next-level appeal, it’s incredibly difficult to understand why they don’t have action within their respective recruitments. Henderson is an electric lefty lead guard with toughness, quickness, and a calm demeanor. He’s phenomenal at getting downhill and finishing around the basket, both with craftiness and through contact, but also makes proper reads as a playmaker. Henderson is a reliable midrange threat and capable three-point shooter who excels in the open floor. He also provides a rugged presence defensively. On the other hand, Ingram is a strong, well-rounded wing who routinely impacts all facets of the game. At 6-foot-5, he’s able to rebound, defend multiple positions, and score in a multitude of different ways. Ingram regularly stands out as a leader for this group, specifically in terms of hustle, communication, and general production. Both guys will be difference-makers at the next level.
Why is QEA Getting Overlooked by Coaches?
Before anyone begins the monologue about transfers or coaches being forced to re-recruit their own players, it’s a tired justification. The generalization that transfers are more valuable than high school prospects is becoming somewhat silly. While there are several unsigned seniors for the Pharaohs who this applies to, Da’Mori Lytch is a perfect example for why this new system is flawed. He’s a powerful athlete with a long, strong frame and low-maintenance identity. Lytch dominates the glass, finishes seemingly everything he attempts, and blocks or alters countless shots. Let’s be honest: if he were coming out of JUCO right now, he would undoubtedly have over a dozen scholarship offers. Though illogical, it’s the nature of the beast. Furthermore, JJ Moore has found a comfortable balance between scoring, playmaking, and point-of-attack defense as a floor general. Jermaurhiyun Anderson is an extremely steady all-around piece, Tamar Roundtree is a scholarship-level interior cog, and Armaan Benitez possesses an appealing array of tools. Given everything they’ve shown, it feels like college programs are definitely overlooking offer-worthy prospects.
Lab U Making Noise
Despite their loss, Lab U put forth a memorable showing against a loaded Combine Academy group. Guys like Blake Moss and JJ Dancy were critical to their success throughout the entirety of this contest. However, Christian Aukuso was arguably the top performer for Lab U. Though somewhat unassuming at first glance, it didn’t take long to see everything he brought to the table. Between his rebounding presence and constant flow of scoring, Aukuso offered terrific production. He spaced the floor, attacked off the dribble, made intelligent passes, and utilized his body very well around the basket. Each of these guys stood out as difference-makers and should appeal to college coaches.
The Resilience of Combine Regional
After years of watching Coach Respass and this blossoming group, it was an enjoyable to see their final contest together. Though the entire group isn’t departing, majority of the roster will be moving onto the next level. However, this contest against an incredibly talented Winston-Salem Christian group truly epitomized what this Combine Regional group is all about. The chemistry, unselfishness, constant energy, and never-say-die mentality is what makes them different than most. Sure, the final score indicates that it was a thwarting, but it was actually quite competitive for several stretches. While that might not sound amazing to most, the fact that they entered the final quarter only trailing by nine simply speaks to their nature. It’s incredibly difficult to single out any one individual, as they work in such unison. Dylan Craven runs the team with poise, Yudai Ishikawa continues to turn heads with his electric play, Jacob Brandly is a polished scorer/floor-spacer, and Logan Caissie is one of the scrappiest, most unselfish players in the state. Add in the interior presence of Manu Crujeiras, heady guard play of Tony Goodman, and the rest of this team-oriented roster, and they should all appeal to next-level programs.
