Player: Ayden Gamble
School: Dudley
Class: 2021
A player that has quickly caught the attention with his play as a senior is Ayden Gamble from Dudley high school. He has shown that he has continued to elevate his level of play and is one of the leaders for this year's team. As a sophomore, he averaged 7.7 points per game. As a junior, Gamble saw his numbers improve to 10.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Now, though it is just the start of the season, the senior has poured in two impressive performances, averaging 28.5 points and seven rebounds. That includes an eye-catching showing vs. Reidsville, in which he went 14-for-26 from the floor, 3.-for-6 from three, and finished the game with 38 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and four steals.
'I knew I had to make up for missing the game-winner against Page,' Gamble told Phenom Hoops. 'We knew this would be a big game, so coach made an emphasis on staying together and keeping everyone confident.'
In asking Gamble what has changed since his sophomore season, he would have to say his confidence level has certainly increased since then.
'I know as a leader I have to have confidence in myself and also my guys because all eyes are on me. I have to do whatever it takes to win. Even if I have 30 points or three points, as long as we win, that is all that matters.'
Right now, Ferrum College is the only one that has offered Gamble but there are a few other coaches that have been reaching out. Ferrum has made quite an impression on the unsigned senior though.
'It's been great,' Gamble told Phenom Hoops about Ferrum's recruitment. 'They stay in touch often and text me after games, so I really appreciate that. I have also visited Roanoke College before the season and a few JUCO's have reached out as well.'
Game Description:
'I'm very aggressive. I can score on all three levels, I play defense well, and I feel like I can control the game with my IQ.' – Gamble
'Confident combo guard that can create off the bounce or spot up. He can score from every level and doesn't force the issue at all. Rebounds well for his position and can guard 1-3 on the court.' – Miles Masercola
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10712106/5ed48407d469290c1c60117f