After taking two years off, Porter Gaud’s Holiday Classic is back in full force. This year they guys at Porter Gaud teamed up with Phenom Hoop Report and will be bringing a star studded event for everyone in the Low Country to enjoy.
The last time Porter Gaud’s Holiday Classic took place, players such as Zion Williamson, Josiah James, Trey McGowens, Aaron Nesmith and others took the floor. This event may be the deepest it has seen talent wise. Ten teams from all around North and South Carolina will take the floor to compete. The schedule is pre-set, so mark your calendars.
One thing is for sure, you will not want to miss this, here are some storylines for you to follow.
Josiah James Vs. Juwan Gary
While these are not the only two national level recruits in the event, they are certainly the best storyline. Prior to Gary moving to North Carolina, it was James and Gary who were the number 1 and number 2 player in the state. Gary is a high ranking 4-star while James is ranked among the Top 15 in his class. Both players are highly explosive, so expect to get our your seats. James is committed to Tennessee while Gary is signed with Alabama. This is the first matchup of the two in a while, they very much know of one another and will certainly add a little something extra to their game. Without question, get your video cameras rolling.
Nationally Ranked Legacy Early College
Over the past 10 years, Legacy has created itself into a national power. They have had the likes of Jawun Evans, Sharone Wright Jr. and Nick Claxton come through the program, and won countless games playing in elite events across the country. Well here they are as loaded as ever this season. Led by Ole Miss signee Rodney Howard and Winthrop signee Chase Claxton, Legacy Early College also has major unsigned senior talent with 6’10” Dereon Tucker and 6’1″ CJ Jamison. Also, you may want to keep your eyes glued to 6’7″ unsigned senior Jalyn McCreary, who is playing out of his mind right how. They high flying wing will be one to keep the cameras on.
Look for this team to be very in your face with their athleticism. They will be high flying and race to fill the passing lanes and catch ally-oops. They are a Top 50 team in the country for a reason, and they will be, without a doubt, must see tv throughout the 3-day event.
Introducing Jalen Breazeale
South Carolina’s 2021 (sophomore) class is as deep of one as the state has seen in a while. Jalen Breazeale is at the top of the list when it comes to point guards in the class. He makes the game easy for everyone on the floor, with an incredibly high IQ to match his advanced skill set and vision. He is able to carve up a defense, without really needing to score the ball. He is fun to watch, and this will be the first time many put their eyes on him. He is the point guard for the 5th ranked team in South Carolina’s 2A Division, Enjoy!
Unsigned Seniors
6’2″ Travion McCray (Village Christian)
When watching McCray, the term tough continues to come up. The strong bodied, and explosive guard just plays a tough game with a tough demeanor. He is a downhill guard, on both ends of the floor, and has the capability to dictate the flow of a game on either end. Coaches are aware of him, already carrying a handful of D1 offers, more should be on the way.
6’4″ Idrissa Bivens (Liberty Heights)
Bivens has incredible feel for the game, it just comes easy to him and makes things look relatively effortless. He is an efficient scorer and a deliberate ball handler. Ole Miss, FIU, Illinois State have all extended offers along the way, look for that to continue piling up for the New York native.
6’7″ Jason Thompson (United Faith Christian)
Thompson is a unique player, at 6’7″ with explosion and play initiation skills. You will find Thompson, a lot of times, with the ball in his hands, making a play. He has upside as a defender and is a solid rebounder as well.
6’3″ Mike Green (Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach)
Green is about to score his 2,000 career point. This is on top of averaging 5 assists and shooting 50% FROM 3 for his career. Yes, Green is a monster offensive player and a high IQ team defender. Get ready for the fireworks, there about to go off when he’s on the floor.