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In a settings where guards usually shine, some big men put in good work too
Saturday March 27, 2010
During events where top players are invited to play with little time to practice together guards dominate the play. With little time to implement plays, the Carolina Challenge is similar in that respect. However, since the players Dave Telep has invited are all from NC there is some familiarity with each others games’.
One of the names on everyone’s lips yesterday was the Triangle’s own Bishop Daniels from Word of God. Daniels had the highest scoring average for the Challenge at 21.7ppg and was tied for top single game output with 27 points in the last session. The guard’s aerial assault was on full display with a number of ally finishes and break away flushes. Even more impressive was the jumpers he drained, look for a strong senior campaign from Daniels.
As you all know, scoring isn’t the only thing guards need to be able to do. When it came down to court vision, think Madison Jones from Ravenscroft. Time after time Jones found teammates in the right spot to score, or get the hockey assists. Jones also picked his scoring spots, averaging over 11 points per game during the Challenge. As far as floor leadership goes, Jones was one of the top guards playing.
When it came to post play, there was a local player that drew quite a bit of attention too. Upper Room’s Tyrek Coger is a BIG problem for his opposition. The 6’8”, 235 pound 2013 PF is a load on the block. Coger had success against his older and more experienced counterparts Saturday, scoring on the block and stepping out to hit the 10 foot jumper. Kennedy Meeks(2013, West Charlotte) and Coger faced off in the second session and it was very entertaining, Meeks had 9 points and Coger put in a whopping 18 points. These two will have a chance to lock horns over the next three years several times.
Upper Room’s other marquee player, Rodney Purvis could not attend due to injury.
Riverside’s TJ Warren had a great day, doing what he does, putting the ball in the hole. Warren tied UNC commit PJ Hairston for 4th highest scoring average at the Challenge. Warren is a deadly jump shooter, but did more than just shot on Saturday, scoring around the basket using either hand and employing body control to avoid defenders.
Travion Leonard(6’9” 275 2011, Kestrel Heights) showed why he has already garnered some high major offers with his ability to score around the basket and rebound, even going coast to coast for a lay up in the first session.
Dez Wells from Word of God continued his strong play exhibited this past season at Word of God. Wells can not only score, but is a great leader on and off the floor.
Ultra smooth Terry Henderson(6’3” SG 2012) from Neuse Christian proved what he showed us around here all year, that he can play at the highest level. Henderson poured in 15 points in the opening session.
Josh Newkirk(6’0” PG 2012) from Southeast Raleigh is really tough going to the basket and will also stick the occasional jumper. Look for Newkirk to be a top scorer in the area next season.
In addition to Madison Jones, Ravenscroft will put 2013 players Anton Gill(6’2”) and Marcus Bryan(6’5”) on the floor. Both are versatile players that will help the Ravens continue their conference domination. Gill and Bryan averaged 11 and 9 points respectively on Saturday.
Middle Creek’s Quinton Ray(6’0” 2013 PG/SG) had a strong outing, doing exactly what he did for the Mustangs coming up with steals, making good passes, and scoring when the opportunity presented itself.
Oxford Webb’s Isiah Hicks(6’8” 190 PF 2013) was unknown to the masses until earlier this season. Although outsized inside most of the day, Hicks rebounded well and did a good job altering shots.
Kestrel Heights’ PG Evan Hymes(5’9” 2011) was able to hit a couple of deep jumpers in the first session on his way to 11 points. Hymes is very quick and shift, his low center of gravity makes it tough for defenders to steal the ball. With Leonard and other returning player, look for Kestrel Heights to duplicate their success from this season.
Hopefully the players in attendance took to heart the words of coach Norm Roberts and the other speakers. Academics, attitude, and work ethic are truly aspects of your life that are in your control.
Kerry Smith
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