Phenom Palmetto Winter Classic Standouts: Thursday Midday Standouts
The 2nd Annual Phenom Palmetto Winter Classic started Thursday morning at Ben Lippen High School in Columbia, South Carolina. 16 teams are participating in the event with two eight team bracket play format. In the Palmetto bracket, we have the likes of Holly Springs (NC), Christ Church (SC), Ridge View (SC), Morgan County (GA), Blythewood (SC), Heathwood Hall (SC), Sumter (SC), and Lincoln Charter (NC). In the Crescent Moon Bracket, we have the likes of Cardinal Newman (SC) Asheville Christian (NC), Great Bridge (VA), Concord First Assembly (NC), AC Flora (SC), Hartsville (SC) Ben Lippen (SC) and Heritage IJN (WV). Now, let’s take a closer look at some o the standouts in the earlier games Thursday morning through the midday session.
6’2 2020 Uziel Muteba (Heritage IJN)
6’2 2020 Uziel Muteba is a slender and athletic shooting guard. He has tremendous 3-point shooting range. In the win over Ben Lippen, Muteba finished with a team high 17 points including five 3-pointers. We were impressed with his overall intensity, not to mention his tenacity on the defensive end of the court. Muteba has really quick feet and active hands and doesn’t mind getting right into the opposing player’s grill.
6'7 2020 Garrett Hien (Concord First Assembly)
Garrett Hien is extremely long and slender. He has excellent fluidness/mobility and runs the floor extremely well. Hien has the ability to stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting, but is also very effective from the high post position. He has passer friendly hands and really good court vision. Hien has advanced passing skills for his size/position and often facilitates the offense from the high point. Hien finished with 15 points including two 3-pointers in a well balanced game.
5’11 2021 Isaac Boothe (Concord First Assembly
Isaac Booth is the heart and soul of the team. He bring instant enthusiasm and energy to the game, not to mention excellent leadership on the court. In the big win over a very big and talented Great Bridge team, Boothe set the tone and controlled the tempo throughout the game. In addition, Boothe finished with 15 points including three 3-pointers for the game.
6’2 2022 Anthony Breland (Lincoln Charter)
It’s really hard to believe Anthony Breland is just a freshman. He has the poise and maturity of a seasoned veteran. He has excellent handles, can create his own shot or create opportunities for his teammates. Breland just always seems to be in control and in charge of the game. Breland is fundamentally sound, has a high basketball IQ and has a unique blend of athleticism that will make him one of the top point guards in the state for his class. Breland finished with 12 points.
6’3 2019 Levontae Knox (Lincoln Charter)
Levontae Knox simply exploded in the second half as Lincoln Charter survived a hard fought battle against a very talented Sumter team. Knox continuously used his athleticism, explosion and ball handling abilities in the open court to finish at the rim. We were impressed with his leadership, enthusiasm, passion, and effort throughout the game. When the game was on the line, Knox took it upon himself and “willed” his team to the win. Knox finished with 24 points including two 3-pointers.
6’5 2019 Omar Croskey (Sumter)
Omar Croskey was one of the better two-way players in the earlier session. Croskey did it on both ends of the court. The lefty has tremendous range and can knock down 3-pointers with consistency. In addition, Croskey rebounded his position, blocked shots and had a great all around game. Croskey finished with 17 points including four 3-pointers
Be sure to check out the afternoon standouts as well: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/20/phenom-palmetto-winter-classic-standouts-thursday-afternoon/
