Phenom High School Jamboree Team Preview'
Piedmont Classical'
Coach Kenneth Free
Piedmont Classical is in its second year of existence and participates in the CAASC State Association and members of the Central Carolina Conference-East Division. With a school enrollment of only 420 students, Piedmont Classical posted a 29-12 record winning the CAASC State Championship and finished fourth in the USA National Prep Tournament (High School Division) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year, the school will be playing in the Torrey Pines Under Armor Holiday Tournament in San Diego. Now, let's take a look at the players that we will be watching to make an impact this season. Piedmont Classical opens up at the Phenom High School Jamboree.
The Seniors
6'5 '18 Travon Mayo
We have watched Travon Mayo over the course of his high school career. He has always impressed us with his hardnosed blue-collar approach to the game. Travon plays with a high motor and plays with maximum effort. Last year, Travon was named the CAAASC Player of the Year and made Second Team All Guilford County. In addition to being dangerous scorer especially in transition, Travon has often left a stamp on the defensive side of the ball. He is an impressive on ball defender and his toughness is definitely is calling card.
6'6 '18 Andrew Dalton
We've watched Andrew Dalton several times at previous Phenom events. One thing is for certain; Andrew can really shoot the ball with range. He has an excellent feel for the game and a high basketball IQ. In addition, Andrew has a knack for securing rebounds and 50/50 balls. Coach Free stated,''Andrew is a good rebounder and can stretch the defense with his 3-point shooting.'
5'5 '18 Brian Free
Brian Free maybe a bit undersized as far as height but plays much bigger. He has tremendous quickness and actually uses his size as an advantage especially on the defensive end of the court. When it comes to on ball defense, Brian will get up in your face and put tremendous pressure on the opposing point guard. Offensively, Brian is a passer friendly point guard that loves to get his teammates involved. Coach Free stated,''Brian is so quick and can defend 94 feet. Let the team in assists and can really shoot. Don't let his size fool you; he is the leader of the team. '
6'5 '18 Elijah Joyner
Elijah Joyner has the ability to be an effective two-way player. He's an excellent team player and does all the little things that often won't and don't show up in the box score. Elijah's a big time competitor and the southpaw has tremendous length and athleticism. Coach Free stated, 'Elijah is a lefty that can shoot the 3-pointer and play above the rim.'
The Underclassmen
6'0 '19 Shakeel Moore
At the most recent Phenom 150 camp, Shakeel Moore introduced himself to the recruiting world. We're talking about a physically strong and tough lead guard that has terrific bounce and athleticism. Shakeel like Brian Free will defend 94 feet and put unbelievable ball pressure on the opposing guard. Coach Free stated,''Shakeel defends and plays above the rim. He can flat out score and also led the team in teams last year.'
6'5 '19 Jalen Joiner
Jalen Joiner has really good length and athleticism. He can flat get to the rim and uses his bounce and explosiveness well in transition. Jalen has superb end-to-end speed and is an excellent rebounder for his size/position. Coach Free stated,''Jalen can play and defend multiple positions on the court.'
6'8 '20 Evan Joyner
What's not to like about a young 6'8 hybrid forward who can actually play multiple positions. Evan Joyner has the ability to an electrifying player and can definitely make things difficult on the opposing offensive player in the post with his length, reach and athleticism. Without question, Evan is a two-way player that can affect the game in many ways.