Phenom's Open Gym Tour
Day 1

Ravenscroft
(Raleigh, NC)

2017-18: 20-8 1st Round NCISAA 3A Playoffs

The Man
No player at Ravenscroft has averaged 20 or more points since Ryan Kelly did so in 2008-09. Since that year, Ravenscroft has had 11 Division 1 players and 7 other college level players. This year that streak could break with 6'8' 2019 Jake Van Der Heijden. The left handed Bucknell commitment has taken his game to an entirely new level. Always able to shoot, he is a career 48% 3-point shooter, Van Der Heijden is now able to create off the bounce, is finishing with both hands at the rim and is getting about an elbow above the rim.

Watch for a HUGE senior year coming from him.

Returners
6'3 2020 Luc Richard Rameau was a starter last year as he averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds on the year. Rameau is a gritty player, able to fill a lot of roles on the floor. The stocky wing defends multiple positions, with great length and quick feet and he is able to shoot, pass and handle on offense. There is a lot to like with him as he will return this year to claim his starting wing spot. Expect productive numbers across the board here.

6'10 2020 Myles Evans came on strong toward the end of last season. The high academic big man really found his confidence this summer. Working out with 10-year NBA player Chris Wilcox, Evans grew a couple of inches and really developed his skill set. Able to stretch the floor in pick and pop situations or attack from the high post (extended) Evans is comfortable facing up. He has soft lefty touch over his right shoulder. One to watch over the next couple of years.

They're Now a Year Older
6'7 2021 Eric Van Der Heijeden is coming along just right. Already an inch and a half taller than his bother at the same age, Eric is an incredibly skilled (and very confident) offensive player. Threes off the catch, two dribble pull ups and dunks down the lane, Eric is a player who will continue to get better every time out.

6'7 2021 Broderick Ellis missed a lot of last year with a leg injury. However, he grew a couple inches and you can tell he has been working on his game. Ellis just needs game reps, he has skills and confidence. As his body continues to get comfortable, he is one to monitor.

Introducing
6'7' 2020 Brady O'Connell is an impact transfer for Ravenscroft this season. The younger brother of Duke's Alex O'Connell and UNC-Wilmington's Shawn O'Connell, Brady is the next Division 1 basketball player in the lineage. Look for Brady to play a lot of point guard for this year's Ravenscroft team. The lefty has excellent vision and a great pace with his handle. He is good in the mid-range and finishes well around the basket. O'Connell also carries the family bounce as he is an explosive above the rim finisher. He carries a Western Carolina offer, look for many more to come his way over the next two years.

Outlook
We will have a hard time finding a team with the amount of size this Ravenscroft team has. They should start a lineup that looks like, 6'7'. 6'7', 6'3', 6'8', 6'10'. That is considerable at the high school level. They have a line up fill with shot makers and they have some toughness and ball skills as well. Look for some massive outings from Jake Van Der Heidjen this year. This team should have some depth and is one who should be getting a little more buzz than what they currently are. On paper, they are very interesting.