Davidson Day: 13-23-17-11: 64
Grace Christian: 11-3-15-10: 39
Davidson Day and Grace Christian kicked the season off on Wednesday night, as Grace Christian hit the road to take on the Patriots of Davidson Day. A very interesting game to watch, as both teams looked a bit different to start the season.
Davidson Day got things rolling with its size, as 2028 Xavier Hall was a force early on around the basket, bullying opponents and finishing strong around the rim. He scored 10 of the team’s 13 first-quarter points but Grace Christian battled early no behind the play of 2027 Braylon McRae as he came out strong. Second quarter though, 2026 Cody Peck and 2026 Will Stevens started to get going, with Peck throwing down some impressive transition dunks and Stevens showing his ability to score inside and out as a big. Davidson Day was able to expand their lead 36-14 by halftime, looking to put this one in the books. Grace Christian started to his some threes in the second half but the talent was too much from Davidson Day. The guard play was active and strong on both sides, and size was too much in the end.
Davidson Day was able to wrap this one up and secure a 64-39 victory to start the season at home.
DD: Xavier Hall 19, Will Stevens 15, Cody Peck 10
GC: Braylen McRae 12, Gideon Anum 9, Chris Phillips 6
Takeaways:
2028 Xavier Hall is an absolute beast
Hall was really impressive throughout the game, as there was no one slowing him down from bullying opponents in the paint and at the rim. Great hands, active on the glass, physical and demanding offensively, strong finisher, and tremendous shotblocker with timing. He was impressive and it is easy to see why big-time schools will be looking his way. Easy to see why he is in the discussion as the top player in his class.
2026 Cody Peck is back in North Carolina and flying high
It was good to see 6’11 Cody Peck back in North Carolina, suiting up for his new team. It took a little bit of time but he got going in the second quarter with some impressive high-flying dunks and getting out in transition. Peck is such an intriguing prospect with potential, and he will have a chance to shine among others with this group, especially with his mobility and ability to guard along the perimeter.
Strong Guard Play
2028 Sherod McCormick was in command of the offense, facilitating, attacking off the dribble, and making good reads while 2026 Nick Arnold set the tone on the defensive end. I really liked what I saw from these two who will be leading the way for this team, as they can bring a lot to the table but also understand what this roster is made of and can do on some nights.
Grace Christian is young, but should only get better
When you look a this roster, this is a team that should only get better, and they always test themselves against the best. McRae was really good using his quickness and shotmaking from behind the arc. 2028 Colinn Morris was able to be the floor general in leading the charge, making the right decisions, and controlling the tempo. 2029 Gideon Anum is one that came alive in the second hal,f and I believe could be a name to watch in his class, especially with his early frame, shotmaking, ability to get to his spots, and versatility; a lot of factors to like. And then you have 2029 Gradyn Wes,t who can come in and produce shots, proving he is not afraid of the bright lights. And lastly, you have 2029 Eli Nelson who plays with confidence and can knock down shots from outside.