From the Sidelines
Phenom Hoop Report travelled to Gastonia, North Carolina to cover the match up between Spartanburg Day and hometeam Gaston Day. The sold out crowd was expecting to watch one of the nation’s premier players in Zion Williamson of Spartanburg Day. Unfortunatley, Williamson has been sidelined with a foot injury and didn’t make the trip to Gaston Day. Gaston Day cruised to an impressive 92-62 win. Gaston Day is led by the senior trio of Nate Hinton (Houston), Quan McCluney (College of Charleston), and MJ Armstrong (Unsigned).
Now, let’s take a look at the top players of the game.
6’3 ’18 MJ Armstrong (Gaston Day)
MJ Armstrong was clicking on all cylinders. He finished with a game high 31 points going 12-20 from the floor, 4-6 from the 3-point line, and 3-3 from the free throw line. In addition, he collected four rebounds and dished out three assists. Tonight’s performance is one we’ve seen over his high school career, but has been somewhat inconsistent at times. If Armstrong can continue this type of performance, he is going to be in strong demand during the late signing period. He is currently getting some D1 interest and heavy D2 interest, but we strongly feel this will change as the season moves along.
6’5 ’18 Quan McCluney (Gaston Day)
The lefty has really improved his shooting touch and increased his overall skill set and should be a major contributor when he arrives on campus at the College of Charleston. McCluney has excellent length, skill and athleticism which will translate immediately at the collegiate level. He finished with 22 points going 9-15 from the floor, 1-1 from the 3-point line and 3-4 from the free throw line.
6’4 ’18 Nate Hinton
Nate Hinton has made the transition over to the point guard position with relative ease. In the game against Spartanburg Day, the Houston signee finished with a double-double of 14 points and 12 assists. Hinton plays with a high motor. He combines a unique blend of size, strength, athleticism and finesse that makes him one difficult player to guard, much less keep out of the paint. Hinton goes to move is the reverse power spin power move that allows him to get to the rim where he either finishes or dishes off to an open teammate.
6’2 ’19 John Crump
John Crump may just be the team’s “glue guy.” Crump is a high IQ, fundamentally sound player that understands the game. He plays within himself and certainly understands his role. We were impressed with his quiet confidence on the court and his overall craftiness. He finished with 13 efficient points. Crump went 5-6 from the floor, 3-3 from the 3-point line and even dished out four assists.
6’8’ 19 Deminlade Adelekum
Deminlad Adelekum is an intriguing prospect to say the least. He has lengthy arms and good instincts in the paint. He is a two handed rebounder and has good timing on blocking shots. his length. Adelekum finished with 10 points going 3-5 from the floor and 4-6 from the free throw line. He also collected seven rebounds.