This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Hickory High School in the heart of Hickory, North Carolina, for an entertaining slate of games. The Tornado Classic featured a variety of intriguing teams and individuals with several storylines worth monitoring. Among those storylines is the way Alexander Central has made strides under Coach Grant Hodges. Currently sitting at 7-5 with the bulk of their strongest opponents in the rearview mirror, the Cougars are arguably playing their best basketball heading into conference play. Let’s take a closer look…
As we wrote yesterday, Noah VanBeurden is the clear and undisputed leader of this group. He completely dictates the action as an all-around piece. VanBeurden has the IQ, size, and skill to dominate offensively. He fills it up from all levels while showing the ability to consistently create for himself and others. VanBeurden possesses a reliable handle to navigate where he wants off the bounce to attack the basket, hit midrange pull-ups, or locate open teammates. He shoots the ball at a high percentage from beyond the arc, and is capable of heating up quickly. Although VanBeurden is willing and ready to make the right play, his ability to put nonstop pressure on defenses is a big part of what makes him such an effective player. Add in his motor on the glass and toughness defensively, and it’s easy to see the value he brings to the table.
However, guys like Jaheim Redmond and Kade Flowers are vital to the Cougars’ success. Redmond is a small, scrappy guard who provides a meaningful two-way presence on the court. He utilizes his sharp quickness to consistently attack off the bounce and touch the paint at a high volume, where he’s able to finish or locate open teammates. Redmond knocks down jumpers from midrange and beyond the arc, but understands how to take what the defense is giving him. He’s also a pesky defender and quality rebounder for his size. Meanwhile, Flowers is a young, blossoming post player with nice touch, strength, and mobility. He maximizes his touches as an interior finisher, positioning himself for drop-offs, battling on the glass, and running the floor properly in transition. Flowers contains his assignment well around the basket defensively. Although already impactful, he still has a ton of upside remaining.
Outside of the trio above, Koa Mikeal provides a scrappy spot-up threat who can make hustle plays and knock down jumpers while Jahmir Miller is a tough, energetic guard who finds opportunities within the flow of the action. After being battle-tested over the last two months, the Cougars should be more than prepared for their upcoming stretch. Don’t be surprised if they continue to make noise this season and beyond.