The second day of Phenom’s Tip-Off Classic carried on with another high-level matchup between Carolina Basketball Academy and Winston-Salem Christian. A tight, competitive battle was bound to take place between these two teams, and that’s exactly what we received. Both teams displayed a tough, aggressive approach during the first quarter, which ultimately resulted in a one-possession game and 11-13 score in favor of Winston-Salem Christian. CBA was led in the first half by 6’6 ’21 Clifford Barrow, who made his presence felt as a lethal shooting threat. On the other side, WSC highlighted a fairly balanced approach and scoring attack in posting their 26-30 lead entering halftime. While still competitive, WSC was able to build on their lead after halftime behind the play of 6’4 ’22 Quante Berry, and walked into the final period with a 37-47 lead. CBA continued to fight but WSC held tough, extended their lead, and finished what they started with a 45-62 victory.
6’6 ’21 Clifford Barrow (Carolina Basketball Academy)
Quality shooters are somewhat expected with the amount of sheer talent on the court, and Barrow might’ve been the best shooting threat from either team. He possesses size, athleticism, and a strong, sturdy frame, which allows him to make a strong impact defensively and on the glass. Barrow displays quality mechanics, moves well without the ball, and can assume secondary creation skills when necessary. He’s certainly a next-level player and should have a variety of schools in pursuit.
6’5 ’23 Anthony Issac (Carolina Basketball Academy)
Despite being one of the youngest players on either team, Issac offered a fairly mature, well-rounded presence for this group. He’s a stocky, rugged wing/forward prospect with a high motor and fairly low-maintenance identity. Issac is capable of defending multiple positions, including bigger opponents due to his size, and rebounds very well on both ends of the floor. He also stood out as a consistent three-point shooter.
6’4 ’22 Christian Cornish (Winston-Salem Christian)
Though he’s not usually considered one of the main “feature” guys for this group, Cornish plays an extremely valuable role for this group and should start earning more respect within his recruitment. He’s a big, strong, physical wing prospect with powerful athleticism and an exceptional motor on both ends of the floor. Cornish’s size and fluidity allows him to reliably defend two to three positions at every level, while also making his presence felt as a rebounder. He embraces his identity, doesn’t force the action, and overwhelms opponents with his activity level.
6’4 ’22 Quante Berry (Winston-Salem Christian)
Given their amount of size and interior players, it’s no surprise to see the value of Berry continually trending upward for this team. He assumes a lot of the responsibility as a creator for this group, but is arguably even better alongside another primary ball-handler. Berry is a quality defender with a nice bend of length, toughness, and athleticism, which allows him to defend multiple positions and carry his weight as a rebounder. He pushes the break well in transition and can knock down perimeter jumpers at a solid clip.