Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Shane Fernald
Class: 2022
Committed to: Hampden-Sydney
What the Player Said:
Q: What made Hampden-Sydney the place for you in the end'
Fernald: They wanted me as much as I wanted to play college basketball. They made me feel like it was truly home away from home.
Q: What was your relationship like with the staff throughout' What did they like about your game'
Fernald: The relationship was incredible. Every coach on staff reached out just about every day and came out to about five of my games. They liked my facilitation. They have a guy up there now that will be gone and they need me to fill his role when I get on campus.
Q: What do you think you will be able to provide them and what are you hoping to continue to improve on while there'
Fernald: I think I can help contribute to a top-ranked Division III team in the country and that is what I believe we will be. I want to transform my body into a college athlete’s body.
Q: What does it mean to make your announcement on your father’s birthday'
Fernald: Man, this makes me emotional. Me and my dad came from nothing to make the biggest decision on his big day. Means the world to me and I wouldn’t want it any other way. He is my reason.
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
“Continuing onto a player that simply knows how to make a constant impact in all facets of the game, Shane Fernald. He’s a smart, skilled, versatile forward prospect with a well-rounded skill set and the ability to naturally cause mismatches on offense. Fernald plays with a high motor, passes the ball extremely well, and can score effectively from all levels. His blue-collar mentality is evident as a rebounder, where he simply overwhelms opponents with his positioning, understanding of angles, and sheer activity level… Coach King on Fernald: “Shane is a true point forward. He has great passing ability and an elite basketball IQ. He always seems to make the right play, racking up assists and tough finishes at the rim. Shane also possesses the ability to knock down jumpers, knocking down several three-pointers today. He is an excellent communicator on both ends.” Fernald proved to be a phenomenal glue-guy and overall asset during camp, and will play a vital role going forward at Lake Norman Christian.” – NC Top 80 Evaluation
“He’s smart, skilled, passer-friendly game provides him with somewhat of an uncommon collection of tools. Fernald can legitimately set up others at a high volume with the ball in his hands, whether from outlet passes, off the bounce, or simply dictating the action from the elbows. He sees the floor very well and looks to create for his teammates, but also understands how to take advantage of scoring opportunities from all levels. Fernald is a capable shooter or finisher out of the post, and will take what the opposition gives him.” – Jeff Bendel
“Though his teammate, Josh Bullock, had a tremendous game and led the charge with 20 points, I was extremely impressed also with the hustle play, and energy that Fernald played with on both ends. He made those little plays, he showed poise down low and touch in the post, and he was aggressive on the boards. He is one of the leaders on this team and made those critical plays that you won’t see in the stat sheet to help his team win.” – Patrick O’Brien
“Few teams in the entire state can match the balance of Lake Norman Christian, and Fernald is a massive part of their identity. He’s extremely skilled for his size, particularly as a passer, and can reliably operate as a focal point with the ball in his hands. Fernald isn’t necessarily an explosive athlete, but makes up for it with sharp positioning and being able to naturally cause matchup problems. He shoots the ball well, rebounds at a consistent rate, and can push the break in transition.”