On Wednesday night, Blue Ridge School travelled to Arden, NC to take on Christ School. The first half was back and forth, as the Greenies led after the first quarter 19-18. In the second quarter, Blue Ridge School began to make their presence felt and took the lead 29-25 going into halftime. In the third quarter, Blue Ridge School started to pull away and took an 11-point lead going into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Christ School made a push and cut the lead to four at 46-42, but the late push wasn’t enough as Blue Ridge School was able to hold off this run and ended up with the win 58-50.
Here some of the standout players from the game:
Mike Gray 6’2 2021 (Blue Ridge School)
Mike Gray was easily the player of the game. The George Mason commit controlled the game and knocked down big time shots for his team when Christ School would cut the lead. He finished the game with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals. He scored from all three levels. He knocked down the perimeter shot. He showcased the ability to create off the bounce and make the pull-up jumper. Also, I was impressed with his ability to rebound from the guard spot.
Houston Emory 6’10 2022 (Blue Ridge School)
Emory was very impactful and played a big role in helping secure the victory. The 6’10 center finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks. He was great all night protecting the rim. He uses his length well to wall up and force tough shots over his length. Even when he doesn’t get the block, it’s still a tough shot for opponents. Offensively, he showcased his ability to go over the left shoulder for the right hook.
Maliq Brown 6’9 2022 (Blue Ridge School)
Maliq Brown is a long, athletic forward who is very versatile on both ends of the floor. He finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. Offensively, what impressed me the most was his passing ability. He did a really good job of finding open teammates cutting to the basket when he would catch the ball at the free-throw line. He also utilizes his quickness well to create off of the bounce and attack the basket. Defensively, he did an excellent job on De’Ante Green. Brown does a great job of using his length and athleticism to force tough shots over his outstretched hands. He moves his feet well and can guard on the perimeter. Also, he battled in the post, made touches difficult, and forced hard shots.
Zack Myers 6’1 2024 (Christ School)
The freshman guard was the player of the game for Christ School. Myers finished with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. He led the comeback in the fourth quarter. His energy and effort on the defensive end helped give them a spark. In the fourth quarter, he had a rebound and went coast-to-coast for the layup to cut the deficit to four points at 46-42. Then he had a tip-in keeping it close at 50-44. Then a few possessions later, he knocked down a catch and shoot three. Myers showcased his ability to knock down the perimeter shot throughout the game finishing with three made three-point field goals. This is a young player to keep an eye on in the years to come.
Drew Redmond 5’10 2021 (Christ School)
Redmond was a big part of the Greenies first half attack. He scored 8 of his 12 points in the first half. Redmond did a really good job of getting into the paint and finishing through contact or over the length of the Blue Ridge School’s post players. The quick, lefty guard changes pace really well and is hard to contain in space. Defensively, he sets the tone for his team with his ball pressure. Redmond bothers the ball handler consistently and forced several turnovers. He finished the game with 12 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals.
De’Ante Green 6’9 2022 (Christ School)
De’Ante Green continues to show why he’s such a sought after national product. He is a very skilled and versatile forward who has the ability to score inside or from the perimeter. On a night where the perimeter shot didn’t fall, he went inside. One move really stuck out to me when he was on the left block with his back to the basket, and he attacked the midline strong, and finished with the right hand through contact. Green uses his length well on the defensive end to wall up and force tough, contested shots for his opponents.