On Tuesday night, Phenom Hoops traveled to undefeated Southeast Guilford as they hosted conference opponent Grimsley.
The first half was back and forth as Grimsley held onto a 15-12 lead at the end of the first, but Southeast Guilford was able to regain the lead at 25-22 heading into halftime. Freshman guard, Jerry Sims, was terrific in the first half for Southeast Guilford, scoring 13 of his 15 points. Not only was he knocking down shots, but his energy and effort was contagious.
Southeast Guilford was able to hold only a 38-33 lead heading into the fourth quarter. But Grimsley wasn’t finished. They turned it up defensively, creating steals that led to points on the other end. Junior guards Alex Taylor and Jaylon Bumpass were key in the comeback efforts. They were all over the court, forcing turnovers on the defensive end, crashing the glass creating second chance opportunities, and getting into the paint and finishing offensively.
With 2:25 remaining in the fourth, Grimsley’s Jaylon Bumpass blocked a shot on the defensive end, went coast to coast, was fouled on the layup, and converted the two free throws to tie the game up at 50-50.
Just when it seemed like Grimsley was going to finish the comeback, Southeast Guilford responded. Sophomore guard Byron Arant-Coleman came up with the loose ball and hit a floater in the middle of the paint to regain the lead.
Then on the defensive end, 6’8 2023 Ahmed Jawo sacrifices his body taking the charge to regain possession for Southeast Guilford. This was just one of the many ways that Jawo impacted the game. His activity and motor was a difference maker.
Freshman Jerry Sims once again came up big down the stretch. He knocks down two free throws to extend the lead to 54-50. Then on the ensuing defensive possession, he forces the turnover by deflecting Grimsley’s pass off another Grimsley player. Southeast Guilford regained possession with less than 0:18 remaining on the clock, and would then hold onto to the 54-50 win.
Final Stats
Southeast Guilford 54
Byron Arant-Coleman 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
Jerry Sims 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Trace Moffitt 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
Ahmed Jawo 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Kenny Miller 5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Grimsley 50
Jaylon Bumpass 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
Alex Taylor 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Nick Elliott 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Synaris Twitty 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
Liam McCarthy 6 points, 1 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal
Bryce Davis 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Faizon Brandon 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
Standouts
6’0 2025 Byron Arant-Coleman (Southeast Guilford)
Byron Arant-Coleman finished with a game-high 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals. The sophomore guard was the X-factor in the second half for the Falcons, scoring 13 of his 16 points in the second half. He showcased the ability to really attack the basket strong and finish through contact. In addition, the lefty knocked down two three-pointers off the catch. His ability to make shots from the perimeter opens up his ability to make plays downhill. More importantly, he set the tone on the defensive end with his pressure on the ball and in the passing lanes, and his ability to rebound very well at the guard position.
2026 Jerry Sims (Southeast Guilford)
Freshman guard Jerry Sims had a huge performance for the Falcons. Not only did he shoot the ball well from behind the arc, knocking down four three-pointers, his effort and intensity level was contagious. He was all over the court. He is a tough, scrappy guard who has a nose for the ball. He constantly was forcing turnovers, deflecting passes, and coming up with loose balls. In addition, he showcased his ability to make plays for others with his four assists. Sims is a young guard to keep an eye on in the 2026 class.
6’3 2024 Jaylon Bumpass (Grimsley)
Jaylon Bumpass led the way for Grimsley with a team-high 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. He is a long, athletic guard who makes plays on both sides of the ball. He rebounds and defends very well. He was the one who tied the game up at 50-50 with 2:25 remaining after he blocked a layup on the defensive end, then went coast to coast drawing the foul and connecting on the two free throws. Bumpass does a good job of creating plays off the bounce for himself and others. He gets to his spots off the bounce, finishes at the rim, and can make the midrange jumper. In addition, he showcased the ability to knock down the perimeter jumper.
6’3 2024 Alex Taylor (Grimsley)
Alex Taylor will be a vital part of Grimsley’s success this season. The multi-sport athlete makes his presence felt with his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He is a strong, athletic guard who excels making plays off the bounce and finishing strong through contact at the rim. He is able to slice through defenses and make plays at the end of drives, whether it’s drawing fouls or finding open teammates. Taylor sets the tone on the defensive end of the floor. He is able to pressure opposing ball handlers and creating steals in the passing lanes.