The fourth game of Phenom’s November Classic took place between two star-studded programs in Moravian Prep and Liberty Heights. With so many notable names and next-level prospects, college coaches are bound to find guys worth prioritizing within these two groups. Despite jumping out to an 11-2, Liberty Heights was met with a quality challenger in Moravian Prep—who tightened things up and only trailed 15-14 at the end of the first quarter. While Liberty Heights continued to battle behind a balanced attack, led by 6’2 ’22 Elijah Jamison, 7’0 ’21 Jonas Aidoo, and 6’5 ’21 PJ Edwards, Moravian Prep’s trio of 6’3 ’22 Korey Richardson, 6’5 ’21 Ray Bellamy, and 5’9 ’22 Camian Shell kept things close. After a back-and-forth battle, Liberty Heights walked into halftime with a 24-23 advantage. Both teams continued to battle, as little changed throughout the third quarter and resulted in a 38-34 lead for Liberty Heights. In the closing period, aside from a shooting exhibition from 6’3 ’22 Jackson Holt, Liberty Heights held tough and maintained their lead until the final buzzer, tying at 50-50 and going into overtime. Liberty Heights regained their confidence and won 57-55 over Moravian Prep.
6’5 ’21 PJ Edwards (Liberty Heights)
While this group is arguably the most loaded team on display, Edwards feels as vital as anyone to their overall success. His all-around skillset combined with his low-maintenance identity brings obvious value, able to seamlessly defend at a high level, operate as a secondary creator, and shoot the ball at a lethal clip in spot-up situations. Edwards shows an advanced sense of intelligence defensively, able to accumulate deflections at nonstop rate, rebound strong for his position, and switch across varying size of opponents. He should have more action within his recruitment.
5’10 ’21 Badu Griffin (Liberty Heights)
Though slightly undersized, Griffin makes a noticeable impact as a role player for this group. He brings toughness, energy, and a well-rounded offensive presence. Griffin is a capable ball-handler and reliable perimeter shooter with a willingness to make the extra pass whenever available. He does the little things and can effectively defend bigger opponents due to his strength and quickness.
6’5 ’21 Ray Bellamy (Moravian Prep)
Despite being the most recent addition to the roster, Bellamy has effortlessly found his role within the scheme of things. He showed the ability to carry the offensive load in spurts while utilizing his length and effort to make an impact defensively. Bellamy creates well and scores with efficiency from all levels, able to operate within the flow of the team or direct opportunities himself. He’s a quality defender and threat in transition with toughness as a finisher.
6’10 ’22 Corneilous Williams (Moravian Prep)
After becoming one of the most coveted prospects within North Carolina, Williams continues to highlight his value as a problematic defensive presence. He simply excels at utilizing his length to overwhelm opponents, both as a rebounder and rim-protector, and regularly highlights impressive timing when erasing space and blocking shots. Williams runs the floor hard, finishes extremely well around the basket, both above and around contact, and plays within himself on both ends of the floor.