On Thursday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Page High School for another exciting open gym session. For those who haven’t been watching, the Pirates have steadily trended upward in each of the last two seasons under Coach Evan Fancourt. After back-to-back seasons of success, Fancourt and company should only continue getting better and better. Although they lost two major pieces in Jaden Ellis and Zion Connor, the roster structure (behind the undisputed leadership of Josh Scovens) should allow for a seamless transition. Their practice was quite different (and entertaining) in comparison to most, as notable active college players like Nick Brown, Caleb Farrish, Dheiu Deing, Jorden Davis, and Tyler Dearman competed against the Pirates’ main grouping. There were various standouts, so let’s look at their roster…
6’6 ’22 Josh Scovens
There is a lot to like about the current construct of the Pirates roster, especially given Josh Scovens status as their leader and most college-ready player. Due to an untimely injury, he was sidelined throughout July (arguably the most vital recruiting period for coaches) and saw an inevitable halt in his recruitment through no real fault of his own. However, Scovens has maintained his dynamic, versatile identity and continues to solidify himself as an obvious priority for scholarship-level coaches. Given the expansion of his game over the last twelve months, he can truly dominate in a variety of different ways. The primary appeal of someone like Scovens lies within his ability to do everything at an above-average level. Add in his IQ and capability of playing multiple positions, and it’s confusing as to why more coaches aren’t extending offers. Players suffer minor injuries all the time, but very rarely does it come with such harsh consequences. Scovens is the star of this team and will inevitably post gaudy numbers throughout the upcoming season. Currently holding offers from Lynchburg, Randolph Macon, and Hamden-Sydney, folks should expect Scovens to accumulate at least a dozen opportunities from scholarship-level programs over the coming months.
6’3 ’22 Tyler McIntyre
Arguably their second-most impressive player at practice, Tyler McIntyre is an unselfish workhorse with an active motor on both ends of the floor. He’s long, mobile, and fairly athletic with an understanding of how to make hustle plays within his role. McIntyre’s tough, low-maintenance identity allows him to stand out as a defender and rebounder. He plays bigger than his size would imply on either side of the ball.
6’3 ’23 Zachary Goodman
Aside from the previous duo, Zachary Goodman returns as one of the Pirates’ more productive non-seniors. He put forth a lot of strong showings, especially as an all-around scorer, during the summer season with the NC Spartans. The long, wiry, active wing prospect should only continue to develop whilst producing for this squad. Goodman utilizes his length well and understands how to make an impact within his role.
5’9 ’23 Malik Maberson
Although slightly undersized, Malik Maberson should be able to carve out some quality minutes at the guard position for this squad. He doesn’t look to force the action, displaying an unselfisih offensive presence and nice effort at the point of attack defensively.
5’10 ’23 Thomas Stafford
As we’ve previously stated, the roles are pretty clearly defined for this group, and Thomas Stafford embraces his identity as well as anyone. He does a great job of being a tough, unselfish, high-motor point guard prospect on both ends of the floor. Stafford competes very well defensively, looks to fight for any extra possessions, and understands how to set up others or take advantage of easy scoring opporutnities.
6’3 ’22 Jordan Walden Weaver
Due to the lack of size on this roster, folks should expect to see some interior minutes from Jordan Walden Weaver. He’s somewhat raw but understands how to play hard and within himself on both ends of the floor. Weaver works for rebounds and possesses upside as a defender and finisher.
DNP:
6’2 ’25 Jerron Blackwell
Although he was at football practice, Jerron Blackwell is already a known asset to this group. The freshman point guard should step in and immediately be the second-in-command to their aforementioned leader. His IQ and sheer polish already separate him from other players within his age group. Blackwell is extremely poised with the ball in his hands, able to legitimately run a team with balance while making his presence felt defensively. Add in his size and efficiency as a scorer, and his value is obvious. Expect Blackwell to be the next face of this storied program.
6’4 ’22 Blake McGowan
Sidelined with an injury, Blake McGowan is a big, sturdy, fairly skilled forward. He works for rebounds, makes quality passes, and is capable of applying scoring pressure in a variety of ways. McGowan will be among their main contributors.
5’11 ’23 Grady Sherrill
After seeing him throughout the summer with NC Spartans, we definitely expect Grady Sherrill to provide some meaningful minutes at the point guard position. He understands how to effectively run a team, outwork his assignment defensively, and apply scoring pressure as needed. Sherrill will have a pretty useful two-way presence for this squad.
6’0 ’23 Davontay Deloach and 6’1 ’24 Alex Jones
Both guys were also at football, but should each return to the hardwood and be able to find some meaningful minutes with this group. Deloach found opportunities last season with the variety squad while Jones should be able to steadily climb through the ranks.