NC Central Head Coach Levelle Moton walked into the gym at Jordan High School to watch a couple recruits. He was greeted by many for handshakes and to say hey and they like what he is doing at Central. He made his way over to Assistant Coach Eric Wilson, just after the game started, to sit and watch the Panther Creek Vs. Jordan High School game tonight. Moton was not alone as George Mason, Charleston Southern and Campbell all sent assistant coaches to watch this game.
The Media (Phenom Hoops and The Wolfpacker) along with the coaches in the stands were treated to a great game, both team and individually. Jordan was able to squeak out a close win, but that was not the story of the game. The story of the game was the fantastic play, by each teams star player.
Panther Creek is led by 6’7” junior Justin McKoy who is averaging 22 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He is making 1.5 3s and 2 blocks per game. McKoy is being recruited all over the board, all the way up to ACC and high major, because of his immense versatility. He can shoot, pass and handle and he is able to use his size and skill combination to work on the wing, high post, mid post or the block to score on any given play. He is truly a match up nightmare because there simply is not much you can to do throw at him that he is not able to counter.
Jordan is led by 6’5” unsigned senior Jaylen Richard who is averaging 32 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He is shooting 55% from the field, 40% from three and 90% from the free throw line, 50/40/90. Richard picked up his first offer on Tuesday from Hofstra and has everyone from the likes of the Big 10 to the SoCon calling on him since we put out this (CLICK HERE) article on Wednesday.
Tonight these two players put on an absolute display, both on the offensive and defensive end. We will start with McKoy, outside of the fact that he is a matchup nightmare, what impressed us the most tonight about his play was his toughness and his competitiveness. He chased rebounds and dove on the floor numerous times, just showed an innate fire. It was great to see. As we mentioned above, with his skill set, McKoy is able to be used all over the floor. Panther Creek Head Coach Shawon Robinson (former Clemson PG), ran great sets to get McKoy the ball, in comfortable spots all over the floor.
McKoy showed range and a beautiful looking jump shot with deep accuracy. He was also stronger on the block than when we last saw him. Jordan kept switching and McKoy kept having something in the bag for his new defender. He finished with 33 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 assists.
Finally, in the second half Panther Creek started running two guys at Richard when he touched the ball. Still they were not able to slow him down much. This was the most complete game we have seen Richard play. Defensively he had two great hustle blocks and numerous steals guarding the ball. Offensively, he was able to go back and forward between a wing and a lead guard, depending on the opposing teams pressure.
As a scorer, it just comes naturally to Richard. He has a 6’10” or so wing span and is able to touch over the square on the back board (which he showed on a mesmerizing blocked shot tonight). He scored from the mid range, one and two dribble pull ups both ways. He scored from deep, was 2-4 from three. He finished at the rim, had five dunks on the night (including one that brought half the student section to run around the floor). His most impressive trait is his pace and his efficiency. Nothing is every rushed with him and nothing is ever forced. It is truly a show.
In their respective classes Richard should be looked at as one of the top 2-3 unsigned seniors in North Carolina. McKoy is one of the top 20 ranked players in North Carolina’s absolutely loaded 2019 class.
This one was a show, we were excited to be in the stands!
Richard picked up the win and offers from St Peter’s and Charleston Southern.