Day 1 of the Phenom Hoop State Championship got underway in Lincolnton, NC, as Quality Education and New Life Christian Academy kicked off the event in style. Both teams bringing intriguing talent matched up in what looked to be a very interesting game. Quality Education was able to jump out early to a 15-8 first-quarter lead, as 2024 Jermaurhiyun Anderson and 2023 Tyson Barrett got going early on. They were able to attack and make plays get downhill. 2023 Cam Oates was the leader early for New Life Christian. QEA was able to maintain that edge for much of the second quarter, as others started to pick up offensively. By halftime, it was QEA leading 32-24.
Second half got underway and Quality Education continued to play with intensity, but Oates started to really step up offensively with his outside shot and shots didn’t quite fall as much in the third quarter for QEA. It is what allowed New Life Christian to cut the lead to 47-45 by the end of the third quarter. Though New Life Christian continued to battle, they weren’t able to get over the hump as QEA was able to make enough plays and hit free throws that allowed them to secure a 65-56 victory.
Final: Quality Education 65 – New Life Christian Academy 56
Stats:
QEA: Jermaurhiyn Anderson 17, Bobby Cannon 13, Nigel Okwakol 10, Tyson Barrett 10
New Life: Cam Oates 28, Jakwon Moore 16, Jaheim Faison 11
2023 Cam Oates (New Life Christian): It was great to see our guy back in NC, and he came up big for his team throughout this game. His shot didn’t quite fall early but he started to get hot in the second half, knocking down multiple threes and bringing that toughness we have seen countless times. Oates does a nice job of playing tough and gritty, making plays off the dribble, and scoring in a variety of ways.
2024 Jermaurhiyun Anderson (QEA): Anderson should bring a lot of intrigue with his game and his size. At 6’3 as a guard, he really does a nice job in being able to lead the charge, create his own scoring opportunities, and knock down shots inside and out. Confident with his range, but also able to make plays off the bounce and lead the offense. Strong guard defensively as well.
2024 Bobby Cannon (QEA): Cannon continues to grow with his game, really making him a tough matchup. In this game, he used his long, wiry frame to be a force on the boards, but really impressed with his shot selection, his ability to get to his spots for his mid-range game, and showcase tremendous touch around the basket. Tough matchup to go up against.