Phenom Hoop Report traveled to Greensboro Day School for week two of our “Open Gym Tour.” When you think of Greensboro Day, you automatically think of legendary Coach Freddy Johnson. He has the most wins by any high school coach in the state of North Carolina and has been highly regarded as one of the premier coaches in the country. Coach Johnson has been coaching at Greensboro Day for an amazing 37 years and has won eight state championships in the NCISAA 3A division. In 2013, he was selected to coach the McDonald All American game held in Chicago, Illinois.
While Coach Johnson’s numbers on the basketball court speak for themselves, he is the perfect gentleman off the court. His teams are always well coached and well prepared and no matter the talent level his team possesses, his teams are always one of the toughest wins in high school basketball. Every year, other teams in the PACIS Conference are always the preseason favorite to win the conference championship. However, Coach Johnson always seems to find a way to win. This past basketball season, Greensboro Day beat nationally ranked Wesleyan Christian Academy and the consensus no. 1 player in the 2016 class for the NCISAA 3A state championship. Greensboro Day was even invited to play in the Dick’s Sporting Goods National High School Championship.
Gone from the NCISAA 3A state championship is PG Darius Moore and 6’6 rebounding machine Peter Abga.
Colleges that were in attendance were Presbyterian, Winthrop, UNCG, UNCW, George Mason, Elon and Marquette.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the top players on the 2015-16 rosters.
Returning players
6’7 ’17 JP Moorman
Pushing 6’7, Moorman has quietly gone about his business. He has fine tuned his body, gotten more athletic, plus enhanced his overall skill set. Over a year ago, Moorman wasn’t even considered among the state’s best prospects for the North Carolina 2017 class. Currently, we have Moorman ranked no. 6 in the latest Phenom Hoop Report NC 2017 ranking. After watching him at our recent Skills camp and at “open gym” yesterday, he may be due another bump in the rankings. First of all, there are not many players in the state that has his size and overall skill set. Moorman has the ability to play “point forward” and has excellent court vision and passing skills. In addition, Moorman has been consistent knocking down 3-pointers, which will elevate his stock. He currently has offers from UNCG, UNCC, UMES, and NC A&T, but is now getting traction with high major schools. ECU, Wake Forest and Clemson are the latest schools to show interest in Moorman.
6’5 ’18 John Newman
When talking about potential and upside, Newman’s name is often in the discussion of the GDS staff. The southpaw has good athleticism and an efficient midrange game. He’s tremendous in transition, but even better on the defensive end of the floor. Newman’s work ethic and well-grounded approach will translate well at the next level. It’s hard to believe he’s just a sophomore!
6’2 ’17 Jordan Perkins
Perkins is the team’s only true PG and the word that comes to mind in describing him is “maturity.” He has grown physically and mentally. He has simply matured as a basketball player and has will assume the role of the team’s facilitator and court general. Perkins has a strong frame and extremely tight handles. Although his shooting technique needs a few minor adjustments, he has consistent in making jumpers.
6’2 ’18 Will Dillard
Will Dillard has been on the national radar for several years. He is one of the best athletes in his class nationally and the explosive wing guard excels in transition game. That being said, Willard is a relentless defender and could be one of he better defenders in the state. He moves his feet extremely well and his lateral quickness is superb. Dillard already sports offers from Wake Forest and Charlotte.
The Glue Guy
6’3 ’17 Travon Mayo
While so many players make their mark on the offensive end of the court, Travon Mayo leaves his footprint by playing excellent team defense and impressive on the ball defense. He is a physically strong player and his athleticism allows him to guard multiple positions. He will bring a hardnosed blue-collar approach to the game. While he will not be called upon to score a lot of points, it will be his toughness and team first approach that will make him an important member of the team.
Top Newcomer
6’5 ’17 Solomon Smith
Smith is a newcomer to Greensboro Day. He has been home schooled and the lengthy and athleticism wing forward plays with an unbelievable motor. Another lefty, Smith has a solid midrange jumper, but he is so active on both ends of the court. The high-energy wing will be called upon to capture some of the lost rebounding prowess of Peter Abga.
Freshman to remember
5’10 Tristan Perry
Perry has an excellent skill set and advanced understanding of the game. He will need to develop a higher release point on his jumper, but we were impressed with his maturity and poise for a freshman.
Final thoughts
Last year, Greensboro Day surprised some in the basketball world by winning the NCISAA 3A state championship over national powerhouse Wesleyan Christian and the consensus no. 1 player in the country Harry Giles. This year, High Point Christian features 6’10 Edrice Edebayo and a cast of high major players. High Point Christian is the early season favorite to cut down the nets for the NCISAA 3A championship. That being said, don’t count out Greensboro Day School. With Coach Freddy Johnson at the reigns, anything is possible. Like so many times before, Coach Freddy Johnson finds a way.