Phenom Palmetto Winter Classic Standouts: Thursday Afternoon
The 2nd Annual Phenom Palmetto Winter Classic started Thursday morning at Ben Lippen High School in Columbia, South Carolina. 16 teams are participating in the event with two eight team bracket play format. In the Palmetto bracket, we have the likes of Holly Springs (NC), Christ Church (SC), Ridge View (SC), Morgan County (GA), Blythewood (SC), Heathwood Hall (SC), Sumter (SC), and Lincoln Charter (NC). In the Crescent Moon Bracket, we have the likes of Cardinal Newman (SC) Asheville Christian (NC), Great Bridge (VA), Concord First Assembly (NC), AC Flora (SC), Hartsville (SC) Ben Lippen (SC) and Heritage IJN (WV). Now, let's take a closer look at some o the standouts in the afternoon session at the Palmetto Winter Classic. Before we go to our afternoon standouts, be sure to check out our recap on the midday standouts. https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/20/phenom-palmetto-winter-classic-standouts-thursday-midday-standouts/
6’4 2019 Chico Carter Jr. (Cardinal Newman)
One thing is crystal clear, 6’4 Murray State signee Chico Carter can flat out play. Simply stated, Carter just has the “it factor.” He has that presence on the court. We’re talking about a young man that plays with an unlimited amount of confidence that brings toughness, flair and an abundant amount of energy. Last but not least, Chico Carter can score from all three levels. He is a deadly perimeter shooter, has the midrange going, and has the ability to finish efficiently at the rim. Carter finished with 26 points including three 3-pointers.
6’4 2020 Tyler McKinney (Asheville Christian)
Tyler McKinney is the definition of toughness. Several weeks ago, McKinney went up for a dunk, was undercut and landed on his face. He had several front teeth knocked out, received 20 plus stitches, got a concussion and is now just coming back to play. That being said, he was not timid or bashful about taking it strong to the rim. In addition, we’re talking about a blue-collar type player that consistently goes out and competes. Every game, every trip down the court, you can except the same! Tyler McKinney is going to give you effort. McKinney finished with a game high 25 points including three 3-pointers.
6’1 2019 Walyn Napper (Ridge View)
Walyn Napper is a such a strong, but fluid guard that made one great play after another. He finished with a game high 28 points in the double OT loss to a very strong and athletic Morgan County team out of Georgia. More importantly, Napper almost single handedly “willed” Ridge View to the win by scoring 22 of his game high 28 points in the second half and even hitting a 35 foot 3-pointer at the end of regulation to send the game into OT. While Ridge View lost 89-87 in Double TO, one could not be impressed with the competitive nature he displayed throughout the game. There is no question that Walyn Napper competes at the highest level and there is absolutely no quit in this young man.
6’0 2019 Crosby Harris-James
Crosby Harrs-James is just a tough hard-nosed guard that simply gets after it on both ends of the court. He’s strong with the ball in his hands and does of good job or making the right play. He’s a 3-Level scorer and showcased his range by knocking down three 3-pointers and finished with 20 points.
6’2 2019 Alec Woodard (Morgan County)
The Austin Peay signee was effective on both ends of the court. He hit key free throws when needed and made the right play time after time down the stretch. Woodard finished with 23 points, but it was was defensive rebounds and key defensive plays in the final OT that allowed Morgan County to pull out the exciting 89-87 2 OT win. In addition, we simply liked his poise, maturity and overall leadership.
5’9 2019 Stevin Greene (Morgan County)
Steven Greene is the heart and soul and the team’s spark plug. He was difficult to contain in the open court and used his quickness to score from all three levels. He created scoring opportunities for himself (23 points including three 3-pointers). While Greene was one of the game’s top scorer’s, he also distributed the ball in a timely fashion to his teammates for scoring opportunities. Absolutely loved how hard Greene played and ran the team. Winner!