The third game for day four of Phenom’s Holiday Classic took place between two very intriguing programs in TLPS and Cape Fear Christian. TLPS has improved considerably since the beginning of the event, steadily progressing with each viewing and highlighting an unselfish approach. On the other side, Cape Fear Christian has quietly opened the season as one of the better teams in the state. Although these squads have differing styles and unique roster makeup, the first half was undeniably competitive. TLPS played extremely well but trailed 42-34 going into halftime. After the break, Cape Fear Christian took complete control of the action, doubled their lead, and never turned back—securing an 87-61 victory over TLPS.
TLPS:
6’4 ’22 Mahlik Munnerlin
The long, wiry forward offered a reliable two-way presence for this group, scoring around the basket while consistently jumping into passing lanes and disrupting action within the paint. Munnerlin plays hard and runs the floor effectively in transition, but also operated well within the team on both ends of the floor.
Cape Fear Christian:
6’0 ’22 Tristin Harkins
Despite being one of the newer additions to this roster, Harkins already has a clear role and understands how to assert himself within the flow of this group. He’s smart, tough, and able to initiate an offense or find opportunities as an off-ball scoring threat. Harkins is a knockdown three-point shooter with quality vision and creation skills. He defends well for his size, displaying a solid understanding of how to utilize angles and positioning to disrupt others. His shooting and well-rounded offensive ability make him a definite asset.
6’8 ’22 Jabare Perry
Although this squad has a variety of useful interior pieces, but Perry continually stands out as a leader from inside the paint. He’s big, strong, mobile, and finishes nearly everything he attempts around the basket. Perry utilizes his sturdy frame to absorb contact, carry his weight as a rebounder, and alter shots defensively. He ran the floor very well in transition, operated within the team concept at all times, and simply offered a consistent presence for this group.
6’5 ’22 Cinque Lemon
The new-look Cape Fear Christian squad is very fun and exciting, and Lemon is a massive part of their appeal. His athleticism and overall activity level allow him to be an overwhelming presence around the basket, given his toughness, bounciness, and sheer nose for the ball as a rebounder. Lemon is an impressive finisher, both above and below the rim, and has the ability to draw fouls at a constant rate—where he’s capable of converting at a strong rate at the free-throw line. Lemon also defended multiple positions, highlighted instincts in the passing lanes, and knocked down jumpers at a consistent rate. Easy to see why scholarship-level programs are getting involved.