Today's 5 to Know
Phenom's Feast of Champions
Day 1
What a great day of basketball. Some great games, some absolute incredible crowds and some big time players making big time plays. While the biggest performer of the day would actually be the crowd and fans as they just created an unbelievable atmosphere.
Even in an event full of games with multiple big time players on the floor, there were a few who stood out above the rest. So even though players like Josiah James, Jace McKenney, FiiFi Quansah, Milos Galogaza and Williams Onyeobi all played at a high level, here are the players who made Today's 5 to Know'
6'9' 2019 Emmanuel Izunabor
Fayetteville Academy (Fayetteville, NC)
Izunabor is in the middle of a high level breakout. He should firmly be on the high major radar as East Carolina has already stepped ahead of the crowd an offer. He is a high level rebounder and a great rim protector. He also displayed great vision, both making post entry passes and delivering out of the post. He scores above the rim and over his left shoulder and he is continually getting better each day. His East Carolina offer should just be the tip of the iceburg. He finished with 10 points, 22 boards, 7 assists and 5 blocks.
6'4' 2018 Jaylen Alston (Gardner Webb)
Eastern Guilford (Gibsonville, NC)
What a player Alston is. So smooth and so effortless, Alston is able to get everything done on the floor that he wants. His recruitment was tragically too low, as he will go to Gardner Webb and end up a multi-year All-League guy. Today he finished with 28 points 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. He is loudly productive and just a flat out winner. Enjoy watching him while you can, there are few who does what he does on the floor.
6'6' 2018 Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt)
Porter Gaud (Charleston, SC)
Nesmith is among the smoothest and most pure scorers in the country. His ability to put the ball in the bucket is certainly second to none in this region (less Coby White). The 6'6' wing who wields a 7'2' wing span attacks the basket with a purpose, shoots with soft touch from deep and he has a nice mid to low post game. Nesmith continues getting better, which is scary as he has led Porter Gaud in scoring since the 8th'grade (mind you they are the 2-time defending state champions). Nesmith finished with 25 points, 3 boards and 3 steals.
6'1' Unsigned Senior Isaiah Tatum
Cape Fear Christian (Erwin, NC)
It is tragic that Isaiah Tatum has no offers, we feel that schools around the region have just dropped the ball in recruiting him. He plays with an incredible chip on his shoulder. Tatum is a strap up type defender for 94 feet, using toughness and athleticism. Offensively, the lefty has range, a great middle game and the athleticism to finish at the rim. Coaches, lets go ahead and get on this one, he will win you a lot of games. Tatum finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists.
6'1' 2019 Travion McCray
Village Christian (Fayetteville, NC)
Down the stretch, it was McCray who demanded the ball. Once in his hands he went to go make a play. After two starters fouled out in the 4th'quarter, McCray was the one to keep Village Christian in it, taking the game into overtime. Only a junior he already carries three Division 1 offers (Longwood, South Carolina State and Stetson), expect that number to grow as the sturdy and athletic guard has elevated his game as the go-to player. McCray finished this game with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Tag(s):'Phenom’s Feast of Champ