It is basketball season so that only means that Phenom Hoop Report hit the road on Tuesday to check out the talent around the state. On a cold night in North Carolina, Patrick O'Brien headed out to Gastonia to watch United Faith Christian Academy and Gaston Day duke it out to start the season and boy, did these teams compete all throughout the night.
Check out the recap below and standouts
Game Recap:
Gaston Day got out to a solid start, especially with their guard play and zone defense, as it took UFCA some time to get going. Gaston Day has some quite speed at the guard, despite their lack of size and experience. Gaston Day continued to hold the lead throughout the half, knocking down outside shots and allowing their guards to create and attack.
Halftime: Gaston Day 31 – United Faith 26
In the third quarter, United Faith made some adjustments and started to use their size more on both ends of the floor. Their defense is what really helped turn the tables for UFCA, as they took an eight-point lead late in the quarter. But neither team could create separation throughout the game, which eventually ended up going into overtime at 50-50.
In overtime, shots continued to not fall on both sides but it was Joshua Massey's late play (free throw line and late basket with 2.5 left) that helped secure the 2-point win on the road for United Faith.
Final: United Faith 57 – Gaston Day 55
Standouts:
2020 6'6 Joshua Massey (United Faith): Massey really carried his team, as he created a lot of trouble with his versatility on the floor, along with his size against a small team. Massey did most of his work when he attacked the rim, as Gaston Day struggled to slow down the wing prospect with his athleticism and ability to finish/rebound. Stats: 19 points
2023 6'9 Callum Richard (Gaston Day): The young freshman really played well but there is still so much room for development still. Even at a young age though, he has a lot of intangibles that coaches will like. He uses his length well and makes himself bigger with his wingspan. Also liked how he used his hands and posted up down low in the paint, finishing with a soft touch. Richard rebounds the ball very well but he still has to continue to get stronger for his game to grow. Stats: 13 points/ 10+ rebounds
2021 G Chris Britt (Gaston Day): Britt played with great composure and pace to his game, but he certainly could get defenders guessing with his craftiness on the floor and the ball in his hands. His speed couldn't be matched by many and with his ability to stop and start on a dime, Britt was trouble all night long and came up in big moments. Stats: 14 points
2021 6'5 Mike Dudley Jr. (United Faith): Dudley started out slow but came on in the second half for United Faith. He showed that he can score inside and out and uses his physic to his advantage. He also is a strong two-way player and really makes an impact on the defensive side of the ball with his size. Stats: 12 points
Other Notes:
2021 Quinton Scheuermann (United Faith) had some quality minutes but as a big for this team, what really stood out was his vision on the court and unselfishness to find the open man. Liked his hands and footwork on the floor.
2021 Cedric Patterson (United Faith) played with his head up and played like a savvy point guard with a great understanding. Loved how he can play in the half-court as well as push in transition and finish. He was tough throughout the night.
2021 Dean Hunter (Gaston Day) is going to be the Spartans outside threat this year and there was no hiding it. Any space he had, he was going to let it fly, as he hit three 3-pointers as well as knockdown key free throws. Stats: 14 points