On Friday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Forsyth Country Day in Lewisville, North Carolina for another highly competitive matchup between the hosting Furies and Wesleyan Christian. The Furies entered this contest with a 3-2 record and have stayed afloat despite playing some brutal opponents to start the season. However, there is clear roster talent and obvious excitement surrounding Coach Doug Esleeck—who is in his first year at the program and already has things buzzing. Similarly, Wesleyan has been working out some early season kinks and finding their overall footing as a team. This battle was set to be especially interesting with Kade Darr and Jefferson McLamb both sidelined for the Trojans.
Things quickly kicked off as both teams pushed the pace, scored at a high percentage, and seemed comfortable at getting out in transition. Although they each scored at a rapid pace, neither team was able to gain separation throughout the first period, resulting in a score of 18-18. The second quarter was more of the same, as scoring came relatively easy to both groups, but it still remained tight at 37-35 going into halftime. After both teams scoring at least 17 points in each of the first two quarters, things took a drastic turn after the break. Wesleyan could only muster eight total points in the third quarter. Fortunately for the Trojans, Forsyth Country Day only scored twelve—still making this anyone’s game going into the final period. The final period was almost unexplainable, as the Furies relinquished a double-digit lead while Wesleyan went 13-for-13 from the line and scored an insane 25 points in the final quarter. It was exciting and came down to the wire, as Wesleyan Christian claims a 68-61 victory over Forsyth Country Day.
Wesleyan Christian
6’5 ’21 Isaiah Ray
After watching him lead the charge for majority of his junior season, it should be no surprise to see Ray rise back to the occasion as a senior. He operated as a primary creator for this group and was arguably the most reliable player on the floor in terms of being able to generate quality looks. Ray attacked the basket at every opportunity, finished in a variety of different ways, established himself on the glass, and highlighted his usual amount of IQ, savvy, and instincts as a defender. He makes plays in transition, creates for others quite effectively, utilized his length well, and simply jumped to another level when his team was in need. Final stats: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
6’9 ’22 Luke Grace
Calling Grace an x-factor in this contest should be somewhat obvious, especially since he was the biggest player on the court. He worked from the block, finished well around the basket, battled for every possible rebound, and even showed the ability to space the floor. Grace seemed to naturally propel his way to a double-double by demanding so much attention on the glass. In all honesty, his consistency at the free-throw line is one of the main reasons the Trojans were able to secure a victory. He should start attracting college coaches over the next calendar year. Final stats: 22 points (11-12 FT), 11 rebounds, and 1 steal.
5’11 ’22 Cam Parker
It was a tale of two halves for Parker, who provided a vital scoring outburst in the first half and then readjusted his approach to be even more adaptable after the break. With numerous guys out, Parker’s ability to step up and produce was very significant for the Trojans’ overall success in the end. He hit shots, attacked the basket, made plays in transition, and continually looked to involve himself as a rebounder and defender at the point of attack. Final stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
Forsyth Country Day
6’2 ’21 Jay Mitchell
Very few players were as impressive as Mitchell throughout the summer, and he continued to showcase high-level flashes throughout this showing. He’s a strong, physical guard with great athleticism and a blossoming offensive skillset. Mitchell is terrific around the basket, both as a finisher and in regards to playing bigger/stronger than his size would imply. He displays quality feel for the game and excellent lift on his pull-up jumper from midrange. Mitchell is smart with the ball in his hands in transition, defends and rebounds very well for his position, and makes things extremely difficult for opponents when hitting perimeter shots. Final stats: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
5’8 ’25 Q Williams
Although the numbers might not jump off the page, Williams is already incredibly impressive as a polished, high-IQ floor general. His feel for the game is simply ridiculous and it’s evident in every movement he makes, both with and without the ball in his hands. Williams knows where he wants to go on every touch/possession, often before even receiving the initial pass, and displays an advanced playmaking sense. He’s so calm, poised, and never rushed. Add those attributes to his quickness, unselfishness, and capable all-around scoring ability, and it’s easy to see why he’s already so dynamic (with the chance to become special) as a varsity-ready point guard in the eighth grade. Though Williams might be done growing, his elite IQ and instincts should only continue to separate him from other similar floor generals. Final stats: 9 points, 5 assists, and 1 rebound.