Huntington Prep guard Miles Bridges said the Express need to pick things up defensively. / Jason Jordan
LEWISVILLE, N.C. — From familiar fashion statements to defensive epiphanies here’s what we learned at the Phenom Hoops National Jamboree Friday night.
QUALITY EDUCATION IS ON THE RISE
After giving Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), ranked No. 3 in the USA Today HSS Super 25, everything it could handle in a, 54-46, loss a week ago, Quality Education Academy (Winston Salem, N.C.) made easy work, 81-57, of a talented Genesis Academy (Lynchburg, Va.) squad Friday night at the Phenom Hoops National Jamboree in Lewisville, N.C.
Currently, the Pharaohs are ranked in the USA Today HSS “Next 25” at No. 31, but Marsellis Purvis (18 points, 12 rebounds) and crew put on a show Friday night that looked like they’re primed for a come-up.
“Hey, I like my team,” Quality Education coach Isaac Pitts said. “I like my team.”
NEON SURVIVED THE AAU TO HS TRANSITION
In the ever-evolving world of teenage fashion, one fad has managed to stand the test of time: neon-colored sneakers.
That’s right, the bright look, a must for this past summer on the AAU circuit, has transitioned over to the high school season.
At any given time, no matter the game, 7 of the 10 players on the floor at the Phenom Hoops National Jamboree were rocking the “loud” look.
“It’s one of those looks you can definitely pull off if you’re ‘that’ person,” Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.) forward Thomas Bryant said. “It’ll probably be around for a while. I can pull off anything so it works for me.”
IRISH FOCUSED ON DEFENSE
No. 14 Huntington Prep (Huntington, W.Va.) may have prevailed, 67-60, against a pesky Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.) team, but Irish guard Miles Bridges said if they’re going to fulfill their ultimate goal of winning a national title they’ll have to improve defensively.
Providence Day shot 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from the three-point line in the loss to Huntington Prep.
“That’s the thing,” said Bridges, who posted 14 points, five rebounds and two assists in the win. “We’ve really gotta just pick it up on the defensive end; I think we’re strong everywhere else, but we have to stop teams. That’s what we’ll work on.”
WARRIOR-LIKE BANTER
No. 3 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) looked plenty efficient in its, 76-57, dismantling of Victory Christian (Charlotte, N.C.) and Warriors guard Josh Reaves was all too intent on making certain the Kings knew it.
From cunning one-liners to dramatic hand claps after scores, Reaves, a Penn State signee, proved that gab is absolutely a gift.
Reaves finished with 13 points in the win.
FORSYTH COUNTRY DAY’S FANS SECOND TO NONE
From neon pink crossing guard vests to neon orange trucker hats to creative chants, host school Forsyth Country Day’s (Lewisville, N.C.) fans livened up the arena in the nightcap against Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, N.C.).
Even Holy Rams guard Jalen Harris had to laugh when the entire first row of crazed fans repeatedly asked him for a follow on Instagram while the ball was swung around the perimeter.
The Furies didn’t fare as well on the court, falling to Word of God, 80-62, but it certainly wasn’t from a lack of support.
Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY
