HHCA Snags Homecoming Exhibition Win for Canadian Players
A Tennessee basketball program venturing into Canada for a basketball exhibition appears daunting on the surface. For a handful of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (HHCA) players the trip was actually a working trip back home.
KeVaughn Ellis, Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander, Tre Edwards, Wheza Panzo and Keon Ambrose-Hylton all took the plunge south to attend a prep school in Chattanooga, Tennessee and this trip back to their motherland represented a welcome opportunity to see friends and family.
American Jordan Rawls (HHCA senior) joined the unit and ascended to first team, a position he worked for the last year.
@HHhawksbball traveled to Toronto Canada for pre-season exhibition with Lincoln Prep. Only 6 Hawks made the the trip due to visa issues. 1/2
— Hamilton Heights Boys Basketball (@HHhawksbball) October 28, 2017
The opponent, Lincoln Prep (CAN) provided a decent challenge, though HHCA won 84-66.
The hosting Huskies run out a pair of 6-foot-11 forwards and HHCA was forced to leave their dominating frontcourt player, Jason Jitobah back in Tennessee.
While Panzo, Edwards, and Ambrose-Hylton can defend the rim, they are working to improve their wing skills. All three project as a skilled, mobile wings after HHCA. Ambrose-Hylton might be the most comfortable facing up bigs on the offensive end and yet he comfortably drifts out to the arc.
Prolific scorer KeVaughn Ellis (2018) led all scorers with 22 points. He can score in a variety of ways and will be lead on all year for scoring.
Groomed for a leading role the last year, Tre Edwards poured in 20 points. He is really developing his mobility and handles. Edwards’ outside shooting really impressed scouts and media on hand. For Edwards this winter will certainly help calcify him as a surefire D1 prospect. The defensive ceiling really makes him a must-have wing.
Wheza Panzo gave the team 12 points and 12 rebounds. In a pinch, and this was a roster pinch, Panzo can play post defender. He has long arms and doesn’t bite on pump fakes. PrepHoops.com featured Wheza two weeks ago.
Keon Ambrose-Hylton scored 14 points. The Class of 2020 forward/wing really looks special. His skills slap you in the face on first evaluation. The athleticism at 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8 is downright scary.
Jordan Rawls offered 12 points, eight assists and Thomasi Alexander contributed four points.
The younger brother of University of Kentucky freshman Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thomasi was featured by PrepHoops.com three weeks ago.
Class of 2019 point guard Jordan Rawls also has a recruitment worth following.