1 of 1 Invitational Did Not Disappoint

There was not one matchup that lacked talent at Phillip O Berry at the 1 pf 1 Invitational. We highlight some of the star players that impressed on a competitive day. 

Abu Stevenson tallied 20 points, including six three-pointers on the day as the 1 of 1 girls win over Concord Assembly. An amazing set shooter that can fill it up in a hurry. Zoey Ward for Concord tried to keep her team in it as best she could before she got into foul trouble. Good footwork and has a lot of upside. 

In the second game,  Quante Berry Quante Berry 6'4" | PG Winston-Salem Christian | 2022 State #189 Nation NC  put on a show from start to finish, starting with a ferocious poster slam that put the team up seven early on CanAmera. CanAmera got off to a very slow start and could not make up for the deficit that the Lions put on. Jazian Downey scored an early six and kept fighting in the first half to give his team a chance in the second half. However much like the first half, Berry had his way, getting to his spots, and continued to score at will. before  Quante Berry Quante Berry 6'4" | PG Winston-Salem Christian | 2022 State #189 Nation NC  tweaked his ankle in the third quarter he was leading the way in the press that CanAmera could not break for most of the game. Berry is a quick-twitch guard that has a high motor and can continue to become a really good player with his defensive intangibles. CanAmera will play again tomorrow and I expect their whole team to come out prepared to battle with 1of 1 academy.

1 of 1 had a tough battle with a Cavaliers team that played aggressively and together.  Orlando Lovejoy Orlando Lovejoy 6'3" | CG 1 of 1 Prep | 2022 State NC ’s countless aggression and timely shooting propelled 1 of 1 over the Cavs. He got to his spots and shot well on the day. He didn’t let an ankle injury late stop his aggression. Jordan Butler had a few dominant bursts, including a posterizing dunk early in the third. He is a smooth player with good hands, as he continues to get more and more aggressive he will get even better. Lovejoy’s 35 points propelled his team past the Cavs. Jamal Brown Jamal Brown 6'6" | PF Word of God | 2025 NC ’s timely assets and scoring were the perfect yin to Lovejoy’s yang. An aggressive high-energy guy in Brown who has some sneaky craftiness to him as well. The guard picked up three high major offers after his performance, he will have a lot of eyes on him as the season progresses.

The game that stole the show was the matchup between the high-flying backcourt of Vertical Academy, against the second team from Ontario Royal Crown. An athletic and fiery team that came focused and ready to play. Trey Parker started hot from behind the arc, also scoring his 1000th point in his high school basketball career. Thierno Sylla was everywhere on the court throughout the game, his presence was felt the most in the fourth. Three dunks, a block, and a minor dispute with Mikey Williams Mikey Williams 6'3" | CG San Ysidro | 2023 State #12 Nation CA-S fueled his efforts to an impressive win for Royal Crown. Mikey did not disappoint, with multiple highlight-reel dunks and an average shooting day on the afternoon. Tough finishes, strong defense, and a lot of athleticism fueled this game to the very finish. 

Excited to see how this helps all eight teams grow, as they prepare for conference and playoffs. Excited for another event that 1 of 1 puts together with a lot of unique talent that we don’t often get to see in North Carolina.