One of the elite scoring displays of the day came from Ray. He went for 20 points in his first game of the month, showcasing a very deep bag of moves to get to the rim and his spots in the mid-range. Brandon did a good job of making sure his teammates were involved early with a pair of assists, before taking over with his scoring to grow a lead. Even though most of his highlight-reel buckets came from the first two levels, he also knocked down a pair of threes to show off his complete array of scoring. If this is the type of play we are going to get from Ray, keep an eye on him as a potential All-State Guard.

First up on my list of shooters from the Poinsettia Classic is Brandon Ray Brandon Ray 6'0" | CG Eastside | 2027 State SC . On paper, the Eastside Eagles have as much shooting as anyone in 5A, but they only had five made threes in Monday’s win over Powdersville. Two of those came from Ray, who also did an excellent job of setting up other shooters or getting to his spots in the mid-range. Big-picture-wise, Brandon is off to an excellent scoring start to a crucial Junior Season, but what he showed as a passer (7 assists) in addition to the shooting is an encouraging sign for his long-term potential.

Brandon was very impressive in Team Armstrong (Eastside)’s win in Week 6. He really got going as a scorer in the second half, putting up 13 of his 15 total points over the last 20 minutes. Ray did so at all three levels with an off-the-dribble three, a mid-range pull-up, and finishes with both hands at the rim. Brandon also showed some flashes of his playmaking ability, tallying a pair of assists that came off paint touches.

Ray was solid for most of Eastside’s win over AC Flora, but he stepped up when his team needed it down to stretch. In the last minute of the game, Brandon hit a go-ahead mid-range jumper, assisted a corner three, and converted on a pair of free throws to seal the game. Ray is a skilled guard who had success scoring the ball inside and out, putting up 18 Points in the game. He displayed an ability to finish with both hands, craftiness in carving out space in the lane, and confidence in spotting up behind the arc. Brandon can also make plays for others off the dribble with a decent handle and vision.

Brandon will really look to take over some leadership roles now for the Eagles with his older brother Justin graduating and moving onto college. Brandon brings the ability to make shots on the perimeter when needed. He understands getting to his spots on the floor and making plays. He will surely look to lead Head Coach Everick Sullivan and the Eagles this coming season.