2022 Lighthouse Classic: Friday Notebook
CORINTH, MS — The ninth annual Lighthouse Classic tipped off on Friday at Corinth High School, with several of the Southeast region’s top teams making the trip to north Mississippi for the event.
HoopSeen.com was on hand for the jam-packed day of action from the event. Here are Garrett Tucker’s storylines from the event’s opening day of action…
LABARON PHILON SCORES WITH EASE EN ROUTE TO CAPTURING RECORD
We’re only a few weeks into the high school basketball season, but it looks like 2024 Mobile (AL) Baker guard Labaron Philon is in mid-season form. He’s off to a tremendous start with multiple 30 and 40-point games for the Hornets so far this season and he started his weekend off at the Lighthouse Classic by breaking the individual scoring record with 47 points.
Philon, a skilled 6-foot-4 combo guard, showed his full arsenal on offense. He began the game with a focus on attacking the rim and it slowly transitioned into a full, three-level scoring clinic with some impressive makes from 15-feet and out. Whatever it was, the junior made things look easy and effortless.
A few years ago I watched Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suit up for Hamilton Heights at this same event. Shortly after, he blew up as one of the most intriguing guards in the country. I think Philon fits right into the same category. He’s a long, skilled guard with excellent ball skills and a better shooting touch than Gilgeous-Alexander at the same stage.
We have Philon tabbed as the No. 43 overall player in our 2024 national rankings and if Friday was any indication, he may not be high enough.
FORT ERIE KNOCKS OFF THE ROCK IN GAME OF THE DAY
The Lighthouse Classic has done a nice job of incorporating the prep school challenge within their schedule and this year didn’t disappoint. Canadian prep power Fort Erie took down The Rock (FL) in the most competitive game of the day.
2024 guard Ishan Sharma has made his name as one of the top shooters in high school basketball and he didn’t disappoint in this one. The sharpshooter came out guns-a-blazing with 13 points in the first quarter and ultimately finished the game with seven three-pointers en route to a game-high 34 points.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard gets his shot off as quick as anyone in the country and he scored it in a variety of ways, whether it was off the catch or the dribble. Sharma was able to keep the defense on its toes with some crafty plays off of drives, including some tough finishes through traffic.
2024 combo guard Brayden Jackson was another impressive eye-catcher for Fort Erie. He finished the game with 15 points and six assists.
Despite the disappointing loss, The Rock (FL) battled back late in the game and made it competitive down the stretch. From the opening tip, they looked to take advantage of their advantage in the trenches.
2024 big man R.J. Jones was at the head of those attacks, as the stout 6-foot-9 center took advantage of his strength and size. Fort Erie didn’t have much to match Jones’ power game and he made the most of things, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
2025 point guard Evan Sterck showed his value throughout the game as a floor general and game manager. The 6-foot-2 guard helped pilot The Rock’s comeback late in the game, whether it was knocking down shots or getting in the lane and spraying passes around to his teammates. While it’s still early, he’s a quality point guard to take note of in the sophomore class.
ISAAC ELLIS DOESN’T DISAPPOINT
The Corinth High School gymnasium filled up to watch Moravian Prep (GA), who features 2026 point guard Isaac Ellis. Isaac and his older brother, Eli, have become instant favorites for the mixtape mafia recently, and Eli now finds himself suiting up for Overtime Elite.
Nevertheless, little brother Isaac is still kicking for Moravian Prep, and it’s safe to say he lived up to the hype on Friday. The 5-foot-11 point guard was one of the most entertaining players to touch the floor on Friday, as plenty of ooos and ahhhs followed his every move.
Despite only being a freshman, Ellis showed an abundance of confidence on the floor. When he wasn’t rattling in shots from all over the floor he was making slick passes and acting as a playmaker. It’s obvious he’s become accustomed to the spotlight that comes with he and his brother’s situation — he welcomed the attention from Chicago Prep as well as all the fans in attendance.
I don’t say this about many people, but I would pay to watch Ellis play basketball. He plays a fun, upbeat style of play that keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what’s coming next. There were several hundred fans in the stands that bought a ticket and will definitely be back tomorrow to see him in action.
HELLO, MY NAME IS...
He wasn’t the flashiest guy I saw on Friday by any means, but 2024 Chicago (IL) Prep forward Mike Jones was one of the most productive players to hit the floor on the first day of the event.
Jones, a 6-foot-7 power forward, is what the hoopheads consider a “glass cleaner.” Any missed shot or loose ball had his name on it, as he made it a priority to sweep up any unclaimed balls in the air.
Jones also showed some promising steps with his offensive game. With nimble feet and some mobility, the junior made some nice finishes around the rim. He also stepped out and made a three-pointer to add further intrigue.
He’s surfed under the radar to this point, but I think Jones is a solid option for low and mid-major programs to keep tabs on going forward.
