2024 Lighthouse Classic: Friday Notebook
CORINTH, MS — The 11th annual Lighthouse Classic tipped off on Friday, and, as usual, Corinth High School played host to some of the best talent the Southeast has to offer.
From start to finish, the day brought tons of action and storylines. Here are the biggest storylines from Garrett Tucker’s point of view…
HOOVER ROLLS PAST NORCROSS
The biggest game I had circled going into Friday’s action was the Hoover (AL) vs. Norcross (GA) matchup. While Hoover came away with a 78-58 win, don’t be fooled — this one was well worth the price of admission.
The Bucs wasted no time jumping out to a considerable lead as they figuratively punched the Blue Devils in the mouth from the opening tip. At one point, Hoover had a 25-7 lead with a couple of minutes left in the first quarter. That’s how locked in the two-time defending state champions were on Friday night.
UAB signee Salim London came away with Player of the Game honors after stuffing the stat sheet. He finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Future Tennessee Volunteer DeWayne Brown asserted his dominance in the paint with 18 points and nine rebounds.
But it doesn’t stop with those two eye-catchers. From top to bottom, there aren’t many teams that can match the overall depth Hoover can throw at opposing teams. Heck, most public high schools can’t match up against Brown and fellow big man Jackson Sheffield. Which brings me to this…
MaxPreps released their national team rankings just before the season and Hoover came in at No. 17. That’s a great honor for the Bucs and something to be proud of. But if there are 16 teams better than this one, I’d love to see them.
ERICK DAMPIER JR. SHOWS PROMISE IN MRA WIN
It’s easy to see why so many of the middle school basketball pundits are so high on 2028 Madison (MS) Ridgeland Academy big man Erick Dampier, Jr. Considered by many to be the top overall prospect in his class, Dampier only echoed those thoughts against Clay-Chalkville (AL) on Friday with his combination of size, fluidity, and ability to score with his back to the basket.
Against intense pressure from Clay-Chalkville, the freshman played like a seasoned veteran — or, like his namesake and father perhaps — as the defense brought multiple players each time he touched the basketball. Nevertheless, Dampier was patient and scored over either shoulder in the paint.
Dampier finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds, ultimately earning Player of the Game honors. He’s the latest promising Mississippi product to take the floor at the prestigious Lighthouse Classic, joining the likes of Devin Booker, Malik Newman, Robert Woodard, Daeshun Ruffin, and Josh Hubbard, who also played at MRA.
Following the win, legendary MRA head coach Richard Duease had some high praise for the freshman phenom.
”I think Erick’s going to be the best player to ever play in Mississippi when it’s all said and done,” said Duease. “I think when he’s a junior in high school, we’ll have NBA scouts at our games. He’s ranked No.1 in the country in the freshman class and I think that’s only going to get better. He’s twice the player now than he was at this time last year.”
That’s high praise for the 15 year-old big man but definitely not out of the realm of possibility. We look forward to having a front row seat for his development.
PREP CHALLENGE DOESN'T DISAPPOINT
The Lighthouse Prep Challenge has become a fan-favorite at the Lighthouse Classic, as the event matches up four prep school programs in a winner-take-all bracket format. This year’s field was a competitive one, but we’ll ultimately get the championship matchup many were looking forward to: DME Academy (FL) vs. Moravian Prep (NC). Mikel Brown vs. Eli Ellis.
But first, let’s talk about how both teams got there…
DME Academy squeezed out a narrow 78-70 victory over Winston-Salem Prep on day one behind the slick and stellar play of 2025 five-star point guard Mikel Brown. The skilled floor general led the way with 29 points, but I was more impressed with his passing and overall basketball IQ.
Brown, a potential McDonald’s All-American, didn’t force many shots. In fact, he made the game look extremely slow with his decision making and ability to manipulate the defense in ball screens. He was always aware of where his teammates were on the floor, making the correct play possession after possession.
The senior guard showed exactly why some of the top programs in the country are vying for his commitment.
Moravian Prep has planted their flag in the Corinth High School gymnasium and made it a home away from home of sorts. Looking for their third straight Lighthouse Prep Challenge championship, the North Carolina-based program didn’t disappoint as they rolled to a big win against Hamilton Heights.
It was an off day for South Carolina signee Eli Ellis, who only knocked down one trey in the game. Nevertheless, the ultra-competitive guard manufactured points in a hurry, leading Moravian’s scoring barrage with 36 points. Not too shabby for an off game.
I’ll echo the many thoughts we’ve said for the longest time here at HoopSeen.com: Ellis is one the most underrated players in the country. Time after time again the senior has proven himself on the biggest of stages against some of the top talent in the country. Some of the national pundits have finally come around, but I’m betting on Eli if someone thinks there are 80 better players in the country than him.
He’ll have a chance to put another feather in his cap on Saturday.
FLORENCE USES BALANCED ATTACK IN WIN
Florence was a beneficiary of the offseason transfer season in Alabama as the senior duo of Jaylen Blackwell and Jalen Chandler made the move to suit up for the Falcons. We’re a couple of weeks into the season and the moves have already paid dividends for Florence all around.
On Friday, the Falcons used a balanced attack to run away with a win over Canton (MS) and Mississippi State signee Jamarion Fleming. Four Falcons scored in double figures: Blackwell and Chandler both had 12 while Bryant James and Jamarrion Reeder added 10.
That’s been the story thus far for the Falcons. With three of the more highly regarded seniors in north Alabama, Florence has been able to co-exist and win basketball games. Fellow senior Julian King and junior Jayshod Pearson have also played pivotal roles.
However, I thought the game changed against Canton when sophomore Jaisyon Payne came in and knocked down two three-pointers to extend Florence’s lead. From there, the Falcons ran away with things.
It’s still early in the season, but head coach Dylan Burleson has to love how well his team is gelling this early in the season. Keep an eye on them in 7A this season.
