The 2028s Who Took Over in Landstown vs Phoebus

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landstown HS (VA Beach) vs. Phoebus HS (Hampton) – Girls Basketball</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landstown hosted Phoebus in a Monday afternoon matinee and came away with a hard-fought <strong>57–51 victory</strong> in a game that doubled as an early look at the future of girls' basketball in the 757. Despite a sparse crowd, the energy on the floor stayed high as both programs leaned on young contributors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The matchup served as a showcase for <strong>Class of 2028</strong> talent, with multiple underclassmen flashing poise, motor, and developing skill sets on both ends of the court. Landstown's ability to generate timely stops and convert on key possessions proved to be the difference maker. However, Phoebus' competitiveness and resilience kept the game within reach throughout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A quality early-season test that offered a glimpse into the next wave of girls prep prospects emerging in Hampton Roads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game began with the traditional feeling-out process as the undersized Landstown Eagles tried to run their offense with the imposing 6'7" sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1122575' first='Czerenity' last='Ware'] patrolling the paint for Phoebus. Ware's presence forced Landstown to shoot from the outside at an inconsistent rate. However, the stellar defensive play, of Landstown Sophomore Sariyah Williams opened up the Landstown offense to run. Led by Sophomore Point Guard Tahjae "Meeko" Eaton-Simmons, Landstown begin to find their tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1122575"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1669175,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696eaf0c189a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The saying goes "You can't teach height", and Ware has that. In just her second year of organized basketball, Ware possesses the potential to be a defensive force. Her offensive game is a work in progress having contributed 12 points in the contest against Landstown. Her defensive presence alone makes many players leery about driving to the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1669178,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sariyah Williams","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Landstown High School (Virginia Beach)","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696eaf0c18ade"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An off ball guard with a high motor. Not overly dominate in one statistical category but contributes across the board. Has the ability to make tough passes within the offense and hit the open shot. Needs to work on range and consistency beyond 15 feet, but makes up with it with her defensive effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>End of First Landstown 15 Phoebus 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Second Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Ware on the bench, Sophmore guard "Meeko" Eaton-Simmons was able get going offensively. Opening up from three point range and driving to the basket at will, the left handed Eaton began to make her case as one of the pure scorers in the class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ware's absence was felt defensively, however Phoebus' Senior Jasmine Bland displayed the needed leadership presence. Going to the boards, scoring 8 of her team high 19 in the second quarter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>End of 2nd:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landstown 32 Phoebus 16</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1669188,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jasmine Bland","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Phoebus","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696eaf0c18b69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Possesses Strong on court leadership, and maturity. A consistent rebounder, and strong scorer around the basket. Not afraid of contact around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1101104"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696eaf0c18be2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Continuing to prove her scoring prowess, utilizing a quick first step. Eaton had a game high 32 off a combination of drives, and mid-range shots. Simmons needs to develop a consistent outside shot, and work on choosing a better shot selection from 15 feet out. Down the stretch Simmons took over the game with 18 second half points, and 10 for 10 from the Free throw line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Third Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phoebus began the second half on an 8-0 run and began to close the gap on Landstown. The run was stopped after a few tough defensive stands by Landstown leading to transition baskets. Bland's presence on the defensive glass, and Ware's ability to challenge and redirect shots kept the game competitive. However, Eaton imposed her will down the stretch scoring 11 of her game high 32 in the third frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>End of Third Landstown 44 Phoebus 32</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fourth Quarter:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The physicality of the game begin to take its toll on Landstown, as Phoebus mounted a last dash effort to win coming within 5 with a minute and a half left. However, their inability to play hands off basketball sent a carousel of Landstown players to the free throw line as the game concluded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Score Landstown 57 Phoebus 51</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Synopsis:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tahjae “Meeko” Eaton-Simmons</strong> continued to show she is a scorer by nature, displaying the ability to score at will in a variety of situations. Whether in transition or attacking broken defenses, she consistently put pressure on the rim and forced Phoebus to adjust, often drawing contact in the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her production was complemented by the dirty work of <strong>sophomore Sariyah Williams</strong>, who controlled much of the game without needing the ball to do so. Williams forced turnovers, extended possessions, battled for rebounds, and disrupted passing lanes — setting the tone defensively while igniting Landstown's tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Phoebus, <strong>senior Jasmine Bland</strong> stood out with her natural leadership, composure, and steady presence, helping organize the offense and keep her group competitive throughout. In the post, <strong>6'7” sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1122575' first='Czerenity' last='Ware']</strong> remains a long-term prospect, but her upside is undeniable. In just her second year of organized basketball, she already impacts games defensively, and with consistent development, projects as a potential well-rounded center at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->