Top 2026 NC basketball recruit helps team to opening win at John Wall Holiday Invitational
Cole Cloer was there when and where his Caldwell Academy (Greensboro) teammates needed him in Thursday’s first round of the John Wall Holiday Invitational at Broughton’s Holliday Gymnasium. The Eagles, first-time Invitational participants, bested Davidson Day, 64-53, to earn a Day’Ron Sharpe Bracket semifinals meeting on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
“You’ve got to rely on your best players,” Caldwell Academy coach Brandon Clifford said. “Fortunately, our best players made the plays we had to make.”
Cloer, a 6-8 junior guard, is among the country’s top 40 Class of 2026 prospects. He netted a game high 16 points, including 13 after halftime, also a game best. Cloer’s dunk that opened the fourth quarter’s scoring came after a highlight reel-worthy assist to end the third quarter.
Cloer, having recovered from a turnover on the previous possession, sent a left-handed, laser pass from the top of the key to Jaylen Cross on the low block. Cross’ buzzer-beating dunk tied the score at 47.
“It’s a four-point swing, just like that,” Cloer said. “That can change a game. Any play like that matters.”
Davidson Day played without 6-6 guard Isaiah Denis, a North Carolina signee who was sidelined reportedly by a broken finger. Patriots coach Ricky Hickman acknowledged his team’s shooting inconsistency, including 4-21 from beyond the arc, and not taking advantage of Caldwell Academy’s comparable challenges. Cloer needed 15 field goal attempts to score 14 points (along with two made free throws).
“I will take that any day of the week,” Hickman said of what his team allowed Cloer.
Cloer’s matter-of-fact play on offense and defense represents the continuation of his effort to fill the same role as he did at his previous school (Orange), and in non-scholastic competition. Clifford praised Cloer for just being himself, even as the new kid in town. His shooting ability, merely, is part of the puzzle.
“He’s a willing and able passer,” Clifford said. “Guys are learning how to cut when he has the ball. He will give it up.”
Cross, a 6-4 Charlotte signee, posted a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds), and was one of four Eagles, including King Kendrick (13) and Neal Swindell (12) who scored in double figures. Cross affirmed Clifford’s words, specifically concerning Cloer’s fourth quarter pass out of a double-team, unlike the pass Cross anticipated at the third quarter’s conclusion.
“I thought he was going to throw it to the middle,” Cross said. “I’ve just got to handle my part on the defensive end.”
Cloer spent time guarding William Stevens, the Patriots’ 6-10 pivot man, much of the game. Stevens (13 points), who corralled a game high 14 rebounds, scored just four points in the second half. Cloer’s fourth-quarter opening dunk sparked the Eagles’ 17-6 scoring advantage for the period. Caldwell Academy, though, converted just 25-62 field goals (40%), including 5-26 three-pointers (19%).
“We’ll have to make more shots,” Clifford said of Saturday’s semifinal. “Hopefully, after a day of practice, we’ll be ready to do that.”
Davidson Day, the reigning N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 2A state champion got 13 and 12 points, respectively, from Levon Jacobs and Lincoln Vinson. The Patriots will visit Caldwell Academy on January 9.
This story was originally published December 27, 2024 at 7:00 AM.