TOTW: Providence Day Chargers (Nov. 23-29)

By Alec Kinsky, Prep Circuit, 12/01/15, 4:15PM EST

Photo credit: Charlotte Observer

Through 6 games, the moniker "road warriors" would fit well for Coach Field's Providence Day Chargers (PDS). They have yet to play a game at home, instead pitting themselves against some of the nation's top talent in two major early season tournaments.

The Chargers participated in this weekend's Charlotte Hoops Challenge, a Thanksgiving high school basketball tournament dedicated to showcasing North Carolina's premier basketball talents. Having already taken out Southlake Christian earlier in the week and scheduled to face in-state powerhouses Word of God & High Point Christian, a lot was to be learned about Coach Field & company.

Led by a complete team effort in both contests, PDS left Charlotte with two convincing wins. The first was an 84-66 blowout over Rawle Alkins-led Word of God. Tennessee-commit Grant Williams scored 24 points and talented junior guard Devon Dotson added 23. This was a statement win that clearly included a tremendous amount of momentum going into game two.

The Chargers were even better in their Charlotte encore, dispatching a High Point Christian squad that features at least 7 division 1 players. Five Chargers scored in double-figures, highlighted by Trey Wertz's 22 points. Dotson was fantastic once again, contributing 18 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.

The most impressive aspect of the win was their ability to contain Kentucky-commit Edrice Adebayo. At 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, Adebayo is one of the biggest frontcourt players the Chargers will have to deal with all season. Williams stood up to Adebayo, forcing some early foul trouble for the big man. He still got his numbers, but their ability to control the pace and limit HP Christian's other weapons defensively proved to be the deciding factor.

Two early season losses have proven to be beneficial for PDS, as they were quickly thrown into the fire against Oak Hill and Mountain Mission. At 4-2 with wins over Word of God, High Point Christian and Wesleyan Christian, PDS is building an early resume that competes with the nation's best.