Takeaways: VA Preps Classic Session 2
After it was delayed because of snow, session two of the VA Preps Classic took place Saturday and Monday at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach. The four game event featured eight top programs in the area, and was…
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Continue ReadingAfter it was delayed because of snow, session two of the VA Preps Classic took place Saturday and Monday at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach. The four game event featured eight top programs in the area, and was an exciting atmosphere that sold out almost every game. Pat Dillon posted who he thought was the top performers, here’s our takeaways from the event.
Norcom Wins Battle of 757 Champs
The reigning 4A state champions went through a brutal hacksaw the last two weeks, with match ups against four top 30 opponents in Norfolk Collegiate, Cape Henry, John Marshall and LC Bird, all on the road or neutral sites. The Greyhounds came out of the brutal stretch 3-1, with their only loss coming in a 2 point controversial outing at LC Bird in the Vantage Hoops High School Showcase. The Greyhounds sit at 21-1, and are currently #3 in the Vantage Hoops Top 30 Power Poll.
Norcom showed their prowess with a convincing 64-49 win over reigning VISAA Division 1 State Champion Cape Henry in the VA Preps Classic at Green Run last night. As has been the story much of the year, the Greyhounds were led by their big three of senior point guard Travis Fields and junior wings Travis Ingram and KJ Davis. Fields has been especially good as the senior leader, and finished with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists last night. He continues to show that he is a steal at the scholarship level, and one of the best available prospects in the Hampton Roads area.
Davis has been phenomenal for Norcom as of late too, and was dominant in their win last night finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals. The 6’5 wing has developed his skills with the ball in his hands, and has turned from a stretch 4 into a scoring 3. Ingram continues to be one of the most dynamic and exciting players, and every game that he plays he seems to have a highlight worthy play that could be on SportsCenter.
The three of them look to cement their legacy with a third straight state championship, but it could be more difficult as they moved down to 3A and have to go through teams like Northside, John Marshall (again), Hopewell, Park View, George Wythe and Spotswood, just to name a few. Still, the Greyhounds have solidified themselves as one of the best teams in Virginia, regardless of classification.
Norfolk Collegiate Beats Last 757 Undefeated
Behind the play of three available seniors, Norfolk Collegiate is clicking at the right time at have beat some top programs in the area, and even took Norcom to overtime the other week. The Oaks made their final statement heading into the playoffs, beating previously undefeated Green Run 58-55, making a big statement.
Collegiate was led by senior Adam Grant, a scoring combo guard who finished with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. The combo guard has seen a lot of interest from low major programs in need of a scoring guard, and holds an offer from D2 Lees-McCrae. They also got a big boost from big man Sebastian “Bash” Townes, who pitched in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, and Kyonze Chavis who had 9 points and 4 steals.
It will be a tough road for Norfolk Collegiate in a very talented VISAA Division 2 classification, however they are a senior ladened experienced team that should be able to compete with anyone when the time comes.
Hicks Shows Out in Crunch Time for Oscar Smith
The Radford commit has been one of the most consistent players in the Hampton Roads area, but he stepped up in a huge way for Oscar Smith down the stretch in their win over Landstown. After finishing the first half with only 7 points, Hicks went for 15 points in the second half, including a tough contested step-back three with just under 10 seconds left for the game winner over a scrappy Landstown team. The 6’3″ senior has led Oscar Smith’s high tempo, long range attack, and has led them to an 18-2 start, and has them looking like a 6A South contender as the playoffs role around.
Available Seniors Stand Out
While we mentioned Fields and the Norfolk Collegiate trio, there was a host of other available seniors that stood out in the two day event. Here are
- Connor Campbell; 5’11” PG; Kellam
Talk about a floor general, Campbell is the definition of one. A tough nosed lead guard who creates on both ends of the floor, he showed the ability to guard ball handlers on the perimeter and get in the paint and create for teammates. He’s a competitor that can impact the game in many different ways.
- Mark Seaman; 6’4″ WF; Cape Henry
Seaman was one of the more consistent players for Cape, even as the game started to get away from them late. The big wing was able to guard multiple positions, and he showed off his stroke from deep going 3-for-4 from downtown. He finished with 16 points and 3 rebounds.
- Malcolm Weathers; 6’4″ WF; Cape Henry
He continues to be a solid secondary option for Cape Henry, and has been consistent on both ends throughout the season. Weathers finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds, all while guard KJ Davis on the other end. He’s a long forward with range off the catch that can defend the best of the best.
- Desmian Devane; 6’1″ WG; Oscar Smith
The shooter had yet another solid game for Oscar Smith, and continues to thrive in Smith’s system. He finished with 15 points and four rebounds, and didn’t just settle as he got to the line six times and converted on five of them.
- Darius Wallace; 6’4″ F; Landstown
Wallace was a force for a young Landstown team, and they needed it with their guards struggling. He was able to score the basketball efficiently, finishing with 13 points on just 5 shots from the floor. He was also an impact on the boards with 5 rebounds, and the defensive end with 3 steals.
Underclassmen that Made a Presence
Here’s a list of the underclassmen that made a presence in the two day event.
- Mike Christmas; 6’5″ WF; Landstown
Christmas is making a case to be one of the highest ranked freshman when our rankings are released. He’s been consistent all season, and shows great feel and versatility on both ends of the floor. He finished with double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 6-for-12 from the field.
- Darien Allison; 6’0″ WG; Norcom
With the focus on the three aforementioned studs for Norcom, Allison has thrived as a catch-and-shoot guy from deep for Norcom in the last few weeks. He’s also a strong guard that can box out and defend in the post. He finished with 12 points on 4-for-7 from the field and 2-for-4 from deep.
- Dajour Rucker; 6’5″ F; Cape Henry
Rucker’s versatility was on display early for Cape Henry, as he was a mismatch with his combination of size and ability to shoot it. However, what makes Rucker special is how hard he plays on every possession. He’s a workhorse on both ends, battles on the glass and in the paint, and is constantly moving without the ball and setting screens. He finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds.