Takeaways: 2A State Championships
The end of the 2A State Championships last weekend at VCU weren’t too surprising, as Martinsville repeated as state champions. However, there were a lot of things that we saw and learned throughout the three days of basketball. Here’s some…
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Continue ReadingThe end of the 2A State Championships last weekend at VCU weren’t too surprising, as Martinsville repeated as state champions. However, there were a lot of things that we saw and learned throughout the three days of basketball. Here’s some of the big points we saw in the 2A semifinals and finals.
Martinsville Continues Dynasty
For the second straight season, and 15th time in school history, the Martinsville Bulldogs won the VHSL 2A State Championship. After an up-and-down season, the Bulldogs entered the State Tournament playing their best basketball of the season, and it showed as they essentially walked their way to the crown.
It was the same story for Martinsville as it’s been for the last three seasons, as they rode their big man and Radford commit Devonnte Holland all the way to the championship. The 6’7” forward was phenomenal at VCU, as he shook off physical play to finish with 21 points and 17 rebounds in their semifinal win over Gate City and 23 points and 13 rebounds in the championship against Greensville County.
“I would have to say that Devonnte Holland is one of the most dominant players to play high school basketball in Virginia,” head coach Jeff Atkins said. “To have over 2,100 points and 1,300-1,400 rebounds, he averages three or four blocks a game, these stats are unheard of.”
The Bulldogs continue to make history, as they won their VHSL record 15th state championship in 16 trips to the title game. While a lot of the attention goes to their stars in Holland, senior Jay Dandridge, and juniors Aaron Martin and Jordan Turner, it was their defense that got it done all season.
“One of the things we pride ourselves on is our defense, and we held two teams in the final four to under 40 points,” Atkins said.
Martinsville will lose three starters next year, but with a tradition of winning like no other, don’t be surprised if they make another run to VCU next season.
Peebles Breaks Out for Greensville
Despite their loss in the state championship, senior Jordan Peebles showed out on the big stage. He admitted that he was a little intimidated last season when they made the trip to VCU, but this year he was ready. In their 66-63 overtime win over George Mason in the semifinals, Peebles was the best player on the floor. The 6’6” senior had a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting an efficient 10-for-17 from the floor and 8-for-11 from the free throw line, all while fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Peebles picked up his first offer from West Virginia Wesleyan (D2) following his performance.
Robert Tartt Doesn’t Miss for George Mason
The 2A East Player of the Year missed much of the first half against Greensville in foul trouble, finishing the half with 5 points and 1 rebound in 9 minutes of play. However, he stepped up big time in the second half, willing them back into the game by doing a little bit of everything for them. The 6’0” senior finished the game with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, all while shooting an astounding 9-for-9 from the field. He’s a tweener that has flown highly under the radar, but he showed a lot of grit and leadership in Mason’s only loss of the season.
John Reed-Barnes the Bright Spot for Gate City
Gate City lost their third game of the year to Martinsville in the state semifinals, and this one was their worst one as they came out flat which led to a 78-39 route. However, senior forward John Reed-Barnes didn’t back down in the bright lights. The 6’5” shooter finished with 11 points, including 3-for-6 from behind the arc. His size and ability to shoot the basketball have made a lot of fans out of D2 and D3 schools looking for a mismatch problem.