Elite Eight: K-Guard Classic Day 1
I continued my tour of Christmas tournaments across VA, this time stopping at the Salem Civic Center for the first day of the annual K-Guard Classic. With some names I already knew, along with a few new ones to remember,…
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Continue ReadingI continued my tour of Christmas tournaments across VA, this time stopping at the Salem Civic Center for the first day of the annual K-Guard Classic. With some names I already knew, along with a few new ones to remember, it was a great day that helped us see how the landscape of the 540 is shaping up this season. Here’s a look at eight of the best performers from the day.
Vonkuren Saunders | 2017 PG | William Fleming
Saunders set the tone from the jump for Fleming who blew out Magna Vista 59-25 in the first game of the day. A 5’5” point guard, he used his quickness on both ends of the floor to get easy baskets in transition, and he played with passion and energy that helped make his teammates better. He had 12 points at half and 17 for the game, and he showed lightning quick hands with a number of steals and made plays for others before sitting out most of the second half.
Noah Taylor | 2017 G | Lord Botetourt
Taylor was the catalyst for a Botetourt team that looks completely different than last year’s team that experienced a good amount of success. A point guard with deep range and a good handle, he scored 21 points by hitting four three-pointers, and he was the only player that could handle Broadway’s pressure late when they turned it up late.
Jaxson Jameson | 2020 PG | Broadway
He had a tough shooting night for most of the game, but you couldn’t help but be impressed by this kid’s toughness and feel for the game. Standing 5’4” on a good day, Jameson was a dog the whole game hounding opponents much bigger than him on the defensive end and being the primary ball handler and offensive threat as well. He’s the type of kid that will dive for every loose ball or take a charge, then help the kid up afterward, and he never seemed to get tired! He finished with 12 points on the night.
Kent Rooklin | 2017 G | Alleghany
Rooklin got off to a fast start for Alleghany scoring 14 points in the first half to help them to a four point lead at half, and after he went scoreless in the third quarter he helped close the game for them by scoring six points in the final three minutes. A tough nosed 5’10” combo guard, he scored it from all three levels, pushed in transition and didn’t settle with the game on the line. He also finished with four rebounds.
Jordan Richeson | 2019 Wing | Alleghany
One of two sophomores that started for Alleghany, Richeson was stellar from tip to buzzer for them. The 6’2” wing was aggressive when attacking the basket, but he still let the game come to him and picked his spots wisely. He finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds, and was the most efficient player on the floor shooting 6-for-7 from the field and 2-for-3 from the line.
Chase Woodard | 2017 PG | Alleghany
Woodard, who scored 22 points in their upset win over Northside a few weeks ago, was the floor general and did a little bit of everything to help Alleghany win. He wasn’t shooting it particularly well, but instead of continuing to force things he found other ways to be effective. He controlled the tempo, distributed well and was a pest defensively. He finished with 7 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.
Jonah Fitzgerald | 2018 G | Hidden Valley
They told me he’s the starting quarterback for the football team, but if that doesn’t work out he has a chance to play basketball at the collegiate level as well. A stocky 6’5” guard, Fitzgerald showed that he can stroke it, put it on the floor, rebound and distribute as well. His touch from deep was the most impressive part of his game, as he shot 3-for-5 from deep including a couple from a few feet behind the college line. He finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Baker Haviland | 2017 PF | Cave Spring
Haviland had one of his best performances that I’ve personally seen, and was the driving force to a convincing 55-37 win for Cave Spring over Jefferson Forest. He did a good job early, getting Jefferson Forest big John Saunier into foul trouble, and he took advantage after that. He didn’t settle to play on the perimeter, and instead hit the glass and demanded the ball inside when he finished with a number of different post moves. He finished with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds.