Governors Challenge Underclassmen: New and Familiar Faces

As usual, we covered the seniors and juniors portion of ball at the Gov Challenge. Now, it's time to take a deep dive into the best underclassmen stories that unfolded out in Salisbury over the 5-day period!    Averi showed some flashes in his first game at the challenge, but overall had a tough outing vs the bracket champions Seton Hall Prep. Averi played better in game one when he attacked quicker rather than allowing the defense to load up on him. Game two he followed up with a special performance. He was electric in his scoring output, starting things with a pair of nice step-back triples. Dominated the first half with scoop layups off the dribble drive and hounding backcourt defense resulting in steals and fastbreak finishes. Made great reads in the second half and found his big men down low after driving the lane. Showed the full package during his time at the Governors Challenge.     Justin always comes out and plays superb defense on his matchup. This trip at the challenge served no different for him, as he dominated the game in stretches on the defensive end. He allows nothing easy no matter if he is guarding the top scorer or a taller forward. In his first game against St. Paul his defense translated to offense nicely, as he came away with a few transition baskets. Harris knocked down some big jumpshots in this game as well. He complimented the team well and was a vital piece to New Hope's championship run in Salisbury.     Davis showed each game that he was one of the top players on the floor. The way he can create for himself and his teammates is special to see. There were stretches in each game where he beat his defender and got to the cup with such ease, either drawing a foul or beating the help defense and finishing at the basket. He heats up in a hurry, can hit jumpers off the dribble or P&R or explode to the rim. Darrell is the center of a young and hungry team at Boys Latin that has been turning a lot of heads this season, their latest feat bringing home championship rights from the Governors Challenge.     Maret did not achieve the success they hoped for coming into Salisbury, but they have a few gems leading the charge. One of them being the young bull [player_tooltip player_id='2722746' first='Cole' last='Riley']. He is fierce under the basket, ripping down rebounds through crowds consistently. He can finish well inside and through contact, had a number of and-1's during his two outings. Cole showed the ability to attack the basket off the dribble on the perimeter. His handle has the potential to improve to help Cole become a consistent slashing threat. Cole's activity on the floor is his biggest attribute, as he always seems to find the ball and asserts himself into the right position on the floor. He is strong in the paint and can get his shot off inside at will. Promising showing from the young forward.     Once the big man Krisko caught his rhythm, Trey followed very well. He found his shooting touch and buried jumpers from all over the floor. Trey came off screens and also spotted up on the perimeter and hit open shots consistently. He attacked the closeouts well and could hit just as efficiently in the midrange. Trey became lethal in transition at different points in the second half, driving the lane or pulling up for the jumper and hitting with too much space. Lonardo left a statement that he is here to stay in VA after his time at the challenge.     Tyjuan showed some promise in his game two vs eventual champion Fairmont Heights. He was the lead guard for Carver Vo and kept the team in the game with a couple big shots. He totaled a number of steals through the game, especially in the second half. Tyjuan was an active presence on the floor, involved in a lot of plays for the team. He played well in transition, started the break many times and got the ball out of traffic after helping out on the glass. Has nice shooting touch and knocked down a couple of open jump shots on the perimeter.     Noah is always right in the mix on the court. He is a slithery slasher that can make his way to the cup unscathed. He got through the defense on a number of occasions and either created a layup for himself or made a pass out to an open teammate. Noah played solid defense which keeps him on the floor for long stretches, really a positive for his team most times. Can shoot the ball when he's given space, but would rather slash the lane and create inside the perimeter. Big performances from the freshman to bring back the championship from Salisbury.

As usual, we covered the seniors and juniors portion of ball at the Gov Challenge. Now, it's time to take a deep dive into the best underclassmen stories that unfolded out in Salisbury over the 5-day period!