Augusta's Avery to Host a Real Show

William Avery, one of Augusta's most successful basketball players, is no stranger to big games and big names.  Having played for some of the most respected basketball teams on the planet (Oak Hill Academy, Duke University, and the Minnesota Timberwolves) and with some of the sports' biggest stars (Kevin Garnett, Elton Brand, Shane Battier), he has an eye for talent.  Of course, he also has a special affinity for the Augusta area.  After all, he teamed with another one of Augusta's basketball greats Ricky Moore to capture a state championship during his sophomore season in high school.

So it is fitting that Avery will bring a unique and special day of high school basketball to Augusta State's Christenberry Fieldhouse Saturday, January 28th.  The slate of six games, beginning at noon and lasting until 9 PM, will include local teams (Butler, Hepzibah, Evans, Fox Creek, and the Augusta Eagles) and teams from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Alabama.  The six games will feature players who, like Avery in his day, are recognized as some of the top high school players in the country.  HS Hoops breaks down the match ups and the players who will be competing.  And as a special bonus, we include various highlights gleaned from that bottomless pit of footage known as YouTube (a relatively simple task given the notoriety of the cast Avery has assembled!):


4:30 PM - United Faith (NC) vs Central Park (AL) 
United Faith coach Mugsy Bogues, the former Charlotte Hornets point guard, has a team loaded with talent.  7' senior center Peter Jurkin, who will play for the Indiana Hoosiers next season, anchors the middle.  He should have no trouble receiving the ball in scoring position as point guard Braxton Ogbueze, who will be a Florida Gator next season, is likely to draw plenty of attention from the Central Park defense.  As if this inside/outside duo weren't enough, the United Faith team also includes 8th grader VJ King, regarded as one of the two best 8th graders in the country.

But don't feel sorry for Central Park.  6'8" senior and future Arkansas Razorback Jacorey Williams and his teammates are no strangers to tough competition.  This team has played nationally prominent teams far outside of its Birmingham, Alabama, home base.

7:30 PM - Butler (Augusta, GA) vs Greater Atlanta Christian (Atlanta, GA)
The night's final matchup will be of much interest to Augusta high school basketball fans.  Butler, last year's GHSA AAA's state runner up from a season ago will face last year's AA state champion.  This match up will be especially difficult for the Bulldogs after hosting undefeated Washington County Friday night in an important sub region contest.  But the home crowd should give the Bulldogs a needed boost against the perennial power from Atlanta.

Noon - Augusta Eagles vs Fox Creek (North Augusta)
Fox Creek won 76-66 in the last meeting between these two local teams during the 2010-2011 season.  The Eagles enter the contest with a 16-6 record.  Fox Creek is rebuilding after losing its top players to graduation and transfers.

3 PM - Norcross (GA) vs Stephenson (GA)
Norcross guard Derrick Herbert is regarded as one of Georgia's best prep point guards, and teammate Harold Givens, as you can see in the highlight below, knows what to do when a good point guard throws him a good pass.

6 PM - Mill Creek (GA) vs Carver (AL)
Future Mississippi State Bulldog Craig Sword will lead Carver against Georgia power Mill Creek.

1:30 PM - Evans vs Hepzibah
Senior Miles McDavid will lead Evans against familiar foe Hepzibah as the teams take a break from region play for some cross town fun.