Invitational Features Future Stars

During the past two decades, Augusta, Georgia, has seen more than its share of high school basketball players who are destined for greatness on the hardwood.  Each July since 1996, Riverview Park in neighboring North Augusta hosts the Nike Peach Jam, giving local basketball fans a close look at future college and NBA stars.

William Avery, who competed in the inaugural Peach Jam as a member of the Georgia Stars before moving on to Duke University and the NBA is no stranger to big moments.  And he has put a twist on Augusta's view of basketball's young elite.  The William Avery Invitational, held Saturday at Augusta State's Christenberry Fieldhouse in the middle of the high school basketball season, gave local fans the chance to see some of the country's best players in a different setting.  Rather than shoving eight teams at a time onto four small (compared to college measurements) courts with randomly blowing whistles, the Invitational featured some of the major college conference's future stars on a regulation college court, playing for standard high school teams with exceptional coaches.

Check the highlights of the day's most impressive game between United Faith Christian (Charlotte, NC) and Central Park (Birmingham, AL).  United Faith, coached by former Charlotte Hornet legend Mugsy Bogues, features future Florida Gator Braxton Ogbueze and future Indiana Hoosier Peter Jurkin.  And Central Park features future Arkansas Razorback Jacorey Williams.

The game, played on a comfortable January afternoon rather than in the scorching heat of July in Augusta, and at the home of the Jaguars rather than Riverview Park, looked familiar.  Yet things were different.  In a good way.  Check it out.