Rather than letting the Republican Presidential Primary voters have all the fun, the Augusta Basketball Report has set up a poll to allow readers to "nominate" Friday's "Game of the Night." The last three featured games, (Josey@Westside, Jan 24; Washington County@Butler, Jan 27; and Westside@Thomson, Jan 31) have been selected from the super competitive region 3 AAA race. This Friday, we add the possibility of featuring three other area teams at or near the top of their respective region standings: the Aquinas Fighting Irish, the Evans Knights, and the Laney Wildcats. Vote directly to the right of this post. If you need help, refer to the following Augusta Basketball Report "Cheat Sheet:"
Showing posts with label HS Hoops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HS Hoops. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Region 3 AAA Cheat Sheet
The region standings are getting interesting as local boys high school basketball teams approach the end of the regular season. HS Hoops analyzes Tuesday's key match ups:
Game of the Night
Westside Patriots (13-6, 5-2) at Thomson Bulldogs (18-2, 7-0) 6:30 P.M.
Westside Patriots (13-6, 5-2) at Thomson Bulldogs (18-2, 7-0) 6:30 P.M.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Invitational Features Future 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.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
William Avery Invitational Game 3 (Norcross vs Stephenson)
In the highlights below, watch senior guard Derek Harper lead the Stephenson Jaguars in a 51-48 upset over the Norcross Blue Devils in game 3 of the William Avery Invitational at Christenberry Fieldhouse (home of the Augusta State Jaguars) on January 28, 2012. And get a sneak peak at the highlights from Game 4 between United Faith Christian and Central Park Christian.
During the next few days, HS Hoops will publish highlights of, and stories about, all of the games from Saturday's Invitational. These posts can easily be accessed in the tab above labeled "William Avery Invitational."
During the next few days, HS Hoops will publish highlights of, and stories about, all of the games from Saturday's Invitational. These posts can easily be accessed in the tab above labeled "William Avery Invitational."
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Update from William Avery Invitational
Three games are in the books at the inaugural William Avery Invitational. Here are some early results:
Augusta Eagles 83, Fox Creek 63
Hepzibah 48, Evans 44 (unofficial)
Stephenson 51, Norcross 48
Enjoy the highlights from the opening game between the Augusta Eagles and the Fox Creek Predators.
Augusta Eagles 83, Fox Creek 63
Hepzibah 48, Evans 44 (unofficial)
Stephenson 51, Norcross 48
Enjoy the highlights from the opening game between the Augusta Eagles and the Fox Creek Predators.
Burden Propels Washington County to 17-0 Record
by HS Hoops
The Washington County Golden Hawks moved to 17-0 Friday night, defeating the Butler Bulldogs 52-40 at Butler High School. Juwan Burden scored 27 point to lead the Golden Hawks. Burden displayed a wide range of skills, scoring off the dribble, in the mid range, and at the rim. The two teams traded baskets much of the game, as the sub region rivals' defensive performances made scoring points difficult for each other. But Burden poured in the points late.
In addition to sporting a 17-0 record, the Golden Hawks' 7-0 region record puts Washington County in the driver's seat to attain the region tournaments highest seed. Enjoy the video highlights from Friday's featured match up.
The Washington County Golden Hawks moved to 17-0 Friday night, defeating the Butler Bulldogs 52-40 at Butler High School. Juwan Burden scored 27 point to lead the Golden Hawks. Burden displayed a wide range of skills, scoring off the dribble, in the mid range, and at the rim. The two teams traded baskets much of the game, as the sub region rivals' defensive performances made scoring points difficult for each other. But Burden poured in the points late.
In addition to sporting a 17-0 record, the Golden Hawks' 7-0 region record puts Washington County in the driver's seat to attain the region tournaments highest seed. Enjoy the video highlights from Friday's featured match up.
Friday, January 27, 2012
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!):
Big Night for Region AAA Teams
by HS Hoops
Friday's region match ups provide opportunities for several Augusta area AAA boys basketball teams to solidify their positions heading into the last weeks of regular season region play. Teams are fighting for one of four coveted "byes" in the region tournament. A first or second place in either of the sub regions does the trick. Washington County, Butler, Thomson, Westside, and Josey all currently occupy one of the top two spots in their respective sub regions, but almost all of these teams (with undefeated Washington County being the lone exception) can lose ground Friday. And Richmond Academy, Glenn Hills, and Burke County can all move into second place under various scenarios. HS Hoops breaks down the various AAA sub region contests and the implications on the standings:
Sub Region 3A AAA
Washington County Golden Hawks (16-0, 6-0) at Butler Bulldogs (11-8, 4-2)
Washington County looks to clinch at least a share of the number one spot in the sub region by defeating Butler, last season's region champion and state tournament runner up. A win will improve the sub region record to 7-0. A Butler win would move the Bulldogs firmly into second place and one step closer to catching Washington County.
Playing at home should benefit Butler. Senior Dan Lambert and junior Ronald Jones are solid front court players with valuable experience in important games. But Washington County is undefeated for a reason. The Golden Hawks, the sub region's only team located a good bit away from the city of Augusta, are a bit of a mystery to many who haven't seen them in action this season. HS Hoops will get its first look at Washington County Friday. We know freshman guard AJ Gray is a big contributor and that Coach Carlos Hope is one of the best around. Staying undefeated with a win over Butler on the road will speak loudly for the potential damage the Golden Hawks may inflict come region tournament and state tournament time.
Friday's region match ups provide opportunities for several Augusta area AAA boys basketball teams to solidify their positions heading into the last weeks of regular season region play. Teams are fighting for one of four coveted "byes" in the region tournament. A first or second place in either of the sub regions does the trick. Washington County, Butler, Thomson, Westside, and Josey all currently occupy one of the top two spots in their respective sub regions, but almost all of these teams (with undefeated Washington County being the lone exception) can lose ground Friday. And Richmond Academy, Glenn Hills, and Burke County can all move into second place under various scenarios. HS Hoops breaks down the various AAA sub region contests and the implications on the standings:
Sub Region 3A AAAWashington County Golden Hawks (16-0, 6-0) at Butler Bulldogs (11-8, 4-2)
Washington County looks to clinch at least a share of the number one spot in the sub region by defeating Butler, last season's region champion and state tournament runner up. A win will improve the sub region record to 7-0. A Butler win would move the Bulldogs firmly into second place and one step closer to catching Washington County.
Playing at home should benefit Butler. Senior Dan Lambert and junior Ronald Jones are solid front court players with valuable experience in important games. But Washington County is undefeated for a reason. The Golden Hawks, the sub region's only team located a good bit away from the city of Augusta, are a bit of a mystery to many who haven't seen them in action this season. HS Hoops will get its first look at Washington County Friday. We know freshman guard AJ Gray is a big contributor and that Coach Carlos Hope is one of the best around. Staying undefeated with a win over Butler on the road will speak loudly for the potential damage the Golden Hawks may inflict come region tournament and state tournament time.Thursday, January 26, 2012
Harlem's Reid is a Dynamic Player
by HS Hoops
Tuesday night, Reggie Reid scored a game high 30 points and led the Harlem Bulldogs to a 57-48 victory against Grovetown High School. In recent articles (like this one), Columbia News Times columnist Ashley Brown compares the freshman point guard to some of the Augusta area's best guards from the past 20 years. Whether Reid achieves success at the levels of former Westside Patriots and UCONN Huskies guard Ricky Moore; former Thomson Bulldog, Pittsburg Panther, and 1st round NBA draft pick Vonteego Cummings; or former Duke standout and NBA lottery pick William Avery remains to be seen and is largely dependent on Reid's work ethic and good fortune.
But after a handful of games this season, one thing appears to be obvious: Reggie Reid thoroughly enjoys playing basketball. And who could blame him? He is a superb ball handler with the ability to make teammates better. He combines his athleticism and intelligence with his dribbling and shooting skills to score from everywhere - behind the 3 point line, in the medium range, and at the rim. And he uses his quick feet, quick hands, and jumping ability to disrupt offenses, stealing the ball from dribblers, playing the passing lanes, and swatting away fast break layups.
I like the comparison to Ricky Moore the best. But those are huge shoes to fill. Just ask anyone who was fortunate enough to play with Ricky how easy he made the game for teammates. But with the apparent love for the game that seems to radiate from Reggie Reid, I would not rush to doubt the young Bulldog. Enjoy some of Reid's highlights and watch out for this young guard in the years to come.
Tuesday night, Reggie Reid scored a game high 30 points and led the Harlem Bulldogs to a 57-48 victory against Grovetown High School. In recent articles (like this one), Columbia News Times columnist Ashley Brown compares the freshman point guard to some of the Augusta area's best guards from the past 20 years. Whether Reid achieves success at the levels of former Westside Patriots and UCONN Huskies guard Ricky Moore; former Thomson Bulldog, Pittsburg Panther, and 1st round NBA draft pick Vonteego Cummings; or former Duke standout and NBA lottery pick William Avery remains to be seen and is largely dependent on Reid's work ethic and good fortune.
But after a handful of games this season, one thing appears to be obvious: Reggie Reid thoroughly enjoys playing basketball. And who could blame him? He is a superb ball handler with the ability to make teammates better. He combines his athleticism and intelligence with his dribbling and shooting skills to score from everywhere - behind the 3 point line, in the medium range, and at the rim. And he uses his quick feet, quick hands, and jumping ability to disrupt offenses, stealing the ball from dribblers, playing the passing lanes, and swatting away fast break layups.
I like the comparison to Ricky Moore the best. But those are huge shoes to fill. Just ask anyone who was fortunate enough to play with Ricky how easy he made the game for teammates. But with the apparent love for the game that seems to radiate from Reggie Reid, I would not rush to doubt the young Bulldog. Enjoy some of Reid's highlights and watch out for this young guard in the years to come.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Team Effort Powers Westside Over Josey
After struggling to score much of the night and falling behind 31-22 to the Josey Eagles at halftime, the Westside Patriots got contributions from several players and forced overtime before leading scorer Frank Booker delivered a crucial three point play to seal the Patriot victory. The win improves Westside's region record to 4-2, tying Josey's region mark, which falls to 4-2 with the loss.The Eagles controlled the game for the first 20 minutes. Forward Kyle Doyle, the game's leading scorer with 24 points, displayed his versatility by scoring in the post, facing the basket, and in transition. Stopping Doyle is difficult as he can score on smaller players inside and beat bigger players off the dribble.
But Westside got contributions from Kendell Harris and Tommy Graham at key moments during the third and fourth quarters. In addition to Harris's jump shots and Graham's baskets inside, Westside guard Frank Booker, who suffered a cold spell from behind the three point line all night, converted numerous free throws after drawing fouls going to the basket.
Eventually, Booker's 3 point play with less than one minute remaining in overtime put the Patriots ahead for good.
Check out the video highlights of this exciting cross town rivalry and key region matchup.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Eagles Fall to First Presbyterian
by HS Hoops
1/23/12
The Augusta Eagles came up short in the second of back to back games during their road trip to South Georgia (January 20-21), falling 61-58 to perennial GISA power First Presbyterian Christian Academy. The loss, Augusta's third straight during a string of grueling games versus the southeast's best independent, Christian, and club teams, leaves the Eagles' record at 15-6.
The Highlanders jumped out to a 9-0 advantage as freshman guard Herbert Roberts scored from all over the court early. But the Eagles defense adjusted, and Augusta's Austin Crown and Matt Miller combined to score 22 first half points. The Highlanders took a 28-27 lead into the break.
The teams took turns making scoring runs during the second half. First the Highlanders scored 6 unanswered points to take a 34-27 lead at the 5:18 mark in the third quarter. But Crown and Miller combined for 15 points during a 17-2 Eagles run that secured a late third quarter 44-36 Augusta lead.
First Presbyterian came roaring back behind a barrage of jump shots by Chris Guilfo and Domonique Kirkley. The teams traded baskets before a three point play by Roberts put the Highlanders ahead for good.
Roberts (15), Guilfo (14), Josiah Alleyne (13), and Kirkley (11) all scored in double figures for First Presbyterian. Crown (25) and Miller (24) led the Eagles in the loss.
The Eagles next visit Curtis Baptist Tuesday, January 24, at 7PM.
1/23/12
The Augusta Eagles came up short in the second of back to back games during their road trip to South Georgia (January 20-21), falling 61-58 to perennial GISA power First Presbyterian Christian Academy. The loss, Augusta's third straight during a string of grueling games versus the southeast's best independent, Christian, and club teams, leaves the Eagles' record at 15-6.
The Highlanders jumped out to a 9-0 advantage as freshman guard Herbert Roberts scored from all over the court early. But the Eagles defense adjusted, and Augusta's Austin Crown and Matt Miller combined to score 22 first half points. The Highlanders took a 28-27 lead into the break.
The teams took turns making scoring runs during the second half. First the Highlanders scored 6 unanswered points to take a 34-27 lead at the 5:18 mark in the third quarter. But Crown and Miller combined for 15 points during a 17-2 Eagles run that secured a late third quarter 44-36 Augusta lead.
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| FPCA - GISA AA State Perennial State Champions |
First Presbyterian came roaring back behind a barrage of jump shots by Chris Guilfo and Domonique Kirkley. The teams traded baskets before a three point play by Roberts put the Highlanders ahead for good.
Roberts (15), Guilfo (14), Josiah Alleyne (13), and Kirkley (11) all scored in double figures for First Presbyterian. Crown (25) and Miller (24) led the Eagles in the loss.
The Eagles next visit Curtis Baptist Tuesday, January 24, at 7PM.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Faith Baptist Shoots Down Eagles
by HS Hoops
The Faith Baptist Crusaders and the Augusta Eagles put on a shooting exhibition at Faith Baptist's home gym in Ludowici, Georgia, Friday night. In the end, the Crusaders proved to have more ammunition, securing an 84-74 victory and improving to an 18-5 record. Augusta's second consecutive loss, following Tuesday's 55-43 defeat at Mount Vernon, leaves the Eagles record at 15-5.
The Eagles started strong, establishing a 14-6 lead and trading baskets with Faith Baptist most of the first half before falling behind 36-33 at intermission. Augusta got many good scoring opportunities by using the screen and roll against the Crusdaders' man to man defense and eventually attacking Faith Baptist's 3-2 zone with dribble penetration. Matt Miller scored 14 points during the opening half, and Paul Jones provided a spark with 9 first half points, including 3 three pointers, and Dominic Brown added 7 in the opening half.
After a slow start, Faith Baptist patiently attacked Augusta's defense, getting good shots in the paint and consistently converting free throw opportunities. Jaquez Motley (34 points) and Shaven Steves (34 points) played intelligent floor games, repeatedly passing up quick, long shots, and working the ball into scoring range. The pair led the Crusaders to an impressive field goal percentage (52%), while making 60% of their two point shots.
The Eagles also shot impressively, doing most of their damage from three point land (15-25, 60%). Matt Miller led the way with 34 points, Austin Crown added 19, and Paul Jones finished with 14 in the loss.
The extra shot attempts created by Faith Baptist's 27-21 rebounding and 16-8 turnover advantage proved to be the difference in a game that saw few missed shots.
Check out this video for highlights from the game.
The Faith Baptist Crusaders and the Augusta Eagles put on a shooting exhibition at Faith Baptist's home gym in Ludowici, Georgia, Friday night. In the end, the Crusaders proved to have more ammunition, securing an 84-74 victory and improving to an 18-5 record. Augusta's second consecutive loss, following Tuesday's 55-43 defeat at Mount Vernon, leaves the Eagles record at 15-5.
The Eagles started strong, establishing a 14-6 lead and trading baskets with Faith Baptist most of the first half before falling behind 36-33 at intermission. Augusta got many good scoring opportunities by using the screen and roll against the Crusdaders' man to man defense and eventually attacking Faith Baptist's 3-2 zone with dribble penetration. Matt Miller scored 14 points during the opening half, and Paul Jones provided a spark with 9 first half points, including 3 three pointers, and Dominic Brown added 7 in the opening half.
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| The Eagles visit Faith Baptist in first of two game road trip. |
The Eagles also shot impressively, doing most of their damage from three point land (15-25, 60%). Matt Miller led the way with 34 points, Austin Crown added 19, and Paul Jones finished with 14 in the loss.
The extra shot attempts created by Faith Baptist's 27-21 rebounding and 16-8 turnover advantage proved to be the difference in a game that saw few missed shots.
Check out this video for highlights from the game.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Mount Vernon Defeats Eagles Again
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| GISA Defending State Champs Mount Vernon Mustangs |
For the second time this season, the Augusta Eagles were defeated by the Mount Vernon Mustangs in Mount Vernon's home gym in Atlanta, Georgia. Tuesday's (January 17) 55-43 loss drops Augusta's record to 14-4 for the season. Mount Vernon, the defending Georgia Independent Schools (GISA) AAA state champions, improve to 20-2 for the season.
The Eagles took an early 13-6 lead after early offense from Austin Crown, Dominic Brown, and Jacob Greenway. But the Mustangs closed the initial quarter with a 7-0 run, including a buzzer beating shot from behind half court by Ty Hudson, to even the score at 13-13. After Mount Vernon took a brief 25-21 lead late in the second quarter, Crown and Augusta's Matt Miller each made a three pointer to tie the game at 27 heading to intermission.
Both teams' man to man defenses performed well during the first half. Points were hard to come by as jump shots were contested, driving lanes were closed, and good positioning allowed each team to keep the other off the free throw line. After a low scoring third quarter, Mount Vernon entered the final 8 minutes with a 37-36 lead. But freshman guards Mikell Lands (20 points) and Ty Hudson (16 points) proved to be too much for the Eagles to handle on a cold shooting night, and the Mustangs established a late 6 point advantage before converting 3 layups in the game's final minutes against Augusta's full court trap. Austin Crown led the Eagles with 18 points.
For the Eagles, the matchup with Mount Vernon is one of a series of stiff January tests. After opening 2012 with a win against a scrappy Curtis Baptist (Augusta, GA) squad, the Eagles fell to the defending SCISA state champion Heathwood Hall Highlanders (Columbia, SC) on January 7.
The Eagles then defeated a strong Georgia Elite Christian team, a "club" team that features 7 footer John Egbunu, 57-56 in a scrimmage in Augusta on January 13. See highlights from this exciting contest directly below.
The string of difficult January games continues Friday night in a game at the home gym of Savannah's Faith Baptist. The Eagles then meet GISA power First Presbyterian Saturday, followed by another contest with Curtis Baptist (Tuesday, January 24) and a home game against the Easley Guardians (Friday, January 27). January's final contest is Saturday, January 28, against Fox Creek High School in the kickoff game (noon) of the William Avery Invitational. This game will be played at Christenberry Fieldhouse, the home of the Augusta State University Jaguars.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Heathwood Hall Snaps Eagles Win Streak
by HS Sports
Saturday, January 7, the South Carolina Independent School Association's (SCISA) defending AAA state champion Heathwood Hall Highlanders handed the Augusta Eagles their first defeat since their December 1st loss to Dominion Christian from Marietta, GA. Sandwiched between the losses were 9 consecutive victories. The Eagles now sport a 13-3 record heading into the final month of the regular season. Augusta's next tests include a January 13 scrimmage versus Georgia Elite (8:30, Patriots Park in Grovetown, GA) and a January 14 game in Easley, SC, versus the homeschool Easley Guardians.
See the video directly below for highlights of the January 7 game between Heathwood Hall and the Augusta Eagles.
After opening the season with tough contests against two of the top private school (Mount Vernon from Atlanta, GA) and homeschool (Central Virginia Patriots from Richmond, VA) teams on the east coast, the Eagles opened December with a hard fought 67-66 overtime loss to Dominion Christian (Marietta, GA) in the opening round of the Garden City Classic at Augusta Preparatory Day School. (See highlights below)
Austin Crown led the Eagles with 34 points in the loss. Harrison Kristofak scored 22 points to lead the Dominion Christian second half comeback. Dominion proceeded to defeat Augusta Prep in the tournament's semifinal game before falling to Westminster (Augusta, GA) in the championship game.
The Eagles recovered from the opening round defeat to win its next two tournament games versus Briarwood (Thomson, GA) and Curtis Baptist (Augusta, GA). Augusta's Matt Miller received All Tournament honors after scoring 26 points versus Curtis Baptist in the final tournament game.
The Eagles extended the winning streak to 3 games with one of the most impressive performances of the team's season in an away game versus McCormick High School on December 5. The Eagles were led in scoring by Matt Miller (29), Austin Crown (20), and Dominic Brown (12). The 69-52 victory established a 7-2 Augusta record. See highlights from the McCormick/Eagles game below.
Following the McCormick win, the Eagles recorded victories against private school teams Alleluia; St Andrews (Savannah, GA); Lake Pointe (SC); and Curtis Baptist and the homeschool Lowcountry Wildcats (Charleston, SC) and Providence Panthers (Columbia, SC), extending the winning streak to nine before Heathwood Hall snapped it.
In the Highlanders' 73-59 January 7 defeat of the Eagles, Joseph James led the way with 38 points, 28 coming in the first half. James is ranked by ESPN as the 9th best senior basketball player in the state of South Carolina, and he leads a strong team with a history of impressive accomplishments. Matt Miller led the Eagles with 28 points, including 18 in the first half, and Austin Crown added 18. The Highlanders expanded its 44-43 halftime lead to 56-48 at the end of three quarters, before sealing the victory with good shooting, intelligent play, and stingy defense.
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| 2011 SCISA State Champion Heathwood Hall |
See the video directly below for highlights of the January 7 game between Heathwood Hall and the Augusta Eagles.
After opening the season with tough contests against two of the top private school (Mount Vernon from Atlanta, GA) and homeschool (Central Virginia Patriots from Richmond, VA) teams on the east coast, the Eagles opened December with a hard fought 67-66 overtime loss to Dominion Christian (Marietta, GA) in the opening round of the Garden City Classic at Augusta Preparatory Day School. (See highlights below)
Austin Crown led the Eagles with 34 points in the loss. Harrison Kristofak scored 22 points to lead the Dominion Christian second half comeback. Dominion proceeded to defeat Augusta Prep in the tournament's semifinal game before falling to Westminster (Augusta, GA) in the championship game.
The Eagles recovered from the opening round defeat to win its next two tournament games versus Briarwood (Thomson, GA) and Curtis Baptist (Augusta, GA). Augusta's Matt Miller received All Tournament honors after scoring 26 points versus Curtis Baptist in the final tournament game.
The Eagles extended the winning streak to 3 games with one of the most impressive performances of the team's season in an away game versus McCormick High School on December 5. The Eagles were led in scoring by Matt Miller (29), Austin Crown (20), and Dominic Brown (12). The 69-52 victory established a 7-2 Augusta record. See highlights from the McCormick/Eagles game below.
Following the McCormick win, the Eagles recorded victories against private school teams Alleluia; St Andrews (Savannah, GA); Lake Pointe (SC); and Curtis Baptist and the homeschool Lowcountry Wildcats (Charleston, SC) and Providence Panthers (Columbia, SC), extending the winning streak to nine before Heathwood Hall snapped it.
In the Highlanders' 73-59 January 7 defeat of the Eagles, Joseph James led the way with 38 points, 28 coming in the first half. James is ranked by ESPN as the 9th best senior basketball player in the state of South Carolina, and he leads a strong team with a history of impressive accomplishments. Matt Miller led the Eagles with 28 points, including 18 in the first half, and Austin Crown added 18. The Highlanders expanded its 44-43 halftime lead to 56-48 at the end of three quarters, before sealing the victory with good shooting, intelligent play, and stingy defense.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Eagles End Busy Week with Win
by HS Hoops
The Augusta Eagles defeated the North Atlanta Christian (NAC) Flight 69-36 Saturday, November 19, in Atlanta, Georgia. After jumping out to a 21-3 advantage late in the first quarter, the Eagles never looked back. Six Eagles scored, and four (Austin Crown, Matt Miller, Jacbob Greenway, and Jonathan Pye) scored in double figures.
Although the game was Augusta's first regular season game since being defeated in overtime one week earlier by the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Mustangs, the Eagles had a busy week. On Tuesday evening and Thursday evening, the team travelled to Bethune Bowman (Bowman, SC) and Allendale Fairfax (Fairfax, SC) to scrimmage against those public school's teams. The extra competition helped Augusta to focus on areas needing improvement.
"Our loss to Mount Vernon and our scrimmage game against Bethune Bowman exposed some weaknesses that we worked hard to correct Thursday and Friday. We looked good Saturday, probably better than we would have looked had we not played such tough scrimmages during the week, "Eagles Coach Chad Cook said after Saturday's win.
The Eagles play once more before the Thanksgiving break. McCormick High School will visit Augusta's home gym at Saint Mark United Methodist Church (2367 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30904) Tuesday at 7:30.
The following video contains highlights from Augusta's busy week.
The Augusta Eagles defeated the North Atlanta Christian (NAC) Flight 69-36 Saturday, November 19, in Atlanta, Georgia. After jumping out to a 21-3 advantage late in the first quarter, the Eagles never looked back. Six Eagles scored, and four (Austin Crown, Matt Miller, Jacbob Greenway, and Jonathan Pye) scored in double figures.
Although the game was Augusta's first regular season game since being defeated in overtime one week earlier by the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Mustangs, the Eagles had a busy week. On Tuesday evening and Thursday evening, the team travelled to Bethune Bowman (Bowman, SC) and Allendale Fairfax (Fairfax, SC) to scrimmage against those public school's teams. The extra competition helped Augusta to focus on areas needing improvement."Our loss to Mount Vernon and our scrimmage game against Bethune Bowman exposed some weaknesses that we worked hard to correct Thursday and Friday. We looked good Saturday, probably better than we would have looked had we not played such tough scrimmages during the week, "Eagles Coach Chad Cook said after Saturday's win.
The Eagles play once more before the Thanksgiving break. McCormick High School will visit Augusta's home gym at Saint Mark United Methodist Church (2367 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30904) Tuesday at 7:30.
The following video contains highlights from Augusta's busy week.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Eagles to Meet Flight Again
by HS Hoops
The Augusta Eagles (3-1) travel to the metro Atlanta area Saturday, November 19, to play the North Atlanta Christian Flight. The match up will be the fourth in Augusta's three season history. The Flight lead the series 2-1 after a February, 2010 win (73-61), a January 2011 victory (75-61), and a February 2011 loss in Augusta (83-74).
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| DJ Hoffer - NAC Flight |
The North Atlanta Christian (NAC) Flight, first established in 1994, has consistently been the region's top homeschool basketball team the past two seasons, finishing first (2011) and second (2010) in homeschool basketball's Southeast Regional Championships. The Flight has posted impressive victories against the top teams from Georgia and Tennessee during this time.
The Eagles last played a regular season game Saturday, November 12. But Augusta has kept busy, scrimmaging Bethune Bowman High School (Bowman, SC) and Allendale Fairfax High School (Fairfax, SC) on the Tuesday and Thursday preceding the contest with the Flight.
"The two scrimmages we recently played were as challenging and intense as any regular season games we have played. I think we improved this past week," said Eagles coach Chad Cook.
Click below for a video highlighting Augusta's victory versus North Atlanta during the Eagles' final regular season contest of the 2010-2011 season. After the video, HS Hoops posts the recap of that February game, which was originally published on hslive365.com, a website that covers homeschool basketball.
*****The following is a flashback to the last meeting between the Augusta Eagles and the North Atlanta Christian Flight from 2-12-11 in Augusta, Georgia.*****
by hslive365.com
by hslive365.com
Miller and Crown Lead Augusta Eagles to 83-74 Victory Over North Atlanta Flight
The Augusta Eagles defeated the North Atlanta Flight 83-74 Saturday, February 12, ending the regular season with a 3 game winning streak. The Eagles were paced by leading scorers Matt Miller (36 points) and Austin Crown (32 points). The win establishes a 17-11 record for the Eagles. The Eagles next play in the South Carolina Home School Championships in Greenville, SC, Friday, February 18. Augusta will face the winner between the Upstate Eagles and the Providence Panthers in the semifinals of the tournament.
The Flight and the Eagles played a relatively low scoring first half Saturday. The teams traded leads as Augusta took a 17-14 first quarter lead only to see the Flight answer with a 13-3 run making the score 27-20 midway through the second quarter. The Eagles ended with a mini run of their own and the Flight entered the half with a 29-26 lead. Matt Miller's 18 first half points, including four 3 pointers, kept the Eagles in the ball game through various first half dry spells. The Flight were paced by DJ Hoffer's 11 first half points.
In the second half, the game became a shootout. The Eagles outscored the Flight 57-45 over the third and fourth quarters as the Eagles' Austin Crown came alive, scoring 28 second half points, including four 3 pointers. Miller chipped in with 18 second half points to set the stage for the Eagles best offensive half of the season. Six second half points by Paul Jones came in handy as well as he provided a third scorer on the perimeter during the Eagles' scoring run.
Eagles' seniors Joseph Jessee and Joe Calkins (along with Dominic Brown) contributed with a valiant defensive effort against DJ Hoffer and Conner Smith, the North Atlanta's explosive guards. "Those guys put in a great effort defensively. Smith and Hoffer scored 41 points combined and played an impressive game. But that is about the best we can hope for against those guys. I don't think any team will stop them. We just tried to not let them destroy us the best we could."
After the Eagles took a lead late, solid ball handling and clutch free throw shooting (14-17 in the fourth quarter by Crown, Miller, and Jessee) enabled the Eagles to secure the win.
The win extends a three game winning streak for Augusta after beating the Providence Panthers Friday 82-56 and defeating the Upstate Eagles last Saturday 76-62.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Mount Vernon Defeats Augusta in Overtime
by HS Hoops
The Mount Vernon Mustangs outscored the Augusta Eagles 15-5 during the game's overtime period and won their home opener 74-64, Saturday, November 12th.
After an evenly played first quarter, ending with a 19-17 Mustang advantage, Mount Vernon controlled the second quarter before establishing a 33-23 halftime lead. Arminas Kelmelis, a 6'6" Mustang forward showed off a broad range of offensive skills during the opening half, scoring 13 points. Austin Crown started strong for the Eagles (14 first quarter points) before being slowed by foul trouble.
Midway through the third quarter, Mount Vernon guard Mikell Lands' mid range jump shot gave the Mustangs its largest lead of the game at 39-26. Shortly after, while the Eagles trailed 43-33, Crown fouled out. But Augusta rallied, going on an 18-0 run that spanned much of the third and fourth quarters, establishing a 51-46 lead late in the contest.
Augusta benefitted from hot shooting, making 10 second half 3 pointers (Matt Miller 5, Paul Jones 3, Dominic Brown 2). Junior guard Paul Jones made the first of several timely 3 pointers in transition, giving Augusta its first lead, 47-46, since the first quarter.
But Mount Vernon regained their footing as guard Ty Hudson converted a 3 point play and Kelmelis sank 2 free throws to tie the game at 51. After another Kelmelis free throw, Jones made a baseline jump shot to give Augusta a 53-52 advantage. The teams continued to trade baskets and leads as Lands scored (Mustangs lead 54-53), Augusta's Dominic Brown made a 3 pointer (Eagles lead 56-54), and Hudson converted 2 free throws to tie the game at 56.
With 7.5 seconds remaining, Augusta's Miller barely missed a floater in the lane and fouled Mount Vernon's Hudson with 7.5 seconds remaining. Eagles coach Chad Cook then received a technical foul. After several Mustang free throw attempts gave Mount Vernon a 59-56 lead with 6.5 seconds remaining, Augusta's Miller found Jones in the corner for his biggest shot of many big shots on the night, a long 3 pointer in the right corner just before the buzzer sounded. Jones' shot tied the game at 59, forcing an overtime period.
After Mount Vernon's Joe Sciberras opened the extra period with a bank shot, Jones made another bomb to give the Eagles a 62-61 lead. But back to back baskets by Kelmelis and guard Keon Douglas enabled Mount Vernon to take the lead for good.
Mount Vernon, a young and talented team, was paced by junior forward Arminas Kelmelis (24 points) and freshman guard Ty Hudson (21 points). Senior guard Joe Sciberras added 11 points, making 6 of 6 free throws in the overtime period to secure the Mustangs' lead.
Augusta's Matt Miller scored 20 points, including 17 in the second half. Three other Eagles scored in double figures (Paul Jones 11, Dominic Brown 12, Austin Crown 14), and freshman forward Jacob Greenway added 7 points.
Coach Cook was thrilled with his players' performance, if not his own. "Mount Vernon is a great team. I am so impressed by the progress our players have made. Many guys made big contributions and made even bigger shots when the game was in the balance. I am happy that they are having these experiences so early in the season. I failed them by playing a guy with 3 fouls in the second quarter, and, more importantly, by getting a technical foul at such a bad time. I know better. Our players deserve better," Cook said after the game.
The Augusta Eagles, 3-1 on the season, have a demanding schedule before Thanksgiving. During the next 10 days, they will scrimmage 5 teams (Bethune Bowman High School, Battery Creek High School, Allendale Fairfax High School, Fox Creek High School, and McCormick High School), and they will play a regular season game on the road at the North Atlanta Flight's home in Gwinnett, Georgia (Saturday, November 19, 3:30 P.M.)
View the video below for highlights of the exciting contest.
The Mount Vernon Mustangs outscored the Augusta Eagles 15-5 during the game's overtime period and won their home opener 74-64, Saturday, November 12th.
After an evenly played first quarter, ending with a 19-17 Mustang advantage, Mount Vernon controlled the second quarter before establishing a 33-23 halftime lead. Arminas Kelmelis, a 6'6" Mustang forward showed off a broad range of offensive skills during the opening half, scoring 13 points. Austin Crown started strong for the Eagles (14 first quarter points) before being slowed by foul trouble.
Midway through the third quarter, Mount Vernon guard Mikell Lands' mid range jump shot gave the Mustangs its largest lead of the game at 39-26. Shortly after, while the Eagles trailed 43-33, Crown fouled out. But Augusta rallied, going on an 18-0 run that spanned much of the third and fourth quarters, establishing a 51-46 lead late in the contest.Augusta benefitted from hot shooting, making 10 second half 3 pointers (Matt Miller 5, Paul Jones 3, Dominic Brown 2). Junior guard Paul Jones made the first of several timely 3 pointers in transition, giving Augusta its first lead, 47-46, since the first quarter.
But Mount Vernon regained their footing as guard Ty Hudson converted a 3 point play and Kelmelis sank 2 free throws to tie the game at 51. After another Kelmelis free throw, Jones made a baseline jump shot to give Augusta a 53-52 advantage. The teams continued to trade baskets and leads as Lands scored (Mustangs lead 54-53), Augusta's Dominic Brown made a 3 pointer (Eagles lead 56-54), and Hudson converted 2 free throws to tie the game at 56.
With 7.5 seconds remaining, Augusta's Miller barely missed a floater in the lane and fouled Mount Vernon's Hudson with 7.5 seconds remaining. Eagles coach Chad Cook then received a technical foul. After several Mustang free throw attempts gave Mount Vernon a 59-56 lead with 6.5 seconds remaining, Augusta's Miller found Jones in the corner for his biggest shot of many big shots on the night, a long 3 pointer in the right corner just before the buzzer sounded. Jones' shot tied the game at 59, forcing an overtime period.
After Mount Vernon's Joe Sciberras opened the extra period with a bank shot, Jones made another bomb to give the Eagles a 62-61 lead. But back to back baskets by Kelmelis and guard Keon Douglas enabled Mount Vernon to take the lead for good.
Mount Vernon, a young and talented team, was paced by junior forward Arminas Kelmelis (24 points) and freshman guard Ty Hudson (21 points). Senior guard Joe Sciberras added 11 points, making 6 of 6 free throws in the overtime period to secure the Mustangs' lead.
Augusta's Matt Miller scored 20 points, including 17 in the second half. Three other Eagles scored in double figures (Paul Jones 11, Dominic Brown 12, Austin Crown 14), and freshman forward Jacob Greenway added 7 points.
Coach Cook was thrilled with his players' performance, if not his own. "Mount Vernon is a great team. I am so impressed by the progress our players have made. Many guys made big contributions and made even bigger shots when the game was in the balance. I am happy that they are having these experiences so early in the season. I failed them by playing a guy with 3 fouls in the second quarter, and, more importantly, by getting a technical foul at such a bad time. I know better. Our players deserve better," Cook said after the game.
The Augusta Eagles, 3-1 on the season, have a demanding schedule before Thanksgiving. During the next 10 days, they will scrimmage 5 teams (Bethune Bowman High School, Battery Creek High School, Allendale Fairfax High School, Fox Creek High School, and McCormick High School), and they will play a regular season game on the road at the North Atlanta Flight's home in Gwinnett, Georgia (Saturday, November 19, 3:30 P.M.)
View the video below for highlights of the exciting contest.
Eagles Fall to Mount Vernon in Overtime
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| Mustangs after 2011 State Championship Game |
The Mount Vernon Mustangs, the defending Georgia Independent Schools Association 3A state champions, defeated the Augusta Eagles Saturday, 74-64, in overtime. Check back within the next 24 hours for a full story and video highlights of the contest. And view the video for a sneak peek at Saturday's highlights at Mount Vernon.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Eagles Schedule Packed with Difficult Games
by HS Hoops
Scheduling games for a homeschool basketball team brings unique challenges. Unlike the high school teams in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), the South Carolina High School league, the Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA), and the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA), the Augusta Eagles, the area's lone homeschool basketball team, does not belong to an established state wide association. Therefore, the team cannot count on 12-20 automatic games versus region opponents during each season. To complicate matters further, the GHSA prohibits its member schools from competing against non GHSA teams (like the Augusta Eagles). And the GISA, SCISA, and South Carolina High School League teams tend to have very few openings in their schedules each year because of restrictions on the number of games allowed by association rules and requirements to play region opponents twice during the regular season.
But Eagles coaches have found benefits to not belonging to a formal association of high school teams. "We have to travel to find games, but we are not limited to a certain number of games. And we get to play anyone who will schedule us, besides the GHSA teams," says Eagles boys coach Chad Cook. So the Eagles have used the flexibility that being a homeschool team provides to schedule a group of games and scrimmages in November and December against a diverse group of teams that should prepare the team for the demanding 2012 homeschool regular season and post season tournament games.
The Eagles have already played four times, including an exhibition game versus the Augusta State University alumni basketball team and a preseason tournament (East Coast Tip Off Classic in Greensboro, NC) championship game versus one of the best homeschool basketball teams in the country, the CVHAA Patriots from Richmond, Virginia.
During a 27 day period beginning Saturday, November 12, Augusta will play 11 games and scrimmages against some of the best GISA, South Carolina High School League, SCISA, and homeschool teams. "The great thing about being a homeschool team is that we can get started early and really test ourselves early," Cook adds.
Augusta's near term challenges include a road game this Saturday (November 12) at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School (the GISA's defending 3A State Champions); scrimmages and games versus Bethune Bowman (Nov 15), Fox Creek (Nov 21), McCormick (Nov 22, Dec 5), and Battery Creek of the South Carolina High School League; a road game against the Southeast's premier homeschool team, the North Atlanta Flight; and the Eagles' third entry into the Garden City Classic (December 1-3), hosted by Augusta Prep Day School.
This is the first season that the Eagles have been challenged so early and so often. Saturday's opponent, the Mount Vernon Mustangs, have won two of the last three GISA 3A state championships. The Mustangs compiled a 33-2 record last season before defeating Savannah's Bethesda Day School in the state finals.
HS Hoops will provide updates and highlights of this game and others on augustaeagles.blogspot.com.
Scheduling games for a homeschool basketball team brings unique challenges. Unlike the high school teams in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), the South Carolina High School league, the Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA), and the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA), the Augusta Eagles, the area's lone homeschool basketball team, does not belong to an established state wide association. Therefore, the team cannot count on 12-20 automatic games versus region opponents during each season. To complicate matters further, the GHSA prohibits its member schools from competing against non GHSA teams (like the Augusta Eagles). And the GISA, SCISA, and South Carolina High School League teams tend to have very few openings in their schedules each year because of restrictions on the number of games allowed by association rules and requirements to play region opponents twice during the regular season.
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| Augusta Eagles in Greensboro, NC |
The Eagles have already played four times, including an exhibition game versus the Augusta State University alumni basketball team and a preseason tournament (East Coast Tip Off Classic in Greensboro, NC) championship game versus one of the best homeschool basketball teams in the country, the CVHAA Patriots from Richmond, Virginia.
During a 27 day period beginning Saturday, November 12, Augusta will play 11 games and scrimmages against some of the best GISA, South Carolina High School League, SCISA, and homeschool teams. "The great thing about being a homeschool team is that we can get started early and really test ourselves early," Cook adds.
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| Eagles after finishing 2nd in last season's Garden City Tourney |
This is the first season that the Eagles have been challenged so early and so often. Saturday's opponent, the Mount Vernon Mustangs, have won two of the last three GISA 3A state championships. The Mustangs compiled a 33-2 record last season before defeating Savannah's Bethesda Day School in the state finals.
HS Hoops will provide updates and highlights of this game and others on augustaeagles.blogspot.com.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Eagles Win East Coast Tip Off Classic
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| Augusta Eagles - East Coast Tip Off Classic Champs |
Augusta's Matt Miller capped a furious comeback with a driving layup three seconds before the final buzzer, securing a 57-55 Eagles victory in the championship game of the East Coast Tip Off Classic versus the CVHAA (Richmond, VA) Patriots. The two teams met after sailing through pool play with two lopsided wins each. The Championship was played at the Greensboro College Gymnasium in Greensboro, North Carolina.
CVHAA, the tournament's defending champion, dominated the first half. After the teams traded baskets early, the Patriots 6'6" center Gage Yesback made a driving layup, giving the Patriots a 10-7 lead with 4:12 remaining in the first quarter. Eight minutes later, after Daniel Pittman, another Patriots post player, converted a baseline jump shot, CVHAA held a 28-13 advantage.
With standout forward Benjamin Horner on the bench with two fouls for much of the first two quarters, the Patriots used a balanced scoring attack to gain a 34-20 lead at intermission. CVHAA scored 25 points in the paint to go along with 3 three pointers during the first two quarters. The Eagles struggled to make shots. Austin Crown's 11 first half points prevented the Patriots from completely pulling away.
The Eagles guards found their form during the third quarter, outscoring CVHAA 19-7 in the period. Matt Miller, Austin Crown, and Zach Miller combined to make four 3 pointers in the quarter, and the Eagles cut the Patriots' advantage to 41-39 heading into the final quarter.
After CVHAA's Daniel Johnson found Timothy Pittman for a layup with 5:00 remaining, the Patriots took a 48-43 lead. But the Eagles scored 6 consecutive points, and Dominic Brown's fast break layup after an assist from Austin Crown gave Augusta a 49-48 lead with 3:37 left.
CVHAA then scored 7 straight points, including 3 pointers by Ben Horner and Daniel Johnson. Down 55-49 with 1:05 remaining, the Eagles began an unlikely comeback that included a steal that led to a Matt Miller layup (with an assist from Dominic Brown), a CVHAA technical foul that led to two made free throws, and a floater in the lane by Miller that tied the game at 55 with 53 seconds remaining.
After the Patriots ran the clock down before calling timeout to set up a final play with :10.5 remaining, Augusta's Crown deflected the inbounds pass and tipped the ball to Miller. Miller then converted a layup on a two on one fast break just before the buzzer sounded.
"The game was certainly intense. CVHAA is a great team. We were fortunate to win. Our players never gave up after having many chances to do so," said Eagles coach Chad Cook.
"I decided to attack the basket and not to stop or pass unless someone got in front of me on that last play," said Augusta's Miller of the game winning basket.
Miller led all scorers with 27 points, including 21 in the second half. Crown added 22.
Gage Yesbeck paced the Patriots with 12 points. Daniel Johnson added 11, including three 3 pointers.
The next varsity game for the Augusta Eagles boys basketball team is Saturday, November 12, in Atlanta, Georgia, versus the Georgia Independent School Association's (GISA) 3A defending state champion Mount Vernon.
View the video below for highlights of the East Coast Tip Off Classic championship contest.
The Eagles guards found their form during the third quarter, outscoring CVHAA 19-7 in the period. Matt Miller, Austin Crown, and Zach Miller combined to make four 3 pointers in the quarter, and the Eagles cut the Patriots' advantage to 41-39 heading into the final quarter.
After CVHAA's Daniel Johnson found Timothy Pittman for a layup with 5:00 remaining, the Patriots took a 48-43 lead. But the Eagles scored 6 consecutive points, and Dominic Brown's fast break layup after an assist from Austin Crown gave Augusta a 49-48 lead with 3:37 left.
CVHAA then scored 7 straight points, including 3 pointers by Ben Horner and Daniel Johnson. Down 55-49 with 1:05 remaining, the Eagles began an unlikely comeback that included a steal that led to a Matt Miller layup (with an assist from Dominic Brown), a CVHAA technical foul that led to two made free throws, and a floater in the lane by Miller that tied the game at 55 with 53 seconds remaining.
After the Patriots ran the clock down before calling timeout to set up a final play with :10.5 remaining, Augusta's Crown deflected the inbounds pass and tipped the ball to Miller. Miller then converted a layup on a two on one fast break just before the buzzer sounded.
"The game was certainly intense. CVHAA is a great team. We were fortunate to win. Our players never gave up after having many chances to do so," said Eagles coach Chad Cook.
"I decided to attack the basket and not to stop or pass unless someone got in front of me on that last play," said Augusta's Miller of the game winning basket.
Miller led all scorers with 27 points, including 21 in the second half. Crown added 22.
Gage Yesbeck paced the Patriots with 12 points. Daniel Johnson added 11, including three 3 pointers.
The next varsity game for the Augusta Eagles boys basketball team is Saturday, November 12, in Atlanta, Georgia, versus the Georgia Independent School Association's (GISA) 3A defending state champion Mount Vernon.
View the video below for highlights of the East Coast Tip Off Classic championship contest.
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