The ever popular Hampton Roads Fall League at Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton was buzzing Thursday, with the playoffs starting in a little over a week and some big matchups, including a few teams that will be expected to compete for a state championship this season. With over 24 teams and six varsity games going on at once, it's impossible to see every thing, but here's what we took away from a competitive day of games.
John Marshall Picks up Key Preseason Wins
While it is just fall league, and they’re playing without a few key pieces that are playing football, John Marshall picked up two close victories over previously undefeated Lake Taylor and two time defending 4A state champions Norcom. The win over Norcom carries a little more value, because the 4A powerhouse has been reclassified to 3A, and the two could eventually meet in a big time postseason matchup.
Marshall, who started two freshmen and an eighth grader, needed some tough tests before the season started to test their young core. The freshmen showed that they were up for the test, as point guard Lavar Allen made crucial plays down the stretch in the Lake Taylor game, and wing DeMarr McRae showed flashes that he could provide the energetic plays that were vacated by Tre Patterson last season. Still, it was the same dynamic duo in senior sharp shooter Jeremy Sheppard and productive post Greg Jones that Marshall leaned on, and the two did not disappoint. They will be more important than ever in their chase for their second state title in three seasons.
Travius Smith Shuts the Gym Down
Don’t get it twisted, every one knows the big play ability of Lake Taylor senior Travius Smith, but that doesn’t mean even he can’t shock us with athletic aerial displays that left the gym in awe on Thursday. While Lake Taylor lost two heartbreakers to John Marshall and Green Run by a combined five points, but Smith literally shut the gym down with a few highlight worthy dunks that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The one in particular, that stopped the game and blew up twitter, was a coast-to-coast one handed throw down from one step inside the free throw line that had people running to the court from all over the gym. The 6’3 wing has long been known for his athletic and defensive abilities, and when he gets in downhill scenarios he’ll keep the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Norcom Shows More of the Same
They may have dropped a close one to John Marshall, but the reigning state champions were in midseason form Thursday, and you could expect that with them returning their four top producers from last season. Norcom may sports the deepest backcourt in the state, with four guards that can create their own shot in senior Travis Fields, junior Travis Ingram and sophomores Tommie Pope and Dereon Seabron.
The key players will be Fields, who is the only senior that will play a big role with his ability to lead and toughness on both ends, and junior combo forward Kevin “KJ” Davis, who was huge in the state championship win last season. Davis, who has grown to a legit 6’6, is primarily known as a stretch four who rebounds like a big, took advantage of mismatches on the perimeter, attacking opposing bigs off the bounce and showing improved quickness. He looks much more limber and athletic, and as he transitions to becoming a true wing his recruitment should see a nice boost.
There isn’t much to doubt with this Greyhounds squad, who are deep, talented and experienced. They will play another tough schedule, which is no surprise at all, and should compete with Marshall, Northside, George Wythe and Spotswood who all were impressive teams in 3A last season.
Mike Christmas Shines for Young Landstown Team
It’s not often that Head Coach Dwight Robinson has to go in what's considered a “rebuilding” mode at Landstown, where he’s reached the 6A state tournament the last two seasons and built one of the best programs in Hampton Roads. However, they did lose three of their best players from last year’s team to graduation and reclassification, but they do have one of the best freshmen in the state in 6’4 wing Mike Christmas.
Christmas sports not only a mature frame, with a strong base and good basketball frame, he also has a mature game that you wouldn’t expect from a young player who’s physically stronger than everyone his age. He showed the ability to work out of the triple threat well, using limited dribbles to create space for his shot, especially in the mid-range where he’s a lethal scorer. The freshman is a smooth athlete with long arms and a high motor on both ends, and he wasn’t afraid to lead his team down the stretch despite being one of the youngest players on the court. He’ll be a prospect to keep an eye on, and with his work ethic he’s sure to be something special.
Emonni Wood Owns the Paint for Green Run
They were short handed Thursday, but still managed to come out with a few victories, including a two point win over Lake Taylor on a game winner by Justin Barnett with just over ten seconds left. However, the story was how hard, and well, junior post Emonni Wood played for the Stallions in the absence of some of their top offensive weapons. Wood was active and vocal on both ends, and brought real energy to the Stallions in the form of blocked shots, tough rebounds and some big slams. He held the paint down for them, and with a team full of talent in the backcourt and on the wing, he’ll be important for them if they want to compete in a stacked 5A South this season.
Extra Notes
- Every time we see Princess Anne’s Michael Barfield-Owens, he impresses us more and more. The 6’5 forward has led PA to a 9-1 record in the fall league, and has done it with energy and hard work on both ends. Despite having to play the post for their undersized team, he uses his quickness and length to create mismatches and has scored it at a high clip throughout the fall.
- Along with Owens, 2019 Tim Montgomery continues to impress a lot for PA, and will be a dynamic point guard as the season goes along. A 5’9 floor general, Montgomery has a high IQ and is really strong with the ball, finishing in the lane over bigger players with both hands and making plays in their uptempo system on both ends.
- Tallwood senior Clifton Spann can be a real matchup problem with his size and ability to put the ball on the floor. The wide based 6’4 post showed the ability to handle it in transition, and was surprisingly shifty for his size. He’s one of the more underrated seniors in Hampton Roads.
- Get used to the name Leland Richardson, because the kid can flat out play. 6’4 and bouncy, the Heritage junior wing is a menace in transition and an assassin from deep. He has good size and deep range, which is always a tough combination to deal with as a defender.
- Kempsville continues to rebuild after a rough few years, but Head Coach Taft Hickman feels like he has the right guy leading it in 2018 point guard Malik Jordan. He has to get bigger and stronger, the lead guard’s a shifty ball handler with good end-to-end speed and a smooth pull up in the mid range.
