Top Performers: John Marshall vs. Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge used a strong second half to take down West Virginia John Marshall on Wednesday night in the City of Palms Classic.
The Pioneers won 75-68 as senior guard Rob Perry led his side with 22 points. Senior Emmitt Williams paced him with 17 points. For John Marshall, junior Levar Allen added a game-high 23 points.
The victory places Oak Ridge into Thursday night’s quarterfinal with Memphis East.
Here are the top performers from the primetime matchup.
Rob Perry (Oak Ridge)
Perry paced his offense all night long with 12 points in the opening half and 10 in the second half to end with 22 points. He was the most consistent player offensively for the Pioneers in this game and for the season, he’s really opened up some eyes. Most impressively, the 6’3″ guard also had 13 rebounds.
Levar Allen (John Marshall)
Built like a linebacker, Allen showed no fear driving to the rack early and often. The junior turned heads with his strength and toughness in this game. He is a leader for this Justices team and I can see a bright future with him at a Division-I program.
Emmitt Williams (Oak Ridge)
Williams returned to his old stomping guards for yet another year, scoring 17 points, recording 13 rebounds and three blocks for his new squad. Previously, a fan favorite at last year’s classic for IMG, he won the dunk contest which he’ll be in again on Wednesday night. Prior to that, he took care of business as a double-double machine.
Isaiah Todd (John Marshall)
6’11” sophomore Isaiah Todd had an impressive first half with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field. Todd was quiet over the final two quarters as Oak Ridge worked extra hard to take him out of the game. Williams had a fun back and forth banter and battle with him.
Antwaan Jones (Oak Ridge)
Even with a right hand injury, senior guard Antwaan Jones played a heck of a game. He posted 14 points and four assists on 6-of-8 shooting from the field. Coming off the bench, it was clear that Jones was limited a bit, but he made the most of his drives to the basket. Jones can really fly to the hoop.
DeMarr McRae (John Marshall)
McRae, a 6’2″ junior shot an effective 6-of-13 from the field, ending with 16 points in 30 minutes on the floor. He gave Allen lots of help with his drives inside and his kick outs. McRae has a good feel for the floor.