Standouts: Chance Harman Classic Day Two (Part One)
Every year some of the best teams across VA, NC and WV descend upon the quiet mountain town of Floyd County, about 30 minutes outside of Christiansburg. The 11th Annual Chance Harman Classic, which is a nonprofit event that raises money for Pediatric Brain Cancer, all through good basketball.
The second day featured nine, yes nine, games that started at 9:30 AM and ended around 11 PM. Of course there was a ton of talent, so we’ve broken the standouts into three parts. Here’s part one featuring seven players from the first three game sets.
- Jake Martin | George Wythe 2018
Martin stepped up big time in the second game of the day, scoring 31 of his team high 38 points in the second half and overtimes to help Wythe hold off Giles 94-89 in double overtime. The 6’2” guard got off to a somewhat slow start, shooting 2-for-8 in the first half, but he got aggressive in the second half going 11-for-16 and took advantage from the line all game going a perfect 9-for-9. With sound fundamentals and the ability to make shots from all over the court, Martin willed GW to a thrilling win.
- Noah Atwood | George Wythe 2018
While Martin was the star in the second half, Atwood was the guy who got it done for them throughout the game, both as a scorer and a big time rebounder. Atwood finished with 26 points, 17 of them coming in the first half, and he pitched in 12 rebounds on the game as well. An off guard with range and a good frame, Atwood has been a big part of the Maroons success in the past few years, and with the departure of former 1A State Player of the Year Malik Johnson he’s stepped into a bigger role and the two of them should be the go-to guys for them this year.
- Cole Meadows | Giles 2018
We saw Meadows for the first time two years ago at the Chance Harman Classic as a raw and long wing with a lot of potential, and boy has he grown into a player. The 6’5” wing posted the most points of any player in the event, scoring 42 points in their double overtime loss to Wythe. An athletic wing, he’s improved his jump shot, shown the ability to create off the bounce and plays extremely well in transition. He’s one of the most unknown gems in the western VA, and if coaches take the time to come see him a scholarship offer will likely come.
- Zae Baines | North Cross 2020
The sophomore wing had perhaps the best game I have ever seen him have, finishing with 22 points and six rebounds. He shot it well from the field, going 7-for-14 and 3-for-8 from deep, but it was the elite athleticism he showed that really stood out in their win over NW Guilford. He had two big time finishes above the rim, one on an alley-oop and one on a put-back, and he had a couple of big time blocks. one of the chase down variety. If he can continue to improve his jump shot Baines will take off as a basketball player moving forward.
- Nariq Bailey | North Cross 2018
One of two seniors on North Cross, Bailey has played a big role in their early success, and was huge in their win over NW Guilford. The 6’3” wing finish with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists, but it was his efficiency that made him perhaps the player of the game. Bailey shot the ball extremely well, especially from deep, going 7-for-10 from the field and 6-for-8 from downtown. Bailey’s leadership and shot making ability will be big for North Cross if they’re going to make a run come March.
- Tristan Perry | NW Guilford 2019
Perry is the star of a young NW Guilford team that lost three of their top scorers from last season to graduation. The 6’2” wing guard made a lot of plays to keep them in the game, both for himself and for others on both ends of the floor. He showed the ability to make shots from all over the court, and showed good vision and a high IQ both on and off the ball. He finished with 21 points, five assists and two steals.
- Dean Reiber | NW Guilford 2020
Reiber didn’t put up huge numbers or anything, finishing with 10 points on the game, but the sophomore post showed a ton of upside moving forward. The 6’8” Reiber showed the ability to score with his back to the basket, but also showed a solid face up game in which he put it on the floor and showed the ability to finish around the rim with creativity. He caught a pretty solid body on the pick-and-roll, and if he can get more physical and rebound more consistently he’ll be a really good player in a few years.