10 Best: Oak Hill vs. Massanutten
It is an annual scrimmage like no other, as one of the most storied programs in high school history met up with one of the top post grad teams in the country in Massanutten post grad. There was college talent all over the floor, the gym was full with excitement and the game featured a number of players we’ll all be watching on TV shortly. Most importantly, it was a great night of basketball that helped raised money for Cancer Research through the Chance Harman Memorial Fund.
Because it was a scrimmage set up, the score was wiped clean at halftime, but lucky for you guys I kept the total score. Check it out, along with some of the top standouts and moments from the game.
1st half: Oak Hill 51 Massanutten 38
2nd half: Oak Hill 51 Massanutten 49
Final: Oak Hill 102 Massanutten 87
MVP: Cole Anthony | Oak Hill 2019
Anthony showed why he’s considered by many as the top guard or even the top prospect in the 2019 class with a brilliant performance in their second scrimmage of the year. The 6’3” lead guard showed great vision and poise, effortless range from deep and good athleticism on both ends of the floor. He finished with a near triple-double of 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, and he showed he can dominate on the ball while keeping everyone else involved as well.
Play of the Game
There were a ton of plays that stood out, but I thought the most impressive offensive sequences were by 2019 Kofi Cockburn of Oak Hill midway through the first half. At about 4:21 in the video above it starts. Cockburn catches at the elbow extended, gives a pump fake and blows by for a one handed slam. On the next possession he catches at almost the same spot but on the opposite side of the floor, fakes the dribble hand off and finishes a tough two through traffic. Very impressive Kofi!
Best Offensive Performer: Cam Thomas | Oak Hill 2020
I’m pretty sure after watching this kid the past couple of seasons that he simply rolls out of bed and can get 30 any day. It was a slow start for Thomas, who was just 2-for-6 in the first half with seven points, but it didn’t take long for him to turn it up in the second half. Thomas showed his ability to work off the basketball to get open, and he showed great change of pace and footwork with the ball to create space. He finished with 31 points on 10-for-19 shooting, getting it done from all over the floor.
Best Defensive Performer: Kofi Cockburn | Oak Hill 2019
What a luxury it must be to have a 6’10” monster hanging back in the press waiting to block everything on a fast break. Cockburn’s rim protecting ability was on full display, as he finished with three blocks and a steal. However the numbers don’t tell all the shots that he altered, and the pressure that he allowed his teammates to put in the press that forced Massanutten into 15 turnovers throughout the game.
Best Breakout Performance: Brandon Suggs | Massanutten 2019
Suggs was phenomenal in the first half as Oak Hill was focused on stopping other guys, he showed why he’s being recruited by SEC and ACC schools. The 6’7” Atlanta native showed great ball skills, creating for himself off the bounce, showing good change of pace and the ability to make contested shots using his shots. He finished with 17 points (14 in the first half) and also pitched in 9 rebounds and four assists, making him one of the most productive guys on Massanutten.
Best Bench Player: BJ Mack | Oak Hill 2019
Oh the joys of being Oak Hill. Not many teams are able to bring a Big East commit off the bench, but the Warriors get that with 6’9” BJ Mack. Mack’s the perfect big to come off the bench for them, as he’s big and physical, but he’s extremely skilled offensively as he can score from all three levels and pass the basketball as well. He showed his range with a deep three ball in the first half, and he finished with a solid stat line of 9 points, two boards and an assist.
Best 2nd Half Turnaround: Jarvis Vaughan | Massanutten 2019
Vaughan was almost invisible in the first half, recording just one rebound. However, the former Robert E. Lee star who grew up right around the corner from Massanutten came out strong and aggressive in the second half. He showed grit and physicality in the paint, he finished with explosion and power and he ran the floor well. He finished the game with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds after a subpar first half.
Best Athlete: Jarren McAllister | Massanutten 2019
McAllister would have had the play of the game if he didn’t just miss a one handed dunk that he was fouled on in the second half. The 6’3” guard showed great burst with the ball in his hands, good explosion around the rim on both ends and used his athleticism on the defensive end to guard multiple positions as well. After scoring 18 points on the night, he committed to VCU, another great moment for this game.
Best Intangibles: Dereon Seabron | Massanutten 2019
Seabron is being touted by a ton of colleges after deciding to prep a year, and while he didn’t have the best game, he’s also still in the process of transitioning to be the primary ball handler and playing much more with the ball in his hands. As the point guard he causes a lot of problems with his speed, length and ability to finish above the rim. He showed flashes of great playmaking ability and as he continued to improve the 6’7” guard will be a rare commodity as someone who can play all over the floor. He finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
Best Part of Atmosphere: Floyd County Community
There’s a reason that I drive 7 hours roundtrip for this game every year, and while the basketball talent has a lot to do with it so does the community and fans of Floyd County, along with the coaching staff and Chance Harman staff. There ability to come out and support high school aged players they don’t know, all while supporting a great cause and turning a ten year old tragedy into a positive event for the town, the community and for cancer research is something that you have to love and respect. Also, I was an outsider when I went to Chance Harman three years ago, and they never hesitated to welcome me with open arms, and because of them I make sure I never miss a Chance Harman event in Floyd County.