Carmel Christian Tip Off Classic
Opening Day from the Sidelines
It was another exciting opening night for the Carmel Christian Tip Off Classic sponsored by Phenom Hoops. In the 4:30pm game, it was Hickory Grove pulling out a tough, hard fought win over Christ School by the school of 61-56. Leading the way was 6'4 '21 AJ Smith with a game high 31 points. We're talking about a strong, physical, high IQ and unbelievable coach on the floor. Smith is a talented young man, but his leadership qualities were most impressive.
The 6:00pm game featured Moravian Prep and Concord First Assembly. Moravian Prep jumped out to an early and big lead and held on for an impressive 71-58 win. Leading the way was the trio of Josh Hall, Shakeel Moore and Darius Moore scoring 20, 15 and 14 points respectively. For Concord First Assembly, 6'8 Youngstown State signee Cheick Traore had 21 points and 12 rebounds.
The 7:30pm game featured the marquee matchup against student and teacher. Coach Jeff McInnis played two years for legendary coach Steve Smith. In what was an epic battle that will elevate Jeff McInnis and Combine to a natural platform, Combine won a 76-74 overtime win over a sold-out frenzied crowd. Leading the way for Combine was 6'2 '21 Kris Robinson who scored a team high 24 points going a highly efficient 8-12 from the 3-point line. 6'0 freshman Robert Dillingham chipped with 15 while 6'9 Jacori Owens finished with 11. For Oak Hill, Cam Thomas finished with a game high 32 point while Darius Maddox added 10.
In the final game at 9:00pm, Carmel Christian cruised to an impressive 73-33 win over Northwood Temple. It was just a solid all-around attack for Carmel as all 13 players got into the scoring column. Coach Joe Badgett has done a masterful job of filling the roster having heavy graduation to collegiate scholarship players.
Best defensive backcourt in the country
There may not be a better defensive backcourt in the country than 6'0 Shakeel Moore and 6'3 Darius Davis of Moravian Prep. We're talking about a uber athletic, explosive and tenacious defenders who take as much pride in their defense as their offense. In the game vs. Concord First Assembly, Moore and Davis combined for 12 steals with six coming from Moore and three from Davis. In the half court, Moore and Davis are tough 'in your face' defenders and create a tremendous amount of pressure. In the full court, they are really good at jumping the passing lanes and just have natural defensive instincts.
Jeff McInnis and Combine Academy has arrived
Coach Jeff McInnis has a successful and storied career as a basketball player. Known for being one of the most intense competitors on the court. McInnis has taken his 'me against the world' mentality to a successful Team Charlotte travel ball program. Known for his sideline antic, coach McInnis would be the first to tell you many thought of him as just 'a crazy travel ball' coach. First and foremost, Coach Jeff McInnis is one of the most passionate coaches around at any level. He coaches the way he played; with passion and purpose and leaving everything on the court. In the game against his alma mata and former coach, Jeff McInnis proved to the world he is more than the reputation given to him. Yes, coach McInnis can motivate players to play extremely hard, but what has sometimes gotten lost in the translation is this. Jeff McInnis can flat out coach. His teams are discipled, run excellent sets, executive on both ends of the court. In their opening win against Oak Hill, he has single handedly changed the course of the basketball landscape in North Carolina and before long, nationally. And to make it scarier, the majority of his players are underclassmen. Mark it down, Combine Academy is a national level team and will be in the conversation as one of the premier programs nationally sooner rather than later.
