Combine Academy pulls out thrilling win
In one of the better games of the season, Combine Academy pulled out a thrilling and intense 66-64 win over Teays Valley. Both teams battled literally tooth and nail. It was a well-played, well coached, and exciting game start to finish. When it comes to sideline passion and enthusiasm, Coach Ryan Arrowood and Jeff McInnis are in a class of their own. As both teams battled and competed on the court, there was a mutual amount of respect by both coaches. Immediately after the game, both teams gathered and locked arms and said prayer, which was the perfect ending to an unbelievable game played on the court.
Game MVP
6’6 ’22 Jalen Hood-Schifino (Combine Academy)
Jalen Hood-Schifino has been in the conversation as one of the top players in the North Carolina 2022 class and a top 25 player nationally. Like all players, he has encountered a few ups and downs during the season. That being said, Hood-Schifino has taken his game to another level since his commitment to Pittsburgh. He finished with a game high 31 points including 12 in the fourth quarter. Hood-Schifino has gained additional confidence in his all-around game. He is knocking down occasional 3-pointers, driving hard to the rim and finishing on contact and also hitting the midrange pull up jumper. With his size, strength and skill set, he is just a tough matchup at the point guard position.
Game MOP
6’6 ’21 David Jones (Teays Valley, WV)
Sporting offers from Oregon, St. John, and Virginia Tech, look for David Jones recruitment to skyrocket. We’re talking about a physically strong scoring guard that has tremendous range and ability to score off the dribble/bounce. Jones finished with a game high 33 points including seven 3-pointers. He was efficient and effective throughout the game and scored at a high level. In addition, we were impressed with his court leadership, attitude and fortitude throughout the game.
The game on the sideline
You won’t find two more entertaining and enthusiastic coaches anywhere in the country. They are passionate and value winning, but more importantly they literally work each possession of the game. Both teams played at an extremely high level, but the hard play was also accompanied by good sportsmanship by the players. It was a mutual level of respect. Both teams gave it all they had and left it all on the floor. It was a battle that fans love to watch. It was a hard played and aggressive game, but the teams had nothing but respect for each other during and after the game.