Final Score
Oak Hill: 102
Massanutten: 87
1st Half
Oak Hill: 51
Massanutten: 38
2nd Half
Oak Hill: 51
Massanutten:49
Coach Watch: Head Coaches – Virginia Tech, VCU…Assistants – Virginia Tech, VCU, Oregon, Maryland, East Carolina, South Florida, Appalachian State, Mercer
Box Score OHA: Thomas (31) Anthony (26), Cockburn (13), Mack (9), Johnson (8), Greer (6)
Massanutten: Diawara (20), McAllister (18), Suggs (17), Vaughan (14), Seabron (12)
This was a competitive game, probably more so than the final score would indicate. Both teams had a numerous players who are at the top of college recruiting boards. With this being each team’s first game, they broke the scrimmage up into three stand alone periods. They first two periods were like a regular game, 20 minutes with a shot clock and stoppage. The third period was 10 minutes running clock, which both teams played their bench players.
One thing is for certain here, college coaches should be all over each of these teams. They are both deep with uncommitted prospects at the High Major, Mid Major, Low Major and D2 levels. There was so much length and so much athleticism on the floor, it was a fast paced and high flying affair. The shot clock did not come into play for a single possession.
Here are the standouts
Oak Hill
6’3″ 2019 Cole Anthony – The talk of this game could start and end with the play of Cole Anthony. Quite simply, he is the best player in high school basketball. In a game filled with great coaching and high level prospects, Anthony was head and shoulders above the rest. He made shots from NBA range, was unbelievable with his reads in the passing game and he was able to get by his man (in an incredibly controlled manner) every play and touch the paint. With Zion Williamson and Jalen Lecque breaking the internet last year, look for Cole Anthony to be the one the cameras follow at every game.
Click Here to watch SLAM MAGAZINE’S Video Recap of Cole
6’3″ 2020 Cam Thomas – Thomas is a flat out bucket getter. In any way, shape or form, Thomas is able to serve you numbers. He has a game similar to Lou Williams in that he is an undersized fire cracker. When he has the ball in his hands, he plays with a determination and a savvy. He has deep range and the ball on a string. Most impressive about him, is that he knows his spots and how to get to them. He has good footwork and great pace. Thomas is an elite level scorer and could end up as this season’s leading scorer for the team.
6’8″ 2019 Chandler Lawson – While Lawson’s name may not have shown up in the scoring column is presence was felt immensely on the floor. Lawson is the do it all player who thrives on a Steve Smith run squad (think Braxton Key). Lawson is a defensive game changer, as his 7 foot wing span and quick twitch footwork allows Smith to run his preferred 1-3-1 press over the full court, 3/4 court or in the 1/2 court. Lawson wrecks havoc, as things setting down in the half court, he is able to guard the 2-4 positions and even switch onto 1 or 5 men when needed. Oak Hill runs offense through Lawson both from the high post and extended wing. He is a great passer and gets a lot of work in transition. Overall he is a winning player, the player who leads a championship team in minutes played as the unsung hero.
Other of Note
BJ Mack (USF Commit) – Incredibly skilled. Great footwork, deft touch off the catch, beyond the arc. Strong hands, great passer, rebounded area well.
Evan Johnson – Dead-eye shooter. deep range, quick release. Takes care of the ball. High IQ. Gets ball to its spots. No stage too big
Kofi Cockburn – Massive! Long arms. Showed offensive skill in mid post. Good rebounder. Shot blocker. Intimidating presence.
Massanutten
6’7″ Dereon Seabron – We first wrote about Seabron after our Virginia Top 80 in 2015. It was then we tabbed him as a high major wing. Now, finally during his post grad season, it appears his recruitment will take shape at this level. He recently took an official visit to Minnesota, but he should have 10-15 offers at that level if he plays things out. Seabron has excellent size, length, athleticism and ball skills. He was the lead ball handler for the majority of the game and was spectacular. At the next level, he projects as a wing initiator, he can create off the bounce and he shot the ball well. He has a lot of similarities to VCU’s Deriante Jenkins (who was a Top 50 prospect coming out of HS). His recruitment should take a major bump.
6’3″ Jarren McAllister – **Committed to VCU after the game** The former Virginia Tech commit slotted in nicely with the perimeter attack here. He seemed to be very confident with the ball in his hands and has improved his overall skill set since high school. Even though he went 7-19 from the field, he was confident in his shot and getting to his spots. There is a lot to like with his athleticism, and VCU will be a great spot for him to really play to his strengths (pressing, running, finishing). He is an uber athlete and a highlight waiting to happen. He is a work horse and his game keeps getting better.
6’8″ Jarvis Vaughan – The former Old Dominion commit is wide open and his recruitment looks like one that could take off. Blessed with length, strength and explosion he has the look of a forward who could really blow up if he waits until late. He does his best work 15 feet and in, with great footwork and hips. He tried to dunk everything he caught on the block. What really stood out was his ability to offensive rebound. He has a nose for the ball and the frame, length, athleticism to go and get it. Very intriguing player and, at times, was the best player on the floor in this one.
Others of Note
Mahamadou Diawara – active big who did his best work 10 feet and in. Touch around the rim and great length on the boards.
Brandon Suggs – hybrid forward with good length/athleticism. Shot ball well off the catch and does some tough guy stuff in the paint
Connor Withers – stretch-4 man with good length and a deft shooting touch off the catch.
Daniel Corley – upside wing who has a jet-quick 1st step. good athlete and great length. Best basketball is ahead.
Jeffery Armstrong – consummate point guard. makes right play. natural leader. winner. coach on the floor/great in the locker room