What a way to start the high school season at the Carmel Christian Tip-Off Classic, as the atmosphere was off the charts, the competition was incredible, and fans were treated to some of the premier talent around the region. If you missed you, you missed a good one. Here are JUST A FEW things you might have missed.
Greensboro Day secures big win
It was the battle of the GOATS at the Carmel Christian Tip-Off Classic, with two of the top coaches being on the same court (Steve Smith and Freddy Johnson). It also brought two premier programs together, as Oak Hill and Greensboro Day gave fans an absolute treat.' Oak Hill came out strong but Greensboro Day battled back, as the Bengals ultimately secured the one-point victory in an absolute thriller.' (Full Recap Here). Certainly, a big win for Greensboro Day over a nationally-ranked team in Oak Hill, as both teams really battled on the court and gave fans not only a chance to watch great teams and great coaches but some of the top talent around the region as well. Great game!
Virginia Tech has some good prospects coming in
Hokie fans should have been excited for what they saw through two days at the Carmel Christian Tip-Off. First, you start your weekend with big man 2022 Patrick Wessler going for 31 points and 19 rebounds vs. Northside Christian and then backing it up with a near double-double on Day 2. And then you add 2022 MJ Collins' 18-point performance on Day 1 and his 23-point performance on Day 2, Virginia Tech seems to be having some pretty talented prospects coming in. On Day 2, this was all in front of some of the coaches from Virginia Tech as well, so they got an up-close view of their incoming talent.
'23 Collin Tanner introduces himself to all of North Carolina
There were several big-time performances throughout the event, coming from so many top players. But if you watched all the games on Day 1 and Day 2, 2023 Collin Tanner has to be up there near the top with what he showed. Averaged 25 points per game and nearly 10 rebounds per game, North Carolina was introduced to Tanner in a big way. Some may already know about this young man, a 6'6 versatile prospect from Wayne Country Day but if you haven't yet, welcome to the party. With what he showed, expect his recruitment to sky-rocket quickly.
Carmel Christian looks strong in front of the home crowd
Man, it was great to have fans back in the building and Carmel Christian's student section and fans brought it on both days at the Carmel Tip-Off.' And they were treated to a show, as Carmel Christian looks to be back once again in the spotlight, fighting for the claim to be one of the top teams in the state and looking for a state title.' Two strong performances, both winning by double-digits, Carmel has the weapons to make another run at a title under Coach Badgett as they got it done on both sides of the floor.' They will be a must-see once again this season.
Day 2 intense battles
Day 1 was fantastic but on Day 2, we has some INTENSE battles on the court. Liberty Heights and Legion Collegiate really battled and traded blows back and forth early on, with Liberty Heights earning the hard-fought win. Then we had Northside Christian and Cannon going back and forth, with Northside earning the narrow win. After that, Moravian Prep vs. WS Christian saw their leads flip flop throughout, with Moravian Prep earning the tough five-point win. Then fans were treated to the classic showdown between Oak Hill vs. Greensboro Day, which you can read above. And the games between Combine vs. NC GBB and Carmel vs. Westminster were two very intense battles between coaches and players; no one wanted to leave home without a W. If you were in the building on Day 2, you got an absolute treat for your money.