Huntsville Times Classic Tips Off in Alabama
Ivan McDowell, Southeast/MidSouth Editor
December 28, 2007 - Established in 1983, the Huntsville Times Classic has featured some the best teams and players in the state of Alabama and this year is no different. Now in its 25th year, the three-day tourney tipped off on Thursday runs through Friday and crowns its champion on Saturday evening. Below is a recap of opening day action:
Madison Academy 48 Grissom 44- One of the best seniors
in the state squared off against one of the best freshman in the state.
Ghanaian big man Bawa Muniri dominated on the inside
for Madison Academy with 15 points, seven boards and four blocks, while
ultra-quick point guard Kerron Johnson led the team in
scoring with 20 points.
Grissom frosh Reggie Ragland had a nice all-around game scoring 12 points and seven rebounds. Hunter Jeffrey and Brett Johnson chipped in 10 and nine points, respectively. The Mustangs advanced to the second round where they’ll face Huntsville’s J.O. Johnson.
J.O. Johnson 72 Athens 42- The Jaguars used a balanced attacked (six players scored seven or more points), took advantage of poor Golden Eagle shooting (31% FG) and caused 27 turnovers for a 30-point blow out.
Cam Logan and Kris Cross each had 10 for Johnson. Chad Stinnett and Tevin Gordon each scored eight for Athens.
Hayes 61 Bob Jones 40- Post man Edward Daniel tallied a double-double with 20 points and 12 boards and Eric Bledson added 14, as Hayes defeated an overmatched Bob Jones squad.
The Patriots were lead by Scott Proffit and Chris Caudle, who each scored 10. Poor shooting plagued Bob Jones for the game and Hayes just had too many athletes. Hayes will face LaVergne on Friday.
LaVergne 65 Sparkman 48- Marcus Jefferson scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Demario Watkins added 15 points and five assists, as LaVergne rolled over 2005 HTC champ Sparkman.
Sparkman senior guard Brian Blackmon, averaging 18.5 points a game, was held to four points on just two of nine shooting.
Butler 52 Decatur 33- The Rebels shot 50% from the field and forced 32 Decatur turnovers en route to an easy victory. Trevor Lacy and Justin Pride each totaled 13 points for Butler. Jamarious Chandler had 12 points and five steals.
The Red Raiders couldn’t hold onto the ball. Point guard William Johnson had eight turnovers by himself.
Hazel Green 57 Austin 52- The Trojans placed four players in double figures; led by Kyle Burwell with 13.
Austin sharp shooter Verkeneo Mann (21 points per game) struggled mightily from the perimeter, going 0-6 from the field and not scoring any points.
Hazel Green took control of this one in the third quarter outscoring Austin by 10 in the quarter.
Hillcrest 66 Huntsville 51- Tyler Johnson dropped 18 points and Eric Russell scored 13, but it wasn’t enough as five of the six Hillcrest players that played scored. Four of the six were in double figures led by Tyrone Evans’ 21 and Brandon Wrights’ 10 and 10.
Kerrell Davis scored 17 points for Hillcrest and made four of six three-pointers.
Lee 54 Florence 46
Friday Matchups:
Hayes vs. LaVergne
Madison Academy vs. J.O. Johnson
Butler vs. Hazel Green
Hillcrest vs. Lee