by Shawn Nowlin
Former Roanoke Catholic standout JR Reynolds once said, “I’ve played on some of the best college courts in the country but some of my favorite basketball memories are from my high school career.” Reynolds graduated from Oak Hill Academy in 2003 before embarking on a successful 4-year career at University of Virginia.
Thirteen years later 40 All-Timesland seniors (14 female and 26 male) were selected to put their skills on display one more time.
It was a sizable crowd that gathered Sunday, April 3 in Patrick Henry High School Gym for the inaugural Bright Services Western Virginia Basketball Officials Association All Star Game that had it all.
In addition to the college scholarships offered, the fast paced action packed event provided an opportunity for players to showcase before NCAA coaches as well. Similar to most all-star games the points came in abundance while defense was lackadaisical at best.
The girls River Ridge/Three Rivers squad defeated their Blue Ridge/Pioneer opponents 75–52. Ayanna Saunders (Franklin County) and Chris Martin (Blacksburg) scored 25 points apiece through a combination of long distance jump shots and slashing layups.
Martin’s athletic talents extend far beyond the hardwood as the 5’8” guard also plays volleyball, soccer and was even a kicker on the Blackburg Bruins football team.
“I’m so proud of my daughter because she has worked her tail off to get all of her accolades,” Rebecca Martin said of her daughter. “There were plenty of times that she could have quit but she kept with it and it eventually paid off.”
Reba Wilhelm of Parry McCluer High was talented enough to make her varsity basketball team as an underclassman and by most accounts has gotten better every year since. She scored 8 points for her team. Alleghany’s Rachel Hepler (17pts) and William Fleming’s Nadjae Stokes (11pts) also had impressive showings. “At the end of the day life is a collection of memories…what a way for these kids to end their high school careers,” one attendee Rod Morrow said.
Mike Franklin and Ron Marsh, former Jefferson High basketball players who led the Magicians to a 1970 state title, were the two head coaches for the boys contest. Accomplished athletes in their own right, Franklin earned a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati while Marsh was a junior college All American at Texas-Arlington.
Led by Kendrick Tucker’s 22 points, the Blue Ridge/Pioneer squad (108) defeated the River Ridge/Three Rivers squad (84) by 24 points. Tucker began his career at Patrick Henry before transferring to Northside after his sophomore year. He plans on attending either Louisburg Junior College (NC) or Elev8 Academy (FL) next year.
A spot up shooter of the highest order, Shameik Ware of Rockbridge County connected on five 3 pointers in route to scoring 15 points. While some of his teammates were out there to just have fun Ware says that he wanted to make a statement. “My competiveness wouldn’t allow me to take it easy on the guys even though they are my boys,” he said.
Jordan Combs of Franklin County, also known as a great competitor, scored 17 points. Jordan Combs (Carrol County) and Michael Osborne (Floyd County) registered 17 points and 15 points respectively. A combined total of 229 points were registered during both all-star contests with 35 of the 40 athletes scoring at least one basket.
“I have two remaining scholarships available for next year,” said one coach who asked for anonymity. “There were a few kids who caught my eye today.”
Support for the WVBOA allowed two boys (Jordan Combs and James Hagins) and two girls (Cienna Bryant and Ayanna Saunders) to each receive a $400 college scholarship.
