If there was one thing to take away from Blue Ridge’s victory of the School Sports Australia National team last week, it’s that few squads can reload at the guard position like the Barons. No Denzel Wilson? No Ryan Smith? Apparently, no problem.
Blue Ridge knew what kind of talent they were getting when Malik Kone, who has an offer to play from Georgetown, decided to suit up for Barons coach Bill Ramsey. Kone has shown why with amazing versatility at the shooting guard position. He has the ability to knock down outside shots while also penetrating the paint for baskets inside. Defensively, he can guard against any player at any position and he’s a sound rebounder. There’s little doubt that Kone will be a household name in Central Virginia by the end of this basketball season.
But Chad Holley looked like the engine that powered Blue Ridge past Australia. Considering what Wilson and Smith did for the Barons last year, it should simply be assumed from here on out that if a player under six feet tall is starting for Blue Ridge, he’s going to be lightning quick and a defensive menace at the top of the key. Against Australia, Holley was that and more, and even he was a little bit surprised by his ability to make crucial defensive plays in the Baron’s 61-56 victory.
“I don’t know what was going on there,” Holley said. “Maybe because I’m kind of a smaller guy people don’t see me.”
That may be. But you could also argue that it isn’t Holley’s size that makes him hard to keep an eye on, it’s his speed.
The junior from New York put together a 23-point performance with most of his offense coming off of fast breaks or drives to the basket. That was exactly what the Baron’s got out of Wilson last year at the point guard position, and if Holley can keep up his level of play, it will give opposing defenses fits, as there is simply no way to keep an eye on center Darnell Turner, Kone and then Holley as well.
The good news for Blue Ridge is that the Barons have depth at every position which should only help them keep their up-pace tempo. And that’s music to Holley’s ears.
“We want to run the court,” Holley said. “We got a lot of speed and we want to keep pushing teams.”
When you’re outrunning some of Australia’s best who are already in pristine basketball shape, that has to count for something right?
Players of the week
This week’s players of the week have a Scrimmage Play prize pack headed their way complete with a Scrimmage Play t-shirt, an SP bumper sticker and a free value meal from Chick-fil-a to go with five free milkshakes for their friends, family or even their entourage if they’ve got one already.
Boys- Buckingham County’s Taylor Boyers. The reigning James River District player of the year only had one game last week, but he made the most of it in the Knights’ opener with a 28-point, 18-rebound performance in a win against Group AA Fluvanna, a big start to the year for the Group A Knights.
Girls- Fluvanna County’s Mia Loyd. If there was any doubt that Fluvanna was a favorite to win the Jefferson District title and maybe make some noise beyond, Loyd and the Flucos have erased it over the first four games of the season. Loyd averaged 23.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 5.2 steals per game. Not bad for a sophomore.
Coaches or athletic directors who want to nominate players for the SP player of the week, email info@scrimmageplay.com by Monday at 5 p.m. each week.
Boys Hoops top five
1. Blue Ridge School (4-1) The Barons lost their first game of the year last week in the Annual Life & Breath Tournament. They head to the Mercer tournament at the Hill School this weekend before taking a two-week holiday break.
2. Miller School (3-1) The Mavericks also lost their first game of the year in the same tournament. They head to the Washington Daily Holiday Tournament this weekend with their meeting with the Barons on January 12th looming large.
3. Madison County (5-0) The only unbeaten boys team left in the Central Virginia. The Mountaineers had a busy week. First they fought off a feisty Fluvanna County team at home. They then won a wild game at Luray. They closed the week with a victory over longtime rival Orange County.
4. Charlottesville (2-1) Since losing to the Mountaineers the Black Knights have been playing inspired basketball. They have a busy week ahead that includes William Monroe, Harrisonburg, and Fluvanna County.
5. Albemarle (2-2) The Patriots have Western Albemarle’s number but will have almost entirely Commonwealth district opponents for the rest of the way. But no matter how you look at it, it’s been a good start for Albemarle.
Lurking: Buckingham County (1-0) The Knights finally kicked off their season with a win over Fluvanna last week. With Taylor Boyers back in the fold, this team looks to be a force in the James River District.
Western Albemarle (2-3) The Warriors might not have to deal with Albemarle anymore, but they will have to find a way to beat some teams on a tough schedule. This team has the talent to do that, it’s just a matter of putting the pieces together.
Girls Hoops top five
1. Fluvanna County (4-0) This crew is rolling through people right now. The Loyd sisters, Mia and K-anna, are currently producing just like many thought they would before the season.
2. Monticello (5-0) Best story of the early season — the Mustangs are looking strong after beating Tandem Monday and now a date with Western Albemarle looms Friday.
3. Western Albemarle (4-1) A win early in the week and a solid victory over Albemarle Saturday after falling to Charlottesville Friday keep Western in the top three.
4. Miller (3-0) Mavericks pick up steam with a pair of tournaments over the holidays.
5. Charlottesville (2-1) They’re back. After a loss to Monticello, the Black Knights woke up with a win over Western Albemarle Friday night.
Lurking: Covenant (3-1) Eagles fell to LCA, but have the a lot of impressive young talent that should contribute more and more as the season comes along.
Three games to watch
December 18 at 7:30 p.m. Orange County’s boys head south to Fluvanna County. The Flucos need a win to start establishing themselves as a Jefferson District contender after losses to Madison and Buckingham — both of which might not look bad come February.
December 18 at 6 p.m. Western Albemarle’s girls host Monticello Friday night. The upstart Mustangs take on Western’s well-rounded squad. This one may have some JD tournament seeding implications even this early in the season.
December 21 at 6 p.m. Albemarle’s boys host Mountain View. The Patriots proved they had Western Albemarle’s number, but can they get on track in the Commonwealth after starting 0-2?
