At the South Charleston Community Center on Friday night, spectators who had spent their money to attend a North-South All-Star Classic that they hoped would be high scoring and exciting were not disappointed.
In front of a decent audience, both teams scored more than 100 points, but the South used its somewhat superior offensive firepower to secure a victory against the North by a score of 123-106. Both teams scored more than 100 points.
The South saw seven players score in double figures, and each of their 10 players finished with at least eight points in the game. Scotty Browning of Logan was named Most Valuable Player after scoring 18 points, including 11 before halftime.
Eli Robertson of Herbert Hoover scored the game’s highest point total of 21 points. Reece Carden of Scott scored an additional 18 points. Eli Allen of James Monroe got 11 points. Goose Gabbert of Greenbrier East, Braden Chapman of Shady Spring, and Braydin Ward of Riverside all received a score of 10 points apiece.
Additionally, Ward triumphed in the dunk contest that was part of the skills competition, including a slam dunk victory against Browning. The football recruit who has committed to play for Marshall also received a scholarship of $750.
South boys beat North 123-106.
“This night has been amazing, and it’s everything I hoped for and worked for,” said Ward. “I’ve been working hard for this.” “I’m so happy that I had the opportunity to play basketball just one more time.”
That was a decision made on the spot, on the fly. I had no reason to believe that anyone would show up to do it, but Scotty offered to do it anyhow. This scholarship is incredible, because it will allow me to pay off some of my education.”
Anthony Spatafore of Bridgeport, who led the North in scoring with 18 points, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Corey Boulden of South Harrison contributed 17 points, and Evan Parr of East Fairmont contributed 15 points to the team’s total. Ethan Haught of Ritchie County was also awarded a scholarship in the amount of $750.
Carden opened up a 12-point advantage for the South by hitting three consecutive three-pointers after the South had taken a 58-52 lead into halftime. Both Carden and Robertson contributed to the scoring of the first 13 points in the second quarter.
“I told Reece I didn’t even care if we got back in the game or not because that was the best, most fun five minutes I’ve ever played in my life,” Robertson said. “That was the most enjoyable five minutes I’ve ever played in my life.”
Before a strong North rally that trimmed the gap to 11, the South had picked up its greatest lead of the game at 86-63. However, the North was unable to draw any closer.
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