Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 28, 1990 TAG: 9004280154
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOHN SMALLWOOD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
So although the past basketball season completed the high school careers of state standouts such as Virginia Commonwealth University signee Kendrick Warren, Virginia recruit Cornel Parker and Duke-bound Grant Hill, there already is another group of high school stars ready to step into the void.
In looking at the 19-and-under Amateur Athletic Union state tournament at Cassell Coliseum at Virginia Tech this weekend, be sure to place the emphasis on the "under" because many of the top players there aren't high school seniors but underclassman with more time to polish their prep resumes.
"It just might be that there were more good [underclassmen] than seniors this year," said Frank Threats, who, in addition to coaching John Marshall High in Richmond, manages AAU competitor Richmond Metro 17 Gold.
While most of the big name seniors aren't in Blacksburg, the cream of the underclassmen have shown up in full force. Names that already are on collegiate recruiting list.
"This year there are just a few big-name players [seniors]," said Jason Williford, an All-Metro forward at John Marshall as a junior. "I think our senior class will be a larger one than this."
Williford averaged 19 points and nine rebounds for John Marshall and will be one of the more heavily recruited players in the state next year. One of his teammates on Richmond Metro 17 is Fluvanna junior star Luther Bates, a 6-foot-6 center who already has led the Flying Flucos to two Group A championships.
Williford and Bates each said he will wait until next year to make a decision on his collegiate plans.
"[Bates and Williford] can flat out play basketball," said Threats. "They have all the tools to play Division I basketball. I'm sure they are starting to cut their options down. I would feel that the some state schools are in the picture. [The kids] will have to make sure their choices are right for them."
Augusta Heat guard Corey Alexander has made his reputation as a top-notch performer at Flint Hill Academy in Oakton. But since coach Stu Vetter resigned after the school was sold, and the new owners said they would de-emphasize basketball, Alexander, who moved from Waynesboro to attend Flint Hill, will have to move again to play his senior season.
"It's disappointing because I left my home to go there, and they sold the school without even letting us know," Alexander said. "I think in the long [run] it'll work out for the better for Flint Hill. I'm just sorry I won't be a part of it."
Alexander said he will wait to see if Vetter finds another job or if he will transfer to Oak Hill Academy or attend school in Waynesboro. Wherever Alexander plays, you can be sure the recruiters will find him.
One of the top matchups in Friday's round occurred when the Piedmont All-Stars squared off against the Roanoke Mountaineers. The game featured the first matchup between Timesland's premiere big men - William Fleming junior center Joe Fitzgerald, the Timesland player of the year, and Odell Hodge, the sophomore of the year from Laurel Park.
Piedmont won 109-106.
"This is great," said Hodge. "I like the competition. Joe's a fine player. I wish I could have played against him during the regular season. It's makes my game a lot better to play against players like this."
by CNB