By Justin Byerly

Olympic HS vs Harding University HS

The atmosphere for the much anticipated match-up between Harding HS (Charlotte) and Olympic HS (Charlotte) was like a prize fight.

Coaches from Villanova (Jay Wright), College of Charleston (Bobby Cremins), NC State (Gottfried), Virginia Tech, Liberty University, High Point University and Clemson (Brad Brownell) were in the gym while the girl’s game was still going on. The temperature at Harding’s gymnasium was close to ninety degrees inside and Harding jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead with just over five minutes to go in the first quarter. Jarvis Haywood (a 6’4″, 180lb guard) who recently de-committed from Winthrop University, missed his first four shots of the game, but found Jalien Byers (2013) open in the corner for a three-pointer to make it 9-2 Harding with 4:59 to go in the first quarter. Sean Anthony (17 points) of Olympic sets the pace of play for the Trojans, if he is running and creating the offense seems to operate a lot better. Emmanuel Patton scored 7 points for Harding during that span. Olympic responded with a basket by Clemson commit Josh Smith (2012 6’8″ center) and a three pointer by ESPN #9 2013 Allerik Freeman to make the score 14-14 after one quarter. John Brown (2012) of Olympic almost took the twenty plus year old rim down with an attempted dunk near the end of the first, that got the Olympic side of the gym rowdy.

The second quarter featured Emmanuel Patton (2013 Harding) throwing down a nice dunk on one of Olympics’ defenders, to make the score 20-18 Harding HS with 3:44 to go in the first half. Afar a few traded baskets, Josh Smith got fouled on a made lay-up and made the extra shot, to make the score 27-21 at halftime with Harding leading (outscoring Olympic 13-7 in the quarter). Olympics’ Freeman (5 points in first half).

Jarvis Haywood (being recruited by Virginia Tech, Jacksonville University, College of Charleston) came alive, getting to the basket with his nice crossover and change of direction almost at ease. Allerik Freeman, as he has done time and time again this year, also got hot in the third. After a John Brown dunk and Sean Anthony lay-up for Olympic to make it 31-27 Harding with lead, Allerik hit a half-runner from six feet off the glass to make it 31-29 with 4:38 to go in the third. Josh Smith tied it up for Olympic with a rebound and put-back, 31 all. Allerik would knock down another three to match his output in the first half. Olympic got a break on a blocking call on Harding’s Aaron Linton (2013) as John Brown was driving to the basket and the score 38-35 Harding with the lead. Freeman would use a stutter step-crossover-step back move to create separation and knock down another three to make it 38 all with just over forty seconds to go in third quarter.

Patton would get a break-away dunk mid-way through the fourth quarter to put Harding up 54-52, Josh Smith responded with a lay-up to tie it up at 54 with 3:33 remaining in fourth quarter. After a Harding turnover Sean Anthony of Olympic gets blocking call while going to the basket, goes to the line and misses first shot but makes second to make it 55-54 Olympic with 2:56 remaining. An Emanuel Patton runner in the lane makes the gets Harding within 2 at 58-56. Another costly turnover for Harding gives Anthony a lay-up to make it a four point game with just over two minutes to play. Jarvis Haywood gets to the basket again for a lay-up to make it 58-60 Olympic still leading. Olympic finds Freeman open for a jumper, he misses it on a nice look and Harding with the rebound. Haywood takes it in for a nice turn-around jumper to make it 6o all. On Olympics’ next trip down the floor, on a great entry pass to Josh Smith, he scores and gets fouled (making the free throw) to make it a 63-60 game with just under a minute left.

After a quick shot from Harding, Olympic gets the rebound and calls timeout with forty-two seconds remaining. Olympic tries to run the clock out but Sean Anthony is fouled (could have had around 24, if FT’s fell) who misses the front end of a 1& 1 allowing Harding to get the rebound with 29.4 seconds remaining in the game and call timeout. After the timeout, Jarvis Haywood takes the ball up and goes to the basket with a nice move and basket to make the score, 62-63 Olympic still leading. Harding fouls Olympics’ Brown who misses the 1&1 and 6.4 seconds remaining in the game. Harding calls timeout, inbounds the ball and is fouled with 2.3 seconds to go. Olympic had a foul to give and with 2.3 seconds to go inbound to Jarvis Haywood, who dribbled to baseline and just misses the game winner and Olympic gets out alive in MEGA 7 Conference play.

Sean Anthony 5’9″ PG Olympic HS- 17 points in win. Super quick guard, who has a great ability to finish in the lane and seems to make good decisions when under defensive pressure. Olympics’ meter stick for how they are playing, Anthony plays well, Olympic usually does.

Allerik Freeman 6’4 190 G Olympic HS- Scored 14 points, did not take many shots during the game in first half, but then in the second half showed why he is ranked so high by many publications, by knocking down the open shot and creating off the dribble with his size. By far the most muscular kid in the gym. Has a great cross-over, that will the defender and allow separation for him to get a clean shot off.

Josh Smith 6’8″ 260 C Olympic- Scored 12 points, all in the paint. Very good free throw shooter also. Made the big free throws when he was put on the line. He has a nice post game, with great up and under move that he has almost perfected. He is a solid rebounder also, as I had him with close to 8 rebounds.

Trey Mitchell 6’4″ 170 Olympic- Scored 6 points, but were the biggest shots of the game. Knocked down two three pointers when Olympic really needed them and when you thought Harding might be smelling the upset.

John Brown 6’4″ 175 Olympic- Scored 8 points, but by far the most athletic kid on the floor, can just flat-out jump out of the gym and does so effortlessly. Good defender who can alter shots with his leaping ability.

Jarvis Haywood 6’4″ 175 Harding- A solid all around work horse. I had him for 26 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. This kid makes plays, he didn’t start out great, but he keep working and working and the game finally came to him. He can get to the basket with ease, even against a very strong defending team like Olympic. He is definitely a Davison One basketball player. Had a great look at the end for the win that would have had all 8 D1 coaches in the building offering him a ride.

Emmanuel Patton 6’7″ 185 Harding- If not just as athletic as Olympics’ Brown, he is right behind him. Patton can get to the rim with his leaping ability and is great from about 8-10 ft from the basket. Not a great shooter, but can rebound, run and score in the post with his athleticism with the best of them. Scored 19 points.

Steven Burrough- Scored 8 points in the game, but with his size, is a factor for most of the teams in the MEGA 7 conference. He gets to the basket, makes good defensive plays and should only get better over the next year and a half.

A few highlights:

By Justin Byerly

Josh Smith 6’8″ 245 C 2012 Olympic HS (NC)
The Clemson University commit is a beast in the paint for one of North Carolina’s most talented teams. He averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds as a junior last season for the Trojans. He had offers from The Citadel, Appalachian State University, Drexel University and Gardner-Webb University.

Jaylen Reid 6’7″ 185 F 2013 Rock Hill HS (SC)
Reid is getting interest from The University of Nebraska, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, College of Charleston and Clemson University he confirmed to me via text message. He also stated “High Point told me I am their top prospect for 2013”. So far this season he has scored 18 points against Chester HS (SC) and 25 points against South Pointe (SC). He is the son of former UNC star JR Reid.

Mikel Harvey 6’0″ 160 G 2012 Perquimans HS (NC)
The 6’0 PG has started out the season strong with stat lines of 33 points, 11 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 assists followed by 26 points and 7 rebounds in the first week of games. He scored 39 points and had 13 rebounds last Friday (the 2nd) in a win which avenged a loss from last week. Harvey said he is not sure of what school’s have been contacting his coach at this time. Harvey should be a low to mid major college basketball player, and should receive interest from a host of Division Two schools. Harvey averaged nearly 22 points and 7 rebounds last season for the Hertford, NC school.

Austin Hatfield 6’0 170 G 2014 South Davidson (NC)
The sophomore averaged nearly 20 points per game last season for South Davidson HS, his identical twin brother Taylor (is listed below). Hatfield informed me that Virginia Tech and James Madison have been in to see him and his brother work out over the start of practices last month. He said ” I have been receiving letters and invites to games from Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Appalachian State University, Tulane University, UNC-Charlotte and about a dozen more”. Asked on who is showing the most interest Austin responded “Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Appalachian State, Tulane and Stanford University”. Through the first three games this season, Austin has scored 22 points, 17 points and 20 points.

Taylor Hatfield 6’0 170 G 2014 South Davidson (NC)
Taylor is getting the same interest as his brother listed (above). Taylor averaged nearly 17 points last season at South Davidson HS.

Martin Alston 6’3 180 F 2012 Granville Central HS (NC)
Alston, who is also a standout football player for Granville Central was named all-state last season as junior. In his first game this season Alston had 10 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 4 steals on Nov. 26th. He averaged nearly 14 points and 11 rebounds last season for Granville. He informed me “I dont really have schools recruiting me right now”, on November 27. He was named to the ESPN ALL STATE Watch List this season for the 2011-2012 season.

Donte Clark 6’4″ 175 G 2013 Kennedy Charter HS (NC)
Ranked as one of the top twenty point guards in the country by some outlets, Clark now has offers from East Carolina University, Virginia Tech, Gardner-Webb University, Radford University, Wofford, UT-Chattanooga, High Point University, and Jacksonville University. He informed me Dec 4th that “Virginia Tech is on me pretty hard”, and he has already took an unofficial visit to Blacksburg, VA. Clark is one of four or five Division One prospects at Kennedy Charter School in Charlotte, NC and should be considered one of the most talented teams in North Carolina. He transferred from Queens Grant HS in Charlotte while boasting a 15 point scoring average last season. Sounds like Virginia Tech is where Clark may likely end up.

Luquon Choice 6’1″ 205 G 2012 Laurens HS (SC)
A deadly three point specialist, Choice has offers from Newberry College (SC) and North Greenville College (SC). He has been named one of the top 5 players in SC, by South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association. He is a four-year starter for Laurens HS and Coach Mark Freeze calls Choice “one of the hardest working players that he has ever been around”. Choice is looking for another strong season and should add more offers as the season goes on. Scored 24pts Dec 2nd against

Brandon Clyburn 6’8″ 195 F/C 2012 Southwest Guilford HS (NC)
Clyburn is a long slender forward, that has a nice three-point shot for a 6’8″ guy. Runs the court well, and has a nice post game with a nice baby hook shot when in the paint. He has been receiving the most interest from East Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Navy, Jacksonville University, High Point University and the Citadel. Clyburn transferred from Greensboro powerhouse Dudley HS this season.

Connor Burchfield 6’2″ 160 G 2014 Concord HS (NC)
Burchfield and Concord are off to a 2-0 start so far this season. He has scored 12 points in the first game and 21 in the second, against a strong Mt. Tabor team. Connor informed me that he is getting a little interest from Mercer University and Western Carolina University outside Sylva, NC.

Gary Clark 6’7″ 205 F 2014 Clayton HS (NC)
A very talented sophomore, Clark is an explosive force when he gets to the rim. He in formed me that he has interest from East Carolina University, Appalachian State University, University of South Carolina, Wake Forest University, North Carolina State and Virginia. He also informed that South Carolina came to his game last week and watched him play. Clark will continue to improve and should be one of North Carolina’s top prospects in a very strong 2014 class. Gary informed me that North Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest were his top three colleges.

Issac Copeland 6’6″ 180 F Ravenscroft HS (NC)
Ranked by ESPN as the 24th best prospect in North Carolina for the 2013 class, Copeland let me know that he has been offered a scholarship East Carolina University and American University. He is one of the best shooters in the class of 2013. He also has interest from Wichita State University, William & Mary, and Florida State University. Should be another talented team for Ravenscroft. which is based in the Raleigh area.

Rodney Purvis
Photo Source: NationofBlue.com
Rodney Purvis, 2013 star PG and interested in NC State Wolfpack.

More from scout James Blackburn and the 2010 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions, with the 2012 classes and one player from 2013, Rodney Purvis.

Class of 2013 edit-Rodney has since reclassified to 2012.

Rodney Purvis (PG, 6’2″, 165)
Player Highlights
Upper Room Christian Academy
Raleigh, NC
AAU team- CP3 All-Stars

Scouting Report
Good size, athletic, ball handling, different finishing moves

College Interest
NC State

Interview
He is going to be going to the 15u super showcase with his AAU team, the CP3 All-Stars later this summer in FL. He is going to be working on his jumper a lot this summer with his HS coach.

Class of 2012

Andre Drummond (C, 6’11”, 265)
Player Highlights
St. Thomas More HS
Oakdale, CT
AAU team- Connecticut Basketball Club

Scouting Report
#1 Center in his class according to www.scout.com. Very good shot blocker, can hit the mid range, good athlete. Strong rebounder.

College Interest
Offers from UConn, Syracuse, Louisville, Texas, West Virginia, Georgetown, Mass, and Rutgers.

Interview
Very young player who is enjoying the recruiting scene- does not have any favorites so far- is trying to lay low according to his coach. He has taken an un-official visit to Providence. He is just trying to continually work on develop a all-around game. Wants to be a mix between Lebron James and Dwight Howard.

Reggie Dillard (SG, 6’3″, 210)
Dudley HS
Greensboro, NC
AAU team- CP3 All-stars

Scouting Report
Determined defender and solid 3-point shooter

College Interest
Unknown

Peter Jurkin (C, 7’0″, 220)
Player Highlights
United Faith Christian Academy
Charlotte, NC
AAU team- Indiana Elite/Team Indiana

Scouting Report
Very long and athletic- tries to block everything and either blocks or influences every shot that is put up in paint

College Interest
Indiana- they have offered

Quayshad Williams
Greensboro Day School Power Forward / 6-7/ 240
Greensboro, NC
AAU- Greensboro Gators
Scouting Report: Good hands, good touch around the rim
College Interest:

Grant Jerrett (F, 6’8″, 210)
Lutheran HS
La Verne, CA
AAU team- Belmont Shore

Scouting Report
Very long, big/wide shoulders, Runs the floor and can shoot the 3

College Interest
Has offers from Arizona, UNLV, USC, Washington, and UCLA. Is also receiving interest from Gonzaga and Arizona St.

Josh Smith (C, 6’7″, 235)
Olympic HS
Charlotte, NC
AAU team- Carolina Raptors

Scouting Report
Very strong, good rebounder who grabs everything with 2 hands, good finisher

College Interest
V. Tech, LSU- no offers yet

Interview
Trying to work on guard skills this summer. Is going to work on increasing his shooting range and dribbling skills.

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