Tuesday 3/20, Siegel Center, Richmond, Virginia: High school seniors from the Central Region and Tidewater Region met for the first time in head-to-head competition. A panel of coaches and media representing both regions selected players. The game was open to all high school seniors from AAA, AA, A and private schools.
The game was sanctioned by the NCAA and was played under college basketball rules, with one exception. Teams played four twelve-minute quarters instead of twenty-minute halves.
Salem's Antonio Johnson got things started by hitting a three-pointer for Tidewater. Tidewater scored again on a short jumper in the lane by C.J. Fayton. Joemi Byrd answered with a three to tie the game at 5-5 with 10:23 left in the first quarter. Both teams exchanged baskets during the early minutes of the first quarter. Andrius Montrimas and Bryan Scott did most of the damage for Tidewater. In the later part of the quarter the Central region went on a 12-2 run behind the shooting of Joemi Byrd. The first quarter ended tied at 30-30.
The second quarter saw both teams race up and down the court with Joemi Byrd leading the way for the Central Region and Bryan Scott carrying the offensive load for the Tidewater Region. The half ended at 59-57 with the Central Region up by two. Joemi Byrd scored 15 points in the first half for the Central Region while Bryan Scott led Tidewater with 13 points.
The second half picked up where the first half ended with each team exchanging three pointers. The lead changed hands 5 times in the third quarter with Tidewater leading 85-80 after a short run, to take a 5 point lead at the end of three. Again it was the shooting of Bryan Scott of Tidewater that put some distance between the two teams.
The length of the game began to show in the fourth quarter, as both teams appeared to be tired. Tidewater regained the lead three minutes into the fourth quarter and held on to win by a score of 112-106.
The largest lead of the game came in the first half when Tidewater had a ten point lead, but the Central Region went on a 12-0 run to take a two point lead at the half. Three minutes into the fourth quarter Tidewater regained the lead for good, but never more than 6 points separated the two teams for the remainder of the game.
Bryan Scott was selected as the MVP for the Tidewater Region scoring 23 points. Norfolk Collegiate's Andrius Montrimas, scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and may be one of the most overlooked and underrated players in the state.
Joemi Byrd was selected as the MVP for the Central Region scoring 25 points and keeping the Central Region in the game. Brunswick's Darius Hargrove added 21 points for the Central Region.
The big difference in the game was the overwhelming difference in rebounds. Tidewater outrebounded the Central Region 71-25.
Dunk Contest Highlights from Halftime
of Commonwealth Classic
During intermission of the Commonwealth Classic the fans were treated to a “Slam Dunk” Contest. Contestants were given three chances to display their artistic ability while successfully dunking the basketball. Grading was based on style, grace and degree of difficulty.
The all-around winner was Princess Anne’s C.J. Fayton of who leaped over one of his teammates and did an “Air Jordan” slam.
MORE DUNKS
Mike Wilkerson 360 Dunk
Bruce Brown sky dunk
Trevor Goode Makes it look easy
Tyrone Sally puts arm into rim while dunking
Other Pictures and Videos:
Mike Wilkerson
Trevor Goode
Tyrone Sally
Bruce Brown
Bryan Randall
Darius Hargrove
