Hargrave Wins 2014 First Piedmont Corp Invitational

William Wiebking
Over two days, four nationally ranked postgraduate teams battled for domination at the 2014 First Piedmont Corp Invitational at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia. The 2014 postgraduate basketball teams invited to the event feature outstanding in-state rivals.

Fishburne Military School, Fork Union Military Academy, Hargrave Military Academy and Massanutten Military Academy engaged in aggressive championship level play to determine the best team in the annual event. The First Piedmont Corp Invitational is known for spectacular D1 level basketball games open to spectators from Chatham and Pittsylvania County.

The Invitational started on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Fishburne, which was ranked as high as third nationally this season, battled Fork Union to a convincing 84-65 win.

At 8:00 p.m., Massanutten had their sights set on a big win over Hargrave. They had something to prove after learning they were excluded from the 2014 National Prep Championship (The National Prep Championship is March 4-5, 2014 at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut), a tournament that Hargrave team was invited to attend. After a slow start, Hargrave managed a 113-91 win over Massanutten.

On Saturday, March 1, 2014, Massanutten defeated Fork Union 90-78 in the 1:30 p.m. consolation game.

At 3:30 p.m. Fishburne squared off against Hargrave in the Championship game. Both teams maintained a top ten national ranking throughout the season, and the game was an awesome display of great offense and defense on both sides of the court. Ultimately, Hargrave secured the win with a 85-70 victory.

“This team is peaking at the right time. I thought our energy and effort this weekend was tremendous and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Head Coach A.W. Hamilton. “The First Piedmont Corp Invitational has become a nationally known event which we are honored to win again this year.”

The 2014 First Piedmont Corp Invitational marks the end of Hargrave’s regular season. The team finished the season ranked #2 in the country. NCAA certified scouting service NextUpRecruits named Hargrave Cadets Ahmad Thomas and Jabari McGhee co-MVP’s of the Invitational.

First Piedmont Corporation sponsored the 2014 First Piedmont Corp Invitational. They are a vital partner in making this tournament a growing success. First Piedmont is a full service waste management company, which has provided safe, reliable and economical waste hauling, disposal and recycling since 1969. Using the most environmentally sound methods in waste handling, First Piedmont strives to reduce the long-term liability of its clients by adhering to the strictest standards and operating facilities that are environmentally safe. The firm is based in Chatham, Virginia.

Hargrave Military Academy is an all-male military school focused on college preparation and character development. Founded in 1909, the Academy is noted for ongoing academic achievement in college placement, athletics and leadership. Hargrave continually strives to better the future of its students by serving the whole person, mind, body and spirit. The Academy is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. The Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and School via AdvancED and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Approximately 260 students attend the Academy annually.

2014 First Piedmont Champs