The Hargrave Post-Graduate Basketball Team took to the road once again, this time traveling to Georgetown, Kentucky to participate in the 22nd annual Toyota Classic. The Tigers made a statement with two decisive wins at the event held in Head Coach A.W. Hamilton’s hometown and played at his alma mater, Scott County High School. Hamilton won a state championship in 1998 and led Scott County to a state runner-up finish in 1999 before beginning his playing career at Hargrave.
Hargrave 103, Mt. Zion Prep (MD) 90
Playing in the prime-time featured slot on the event’s opening night, Naji Marshall turned in one of the best overall performances of the season, helping propel the Tigers to a 103-90 victory in their first game of the weekend. Marshall poured in 33 points, hauled in 15 rebounds (including 7 offensive boards) and also contributed three assists and four steals on the night. Hargrave also got strong performances from Brandon Knapper (22 points, 4 assists), Braxton Beverly (19 points, 8 assists) and Justin Brown (14 points, 9 rebounds) in the win.
Hargrave 126, Team Vision 60
Hargrave came out firing on all cylinders against Team Vision, as they built a 31 point lead in the contest’s opening 10 minutes that would not be threatened. Hargrave saw 13 players score in the contest, including 10 that scored 7 or more. The Tigers were paced by Brandon Knapper (18 points) followed by Trey Kelley (16 points, 4 3ptm) and Antwan Walker (14 points, 7-7 FGs, 4 blocks).
Braxton Beverly, playing in front of a large cheering section in his home state, logged a double-double with 13 points on just 7 shots to go along with a game-high 12 assists and 4 steals. Lewis Djonkam (11 points, 9 rebounds), Justin Brown (10 points, 8 rebounds) and Naji Marshall (9 points, 8 rebounds) all flirted with double-doubles of their own but fell just short. Clayton Hughes (13 points) rounded out the double-digit scorers, playing above the rim all night while also having a stretch of three consecutive possessions with a made three to put the game out of reach early.
The pair of wins push Hargrave’s record to 22-1. The Tigers will be back in action at the friendly confines of Walter Davis Gymnasium on Wednesday to take on Washington Academy. On the horizon is the annual Rudy Lane Classic on January 27th and 28th in Walter Davis Gymnasium.
