This is what high school, playoff basketball should look like.
On the campus of VCU, Petersburg defeated John Marshall 68-58. VCU’s arena holds 7,500. On this night, at least 8,500 were shoehorned into the place! The environment was spectacular.
Petersburg High extended its undefeated record as Virginia Tech signee Cadarian Raines and unsigned senior forward Chris Evans pushed Petersburg over the top.
Evans
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Cadarian Raines, C, Petersburg: Since last summer we’ve harbored suspicions that he may be a bit of a late bloomer. He’s more than that. Athletically, this 6-foot-8 center is ready to play in the ACC. He’s long and hunts rejections. Defensively, he’ll be ahead of the curve. His offensive game consists of dunks and up and unders. What we really loved was his ability to pass the ball and his patience in seeing the floor. 20 points, 16 rebounds, eight blocks and 9-for-12 from the stripe.
Chris Evans, SF/PF, Petersburg: If this was his best game of the year (he wasn’t even a 2nd team all-league performer) then he couldn’t have picked a better time to rise up. He’s all of 6-6 and features the ball skills to play some small forward. Offensive minded and with a live body, he tried to dunk everything. Evans finished with 21 and 8 boards. Should his academics check out, this is a young man that would make a mid-major feel like it scored a strong spring steal.
Travis McKie, SF, John Marshall: McKie’s night began with great promise as he raced off to a very good first half. His activity level was high early as he dove to the post and got himself to the line (10-11 FT). However, the second half saw him clip off just two shots to finish with 17 points (avg. 21.2) and nine rebounds. His activity level in the second half could have been higher, even against solid defense.
Head coaches Anthony Grant (VCU) and Dave Leitao (Virginia) eyeballed McKie. Clemson had an assistant watching as well. … Quinnipiac was in the stands to see Evans. …
“Somewhere there’s a fire marshall that is not too happy.”
VCU staffer on the overflow arena crowd