Beasts of the Southeast
Published 3:44 am Friday, January 15, 2010
The “Beasts of the Southeast” might just be the Test to be the Best.
One of the best lineups of basketball talent among boys’ teams in Southeast Ohio will fill the Chesapeake High School gym Saturday in a bonanza for fans.
Chesapeake coach Ryan Davis and other community members have put together an outstanding series of games with some of the top programs in the Southeast to be played beginning at 2 p.m.
“We started last December and met once a week and worked. Joe Smith was the one who helped me along. When Joe passed, Tom Ross stepped in and helped. And we’ve had tons of help from the community,” said Davis.
“Mike Curry and Buzz Johnson have been really involved and helped a lot. It’s been good not only to get these people involved but to get to know them.”
Fans can see all four games for just one $7 admission. Not only is this year’s schedule impressive, but Davis has all ready begun work for next year.
“We’re scheduling all ready for next year. I’ve talked with (coach Mark) LaFon and Ironton is going to be in it. I’d like to get the top Div. III teams here,” said Davis.
The first game features the South Point Pointers and the Eastern Brown Warriors. The Pointers (5-3) have won four in a row while Eastern Brown (7-1) is leading the Southern Hills League.
North Adams and Southern play at 4 p.m. followed by the 6 p.m. marquee game of Huntington Prep and Quality Education Academy from Winston-Salem, N.C.
The Fighting Pharoahs feature the nation’s No. 1 power forward prospect in 6-foot-10 Quincy Miller who is being courted by most Division I colleges.
The Huntington Express has a top 10 recruiting candidate in 6-4 wing Justin Coleman. He is rated No. 24 overall by Scout.com and the No. 4 small forward. ESPN has Coleman rated No. 32 overall and the No. 7 shooting guard.
In the final game of the day at 8 p.m. the host Panthers (4-3) take on Chillicothe Huntington Ross.
Chesapeake has faced a tough schedule this season. It’s three losses have come at the hands of Division II Campbell Memorial and Waverly as well as Div. III Ironton.