* Freeman’s Legit: As a few DigitalSports fans said in the preseason questionnaire, watch out for Douglas Freeman.
The Rebels took their own title defeating Highland Springs 62-51 in Saturday’s championship. Tournament MVP Josh Brinkley put in 14 points, while sharpshooter Jake Eastman poured in 16.
Freeman had to top defending Rebel Invitational champion Benedictine in the semifinals, winning 75-68 over the Cadets, who took third place.
With Brinkley, Eastman, Billy Giles (12 in the final), Philip Rohrer (10) and a more-than-solid bench, the Rebels are more than competition for Colonial District favorite John Marshall.
* Panthers Rolling: We may have to throw Hermitage into the Colonial District hat. Freshman guard Micah Thomas has been sensational so far, putting in almost 17 per game, including 22- and 23-point efforts for the Panthers.
Hermitage has a good mixture with several experienced players like seniors Manny Winston and 6-6 Herman Kinard. Tuesday should be interesting, as Hermitage will visit Freeman at 7:45 p.m.
* Contenders Look Good: Defending Central Region champion John Marshall, region runner-up Petersburg, Huguenot and Highland Springs look good so far.
JM blew out Patrick Henry in its only contest, while Petersburg handled Manchester. The Falcons are 2-0 winning their games by almost 35 per contest.
Thomas Jefferson transfer Juan Wilson seems to have bolstered an already talented Huguenot lineup coach by former-but-new coach Bo Jones Sr.
* Performances of Note: L.C. Bird’s Rico Ferguson, a reigning all-DigitalSports pick, almost had a triple-double in the Rebel Invitational fifth-place game.
Ferguson registered 14 assists and 10 rebounds to go along with eight points.
Prince George is off to a 3-0 start, taking the Midlo tourney. Tyler Johnson and Treon Claiborne are playing well early.
Dale is also 2-0, with a tough win over Group A power Chesterfield Community.
* Congrats!: Hanover’s Troy Manns, Varina’s Matt McKeag and Deep Run’s Rally Axselle, Meadowbrook’s Ksaan Brown, Bird’s Chuck Thomas, Monacan’s Bill Roberson and James River’s Tracy Hamner got their first wins at their new spots. The Rapids are 2-1.
Until next week…
– Stephen M. Lewis
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