One team that had a really good showing at the John Wall Holiday Invitational was Highland School (VA). The defending Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) Division I state champions, Highland went 2-1 at the Wall, with wins over Wilson (SC) and Southern Durham (NC). However, the trip as a whole was a great experience for the team, as they bonded a lot closer to one another.
The Hawks started their season undefeated, with their last win before the Wall against the Shining Stars Sports Academy bringing their record to 7-0. Head coach Logan Miller and his team made the bus drive down on Christmas Day – or as he put it, “I’ve been stuck with them here since Christmas Day.”
Miller is on the younger side, and a favorite among his players, but that doesn’t mean he’s an easy coach. He’s demanding, always expecting the best from his very young roster. Their youth often means that the little things can slip under the cracks, such as team defense. However, it also means that they’re building great camaraderie.
“They don’t ever shut up…off the court,” said Miller. “Hopefully that’ll translate to on-the-court at some point. They did a lot of bonding stuff off the court in their time here. Family meals, an Escape Room, things like that. When they’re hanging out, I just try to stay out of the way.”
The Hawks beat Southern Durham 59-53, but didn’t have enough firepower to outlast Greenfield (NC), who got hot en route to a Day’Ron Sharpe Bracket championship. Still, the team was able to shoot an impressive 50% from three against Wilson, which led to a 22-point victory.
After graduating star Nate Ament last year, this year’s squad is led by the one-two punch of sophomore Isaiah Carter and freshman Brayden Ragland. Carter is a shooting guard with a great stroke and bounce, while Ragland is a 6-foot-6 forward who bruises people with his frame on the interior, but has a nice jump shot as well. The offense is led by Amani Asare, a short but skilled guard with a nice handle. Surrounded by other complementary pieces, the team has to be considered a favorite to repeat as state champions.
