The Shadow
On Friday evening, March 15, the annual “All Star Tournament” was held, this time at Alleghany High School, as it was Alleghany County Parks and Rec’s turn to host the highly anticipated event. In years’ past, the “All Star Tournament” has been a 2-day event with multiple games being played. However this year, Bath County —who typically boasts two teams— only had one team for basketball season. That one team opted not to participate in this year’s tournament, leaving Alleghany High School to once again revisit the age-old rivalry of Covington vs. Alleghany.
Covington All Star players included: Mehki Peterson (2), Konnor Kirby (4), JeSean Riddick (5), Quentin Harris (11), Jayden Richmond (15), Carter Pye-Lee (20), JaMichael Barber (22), Will Rathbun (23), Brandon Daniel (30), Chance Wolfe (32), and Gabe Salamanca (35). Covington Head Coach Matt Hilmer, and Assistants Travis Roark and Reggie Wolfe were also present to represent Covington. The top three leading scorers for Covington were Quentin Harris with 12, JeSean Riddick with 8, and Chance Wolfe with 6. Additionally, Quentin Harris was chosen as the MVP of the game. Not only was Harris the highest scoring player for Covington but was actually the top-scoring player between both teams!
Representing the All Stars for Alleghany County Parks and Recreation were the following: Josh Shannon (1), Nazayah Harmond (3), Jackson Rickett (5), Gunner Puffenbarger (10), Bryson Hipes (12), Tanner Kenny (14), Hank Garten (23), Ethan Banker (30), Sawyer Knighton (33), Joel Bradshaw (42), Brendon Nida (44), and Head Coach Dizzy Garten. The top three leading scorers for Alleghany County Parks and Rec. were Jackson Rickett with 10, Sawyer Knighton with 7, and Nazayah Harmond with 4.
The Covington All Stars got off to an early lead in the first quarter, thanks in part to JeSean Riddick putting up 4 points and Quentin Harris nailing a 3-pointer. Harris would be one of two Covington All Stars sinking 3 pointers, with Chance Wolfe being the other. By the end of the first quarter, Covington had Alleghany on the run 13-3. In the second quarter, Alleghany fought back with the help of Nazayah Harmond and Jackson Rickett who both put up 4 points each leading Alleghany to score 14 points in the second quarter to Covington’s 9.
However, the momentum would shift in the third with Covington nearly doubling Alleghany’s points on the scoreboard. In the fourth, that number would triple and ultimately seal the deal for the Covington All Stars. They would walk away with the victory, 47-28 against Alleghany.
The Virginian Review reached out to both coaches after the game to their final thoughts. Alleghany Coach Dizzy Garten said, “I have known most all these young guys on both sides for years and the future is very bright for this area. Not only athletically, but also in terms of quality young men. They all played extremely hard, and both won and lost the right way. When young men win with class it’s really great and when young men lose with class but hate it that gives you something to really build off of.”
As for Covington Coach, Matth Hilmer, he shared, “This was a very enjoyable and deserving group. He [Quentin Harris] didn’t waste any opportunities, full gas all night. I am very pleased with everyone’s contributions. This was a team effort. Everyone added value.”
