By Jeff Aydelette

BAYBORO – The Pamlico Christmas Classic – a high school basketball tournament revived by Hurricanes Head Coach Earl Sadler Jr. after a hiatus of 10 years – culminated Wednesday night as the local squad fell to Raleigh-based powerhouse Stevens Prep Academy by a score of 64 to 78.
Despite a 27-point performance from Anthony McCray and another 20 points from Shane Whitfield, the Canes failed to contain Chris Hill, the 6-foot 8-inch standout from Stevens who is being recruited by a number of NCAA Division 1 schools.
Hill, who took a breather for most of the fourth quarter, finished the night with an amazing 44 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocked shots.
Going into the contest, Sadler knew his team would be hard-pressed to match up with Stevens Prep, which attracts high school athletes from throughout the country who need to hone their academic skills before matriculating to a college or university.
“Because many of their guys are Division 1 quality,” said Sadler, “we’re going to have to slow it down and attempt to play real deliberate, error free basketball.”
Stevens Prep pulled away in the first quarter, ending the stanza with a commanding 29 to 12 lead.
However, the Canes held Stevens Prep scoreless until the 3:45 mark of the second when Hill managed to sneak in along the baseline for a successful “alley-oop” – one of at least a half dozen during the game.
At the half, the Canes were within two and the hometown crowd was buzzing.
However, during the brief intermission, Stevens Prep Head Coach Darryl Harris likely read the ‘Riot Act’ to his squad.
As the third quarter unfolded, the first-year coach saw his team immediately bump up the caliber of its play. The Canes had a tough time with their opponents’ full court pressing defense, which resulted in several crucial turnovers. And, Hill’s play above the rim was almost unstoppable.
Down by 16 at the end of the third, both the game and the shouting were all but over. Both coaches took advantage of the fourth quarter to give every team member valuable playing time.
Hill’s teammate Jamal Williams, well known as a three-point ace, finished with 16 points, including three baskets from beyond the arc.
Sadler, in rebuilding mode after losing a number of seniors from last year, knows his players learned from the experience. An out-of-conference loss to a superior squad can only help his young team as the season unfolds.
In a brief interview after the game, Harris said he was pleased with his team’s performance.
“The Hurricanes are a competitive bunch,” said Harris. “But, I tell you when Hill is on his game like he was tonight, we can be tough to beat. And, Williams is an all-around solid player for us. At 6 feet 3 inches he can alternate between guard and forward, and his three-point shooting skills are great.”
Voted to the 2009 All Classic Team were Hill and Williams from Stevens Prep; and, McCray and Whitfield from the Pamlico County Hurricanes.