Typically, following an event such as the Chick Fil–A Classic Basketball Tournament, there’s a select group of players honored for their play. There was such an event following this year’s presentation when the final game was contested on Tuesday, December 21.

There were two presentations. One for the Classic II, the other for those participating in the Classic I bracket. The Classic II portion, was won by Richland Northeast’s Cavaliers who thundered by Marlboro County 55–36.

Lower Richland guard Jeremiah Richardson was named to the Classic I All– Tournament team. Mike Jones was named the Most Outstanding Player after scoring 25 points in the 53–43 Classic I victory over the Keenan Raiders with 83 points in three games of the tourney. The final games were played before standing–room only throngs at host Richland Northeast High School.

There were several High School All– Americans and top college prospects in the field of 16 participating teams. For Jones, defeating the only team to have beaten L.R. during the season was more important.

“Man, this is one we waited for,” said Jones, relishing his team’s seventh consecutive triumph. “Losing to Keenan in the first game of the year (by one point) was good for us. It showed us what we needed to do. Coach Atkins helped us get it done.”

Atkins led Lower Richland to a championship berth in the High School League Class AAAA finals this past March. Now he has another solid team that has already shown region rival Aiken the door twice so far this season in non–conference play.

Richardson, the high scoring Diamond Hornets guard, had only six points in the finale, but had drilled in 27 in the Monday night victory over Dr. Phillips High from Orlando, FL.

The guidance of Atkins has been vital. “He’s a good coach,” Richardson said. “He’s gives everybody playing time.He knows who to play and when to play them. He’s helped me a lot.”

To keep up the pace, L.R. was going right back into action in the Capital City Classic in which both the boys’ and girls’ teams are playing. The tournament started Tuesday at Allen University. Atkins’ team was to play Crestwood in their opening contest.