The press release:
2013 Heartland Hoops Classic to feature national power Oak Hill Academy
GRAND ISLAND – Heartland Hoops Classic organizer Tino Martinez has announced the perennial national power Oak Hill Academy, located in Mouth of Wilson, VA, will participate in the 2013 Heartland Hoops Classic. They will play current Nebraska No. 1 Omaha Central.
The Warriors, coached by legend Steve Smith, are currently 35-0 on the season and ranked No. 1 in the nation by both USA Today and ESPN.com. The Warriors have had 28 McDonald’s All-American’s, including Tyler Lewis this season.
“I don’t know if you can be more excited than we are to be able to secure Oak Hill Academy for this event,” Martinez said. “Obviously, coach Smith runs one of the top high school programs in the nation. To be able to get them here to play one of the best programs in the state – Omaha Central – is great for our event, the state and the community of Grand Island.”
Oak Hill has churned out 55 Division I scholarship players since 2000, including Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse), Rajon Rando (Kentucky), Ty Lawson (North Carolina) and Nolan Smith (Duke). Central’s Eagles have been dominating in Nebraska biggest class. They have won five state titles in the past six seasons and are the two-time defending Class A champions.
Other matchups confirmed for the 2013 event, to be played February 9th are: Northwest vs. Kearney Catholic, Archbishiop Bergan v. Doniphan-Trumbull and Heartland Lutheran v. High Plains.
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This is great for the state of Nebraska, Omaha Central, and everybody involved. Way to go Tino (a very good player in his day in his own right) for dreaming big and making it happen. More of the same, please.
This is exciting i have seen Oak Hill Play 3 times over the years. I think this will be a wake up call for the state of nebraska basketball. But cant wait!!! Jerry Stackhouse Jeff Mcguiness Melo Diasagna Diop just a few of the players i have seen play for oak hill. Plus seen them play St. Vincent St. Mary!! Best game ever
Wow! Just wow! Too bad it’s not in Omaha.
Watch the KCHS vs. Northwest Game for another great matchup. KCHS will have a very fast and explosive team that can score from anywhere on the court. The HHC is fast becoming an incredible event in teh Midwest and I predict more out of state teams in the future.
Would be interested if it was in the O. I assume it was set in GI before the teams were announced, but who’s going to drive to GI to watch this game besides the players parents? Good get in Oak Hill, but no way I’m driving to GI for it. Dissapointing.
To all those not willing to drive out of omaha to see this game will miss a level of high school basketball Nebraska hasn’t witnessed since Eric Strickland, Andre Woolridge and Charles Cleveland. I just hope central can be competitive. Go work bro!!!
Cleveland’s probably a stretch…Strickland was a great at everything.