Mayer: My First Pizza Hut Classic Experience

It wasn't a week after I started working at NBC 2 that I heard about the Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic. Grant and Jason were obviously already looking forward to one of the Wabash Valley's marquee sporting events and I can now say, it lived up to expectations.

I've covered high school sports in different capacities before starting at WTWO and since including high school basketball this season. However, at no other point has the true love of high school bball in this state been displayed better. I guess this is why they say"In 49 states it's just basketball."

The atmosphere from day one through the title game could not have been better and at points was bordering on stunning. I mean this tournament was a marathon. 28 games over four days (27 after the Owen Valley forfeit due to snow). That's another thing, there were multiple days of some nasty winter weather, but fans would not be deterred. Game after game had great attendance.

The players were pumped up coming in and didn't disappoint in their performances although you could see certain squads clearly disappointed in the games following their elimination. That's pretty understandable, although there were some great match ups on the consolation side of the bracket. That's mostly due to the random draw. I think that is the one major improvement that should be implemented for The Classic. It would make much more sense to do a coaches/media poll and have the tournament seeded instead of a random draw. 

 Rockville was a deserving champion (I'll pat myself on the back for picking them in the beginning). They weren't the flashiest team, but constantly forced their tempo on the opposing squad. Lane Mahurin is a match up nightmare even for players his size. The Rox are a tough squad that aren't afraid to get physical, best exemplified  by Joel Wittenmyer who got elbowed very hard in the nose and was bleeding profusely. Keiontre Wilkey also was elbowed and had some bleeding, but both played and helped the Rox win. Here's a recap of title run.

I have to spotlight the quarter final game between Terre Haute North and Robinson. The Patriots and Maroons along with the Rox were the best teams at the Classic. The game between North and Robinson was in a word EPIC. Aaron Siler put Robinson on his back scoring 39 points, only one behind Indiana State Sycamores star R.J. Mahurin for most in a single game at the tournament. The Terre Haute South gym was packed to capacity with an atmosphere that reminded me of a small Assembly Hall. The game was a heavyweight fight with each team refusing to back down. Easily one of the best basketball games I've ever covered.

Overall, the Pizza hut Wabash Valley Classic was basketball at its finest. The tournament was well orchestrated and the passion from every player, coach, and fan could not have been better. I had an absolute blast covering the tournament.