HUNTINGTON — It is hard to think of Spring Valley basketball without the name Jeremy Adkins coming to mind.

Adkins’ consistency was a major reason the Timberwolves jumped from 12 wins in each of his first three seasons to 19 wins in 2008-09.

That stellar career comes to a close at 7:45 p.m. Friday when Adkins takes the court for the South in the North-South All-Star Basketball Classic at the South Charleston Community Center.

“It’s fun because I spent all my time playing against these guys,” Adkins said. “It just gives us a chance to unwind, have a little fun and play in the all-star game.”

Adkins is a two-time Class AAA all-state first team selection who produced solid statistics despite facing constant double- and even triple-teams toward the end of his senior year.

In each of the last two years, Adkins averaged 17.7 points a game while also contributing heavily in rebounding and assists. Adkins’ numbers equated to nearly one-third of Spring Valley’s scoring in coach Steve Morrison’s patient, work-the-ball scheme.

The North-South game will offer a contrast in styles for Adkins, who will play for the up-and-down tempo of Winfield coach Pat McGinnis.

It was McGinnis’ Winfield team that started out red-hot from the field in the regional championship and ended the Timberwolves’ season.

Adkins said despite that loss, it will be an honor and privilege to play for McGinnis in the All-Star game.

“I never hold anything against an opposing team or coach,” Adkins said. “I think it will be fun to play for an opposing mindset and see a switch of style. Regardless of who coaches the All-Star game, you can bet it is going to be up and down.”

Adkins will be one of two Wayne Countians on the roster, joining Wayne’s Neil Dillon for the contest.

He said that while it is traditionally known as a football county, there are some great basketball players.

“It’s a lot stronger than what people give it credit for,” Adkins said. “It’s a good chance to showcase the Wayne County talent.”

After the game, Adkins will set his sights on Washington & Lee University in Virginia where he has signed to play collegiate basketball. He reports to Washington & Lee on Aug. 30.

North-South All-Star Basketball Classic
Friday, 7:45 p.m.
(Slam dunk and 3-point contests, 7 p.m.)
At South Charleston Community Center
Admission: $6 adults; $5 students
North roster
Jonathan Alvarez, Musselman; Cameron Cato, Martinsburg; Darius Dillard, Tucker County; Noah Fischer, Ripley; Preston Hartman, Keyser; Matt Kiger, Williamstown; Dewey McDonald, Jefferson; Bruce Patterson, Ravenswood; Seth Quirk, East Fairmont; Isaac Thornton, Martinsburg; Anthony Caplinger, Parkersburg South; Maurice Newby, Hedgesville.
Coaches: Dave Rogers, Martinsburg; Mick Price, Ravenswood.

South roster
Jeremy Adkins, Spring Valley; Brandon Burgraff, Matewan; Neil Dillon, Wayne; Matt Goolsby, Charleston Catholic; Chris Lawson, Oak Hill; Da’Von Marion, Mount Hope; Steven McComas, Scott; Ryan Powers, Woodrow Wilson; Gentry Shrewsbury, Wyoming East; Aaron Slusher, South Charleston; Chase Smith, George Washington; Kyle Snyder, Sissonville.
Coaches: Pat McGinnis, Winfield; Rich Skeen, Sissonville.
 

 

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