By Dave Morrison
Back in March, less than two days removed from a heart-breaking loss to Fairmont in the Class AAA state championship game, Shady Spring’s Cam Mans was on the mound for his baseball brothers at Epling Stadium.
Similarly, Manns was onboard for his basketball brothers when the senior made the drive back from a baseball tournament at Myrtle Beach Friday to go through practice one last time with hoops teammates Braden and Cole Chapman and Jaedan Holstein in preparation for Saturday’s Scott Brown/Little General Classic
When he said he just made it to practice he meant it
I literally got back at 6 p.m.,” Manns said. “I texted coach and told him I was going to be a little late because I knew I was going to be pressed for time. As soon as I got home, I grabbed my basketball bag and left. I had my practice shorts from the state tournament in there and I wore those.”
Whatever works, works. And shooter’s shoot.
Manns no sooner pulled into Shady Spring High School then he was competing for a spot in Saturday’s three-point shootout.
And he made hit, hit 15 of 25 shoots.
“I haven’t shot a basketball since the state tournament,” Manns said. “I haven’t touched a basketball.”
Manns, who made a team-leading (with Braden Chapman) 56 3s and averaged 12.8 points per game, isn’t surprised.
“Shooter’s shoot,” he said.
None of it shocks Ronnie Olson, who will coach the Shady contingent and the rest of the Class AAA-AA starts against their Class AAAA-A counterparts. The boys activities start at 4 p.m. The Scott Brown girls even kicks off activities at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8.
“He could have stayed, and hung outing enjoyed the rest of spring break,” Olson said. “He was committed and excited to play in his game, play with his guys one more time. For him to come back shows that he still loves it and wants to play in this gym one more time and shows his dedication to our program. I love him to death.”
It was the opportunity to play one more time no there is no mileage limit on that.
“This is great opportunity,” Manns said. “This is fun playing with teammates and against guys I’ve played against forever. I’m excited. It’s going to be great (to suit up with Shady Spring teammates Braden Chapman, Cole Chapman and Jaedan Holstein) because we’re never going to do it again. One last time in this gym. We’re 42-0 in this gym and I want to make it 43-0 with my boys.”
Well worth the ride.
