Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Basketball Classic Preview - Newton vs. Alcovy (Boys)

In the final game of day one of the third annual Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Basketball Classic, Newton and Alcovy will face off in the Newton County rivalry. The Rams have been the better program historically; however, the gap this year seems to have closed a bit, giving Alcovy a chance for one of the biggest wins the program has seen in some time.

The Tigers of Alcovy have had a tough start to the 2025–26 basketball season, beginning 1-5. However, none of those losses are bad losses, as every one came against teams at .500 or better, and two of those defeats were by single digits. The team’s one win came in dominant fashion over Ola in a 67-44 game. The Tigers are led by junior Antione Graves. The 6-foot-2 guard is leading the team in scoring with 16.8 points per game,more than five points ahead of the team’s next leading scorer. Alcovy has gotten strong guard play all season, with its three leading scorers,Graves, Jakori Pinelle, and Makhi Hamlin, all being guards. All three average more than nine points per game, and both Pinelle and Graves score in double figures. A weakness for the team will be size; only two players taller than 6-2 have played meaningful minutes this season, Kortize Foust and Kellin Hendrix, who stand 6-3 and 6-4, respectively. Because of that, opponents have scored a lot of points at high percentages inside the three-point line.

Newton enters the matchup after a tough start to the season for the reigning 6A runner-ups, beginning 1-4. However, their non-region schedule has been one of the toughest in the state. Teams like McEachern and Mays are both strong programs capable of competing for state titles. Size will be a major advantage for the Rams, with six players listed as tall as, or taller than, Alcovy’s tallest player. The center duo of Cayden Young and Emmanuel Wilder will be especially impactful, standing at 6-9 and 6-8, respectively. Additionally, Newton has some big guards, headlined by 6-4 Jared White. The Rams’ length at guard will give them positional versatility against Alcovy, allowing players to switch defensively with ease and creating a seamless, cohesive defensive unit. The question Newton has yet to answer is when the team will begin to gel. Most of last year’s roster graduated, and many of this year’s players are first-year starters or transfers. The Rams will return to the strong form they are known for, the question is simply when.

This game will come down to which team can shake off its slow start to the season and find its rhythm heading into the heart of the schedule. This is a game that always comes down to the wire and is a true rivalry matchup. Last year, a dominant Newton team beat Alcovy by only 10 points. This year’s meeting should be even closer, as both teams sit in similar positions heading into the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Basketball Classic.

​​ALCOVY ROSTER

Head Coach: Darrell Johnson

0, Kellin Hendrix, W/F, 12

1, Jakori Pinelle, G/SG, 12

2, Antione Graves, G/F, 11

3, Kristopher Able, G/F, 10

4, Jesy Gassett, G, 12

5, Kortize Foust, G/F, 11

10, Latrell Head, F, 12

11, Immanuel Humphrey, G, 12

12, Mekhi Hamlin, G, 10

15, Tyler Friend, F, 12

20, Jamari Willis, F, 12

21, Marc Moore, C/F, 12

22, Isaiah Purvis, F, 12

30, Jaylen Random, F, 11

NEWTON ROSTER

Head Coach: Barry Browner

0, Jared White, G, 12

1, Jayden Scott, PG, 12

3, Deven Wilson, SF, 11

4, Champion Dent, F, 10

5, TJ Sands, G, 12

10, Landen Garrick, G, 11

11, Dee Brock, G, 10

12, Emmanuel Wilder, C, 10

15, Cayden Young, C, 12

20, Braylon Miller, G, 11

21, Kingston Clahar, G, 9

22, Caden Williams, F, 10

24, Shadrack Amemaka, F, 12

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