Division I talent was on full display Saturday night as nationally ranked Petersburg and city rival John Marshall delivered commanding victories in “The Battle 2025” doubleheader at Virginia State University’s Multipurpose Center.

In the nightcap, sixth-ranked Petersburg showcased why it’s among the nation’s elite, defeating S3 Academy 67-52 behind King Bacot’s game-high 21 points. The Crimson Wave, whose roster features five D1 recruits, proved too deep and talented for their opponents. 

Bacot, a Division I recruit, was efficient throughout, shooting 7-for-12 from the floor and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line while grabbing eight rebounds in 27 minutes. His performance was complemented by a balanced attack that saw Oklahoma State commit Latrell Allmond contribute six points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Mississippi State-bound Ladarius Givan added eight points, five rebounds and four assists. 

Fellow D1 recruits Kelvin “Pop” Anderson and Cam Claiborne each chipped in eight and four points respectively, demonstrating the Crimson Wave’s overwhelming depth. Petersburg shot 41.7% from the field and dominated at the free-throw line, converting 22-of-27 attempts (81.5%). 

S3 Academy, led by Stephon Cherry’s 20 points and seven rebounds, couldn’t overcome Petersburg’s firepower. D1 recruits Nick Byrd and Jamese Jordan combined for just 12 points as Petersburg’s defense clamped down. The Crimson Wave outscored S3 Academy in every quarter except the fourth, building a 25-20 halftime lead and never looking back. 

In the opening game, John Marshall set the tone for the evening with a dominant 78-51 victory over Richmond High School for the Arts. D1 recruits Troy Tomlin and Ahmad Britt led the Justices to a wire-to-wire victory that was never in doubt. 

John Marshall exploded out of the gates, racing to a 25-14 first-quarter advantage. The Justices’ relentless pressure and transition game extended the lead to 54-30 by halftime, effectively putting the game away before the break. By the end of the third quarter, John Marshall led 73-45. 

Jermaine Brown paced Richmond HS for the Arts in the losing effort, but the team — competing under the banner of the former George Wythe location — struggled to match John Marshall’s size, athleticism and depth. 

The doubleheader provided a showcase of Richmond-area basketball talent, with both winning teams featuring multiple Division I recruits and college-level skill. The atmosphere at VSU’s Multipurpose Center gave all four squads a taste of what awaits them at the next level. 

 Nick Byrd Jr. #4 of S3 Academy looks to distribute the ball during the “Battle of the Burg.”  photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press