Sullinger shakes off food poisoning, scores 22 points
By Steve Blackledge
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
In a late-morning text message to friends and media members yesterday, Northland coach Satch Sullinger regretted that his son Jared might sit out the McDonald's All American Game because of food poisoning.
Calling his son "a warrior," Satch was quick to add that Jared would do everything humanly possible to play.
Following a trip to a hospital for an IV to regain his fluids, Jared Sullinger not only took the court last night but earned MVP for the East in its 107-104 loss to the West last night in Value City Arena.
"I had some hot wings for a late-night snack," said Sullinger, a 6-foot-9, 260-pound center headed to Ohio State. "I guess I got food poisoning, and that led to dehydration.
"Earlier in the morning, I didn't think I was going to play. I just felt terrible. But after the IV and some medicine, I started feeling a little better and decided to give it a try."
The James A. Naismith national player of the year and a two-time Mr. Basketball in Ohio, Sullinger wasn't just the hometown choice for MVP. In a game typically dominated by guards, he finished with a game-high 22 points, with seven rebounds, three steals and two assists. His 7-of-11 field-goal shooting included going 2 of 3 on three-pointers. He also was 6 of 6 at the free-throw line.
Not bad for a player thought to be at death's door earlier in the day.
"All I hoped to prove to the Buckeye fans tonight was that I could offer some physical play and not be afraid to get my nose bloody," he said.
In fact, Sullinger and fellow Ohio State recruit Deshaun Thomas of Bishop Luers in Fort Wayne, Ind., nearly brought the East back from an 11-point deficit in the final 2:41.
"Me and Deshaun talked about showing Buckeye fans what they've got coming in next year," Sullinger said. "We wanted to put on a show, and I think we did all right, considering everything."
Sullinger hit a three-pointer to shave the margin to 102-98 with 1:42 left, and Thomas scored twice in the final 1:26 (one on an assist from Sullinger) to tie the score at 104.
The West, however, called a timeout with 30 seconds left to plan a final shot.
Dribbling down the right baseline, Brandon Knight of Coral Springs, Fla., appeared to stiff-arm defender Kendall Marshall to the floor, then maneuvered for an open three-point shot that he nailed with three seconds left.
A 60-foot desperation heave by Sullinger just missed the rim as time expired.
"The play we drew up was to get Harrison (Barnes) the ball," Knight said. "He flashed, but was denied. I saw Kendall fall, and I took it upon myself to try to get off a last shot."
Barnes, a North Carolina recruit from Ames, Iowa, who was the McDonald's national player of the year, was the West MVP after an 18-point, five-rebound performance. He went 7 of 10 from the field.
"The McDonald's game is the biggest showcase in high school basketball, and this is one of the greatest moments of my life," Barnes said.
Knight, the Gatorade player of the year, had an off night with nine points on 3-of-11 shooting, but as he pointed out, "I'm a good shooter, and shooters never lose their confidence even when things are going bad."
Until his late-game heroics, Thomas also struggled with 11 points and seven rebounds on 5-of-14 shooting.
It was a typical all-star game with minimal defense and teamwork, very few fouls called and a whole lot of dunks.
Many of the West's baskets came on East turnovers and were completely unchallenged.
Generally, the West was larger and more dominant under the basket; the East more athletic and slicker on dribble penetration.
The East led 59-51 at halftime.
sblackledge@dispatch.com http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2010/04/01/feel-better-effort.html?sid=101
Pictured: Maurice Harkless 6'8 Forest Hills H.S. (Uconn 2011)
