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Small crowds problem for prep basketball

By Tim Chambers

Inside Bayless Gymnasium Tuesday night, I was taken back to my childhood days as a 7-year old. Joined by my two-year old grandson Evan at court-side during the junior varsity contest, I was there covering Hampton and Happy Valley.

It reminded me of 1966, when dad fired up the old Chevolet Be-lair and shuttled us off to Hampton to watch what was being billed as “The Game.”

Little did I know that 46 years later I would recall that night. Yet I don’t remember a whole lot about what went on between Hampton and Happy Valley.

I do remember the two little fiery head coaches name Buck VanHuss and Charlie Bayless that graced the sideline because I thought they were very animated. And I knew most of the Hampton players because my cousin Bud Winters was a standout guard on that team.