Boys basketball -- By Chuck McGill (Daily Staff Writer)
BERRYVILLE — Charles Bailey isn't one to sing his own praises.
Clarke County's musically-inclined guard knows first-hand that, like a song, each component of a basketball team must work in harmony. Otherwise, the team's on-court performance won't be music to anyone's ears.
Trust Bailey on this one; he's the expert.
"A lot of people don't know I like to sing," he said. "I grew up in the church singing and I sing at school. To hear people singing, anything that has to do with music, I like."
Clarke County will travel to face Franklin in the quarterfinals of the Group A state tournament Saturday at 3 p.m., but Bailey will be called upon to do more than serenade his teammates during the long bus ride. The gifted musician plays an integral role on the Eagles' varsity basketball team, although his place in the starting lineup seemed, initially, a bit out of tune.
"Early in the year, I don't think he knew what to expect," Clarke County coach Brent Emmart said. "I think we molded him where he needs to be."
Bailey struggled with the transition from junior varsity to varsity this season, where he was forced to gradually find his niche on a state championship team already armed with go-to scorers (Chandler Rhoads and Joey Racer) and a man-in-the-middle (Christian Waters). Both Bailey and Emmart acknowledge "butting-heads," and the head coach insinuated that Bailey, among others, struggled with the team concept as the Eagles started the season 3-3.
"Early in the year, we had some issues that we dealt with," Emmart said. "After a heart-to-heart talk, he understood what I was talking about. Basketball is not about individuals, it's about the team. A light went on for him and it was like flipping a switch."
Now Bailey, an all-district performer in the school chorus, is dribbling to the same beat as his teammates.
"All I'm worried about is helping the team as much as I can and being a team player," he said. "Anything I can do to get my team back into the game; hustle points, get down on the floor and get loose balls, hit free throws. I just try to help the team out."
As the season progressed, Bailey's role has been enhanced and his scoring has imperceptibly increased, which he says is a result of his ever-improving jump shot.
"When somebody else is not hitting, I'm looking for my shot," he said. "Now when I'm open I take the shots I can hit."
"He's a good shooter and whenever he's shooting well the team plays a lot better," Emmart said. "If he's knocking down shots, we are a hard team to guard."
Rhoads, Clarke County's leading scorer, is often double-teamed, forcing the Eagles to look to their other perimeter options. The opposition is keenly aware of Racer and Waters, which makes Bailey and his string-music jump-shot a viable secondary scoring option.
"We have two or three guys that can knock down 3-point shots," Emmart said. "With Joey, Chandler and Charles, our offense is geared to shoot 3-point shots, so it's tailor-made for Charles."
"When other teams try to focus on [Racer and I], he's always open," Rhoads said. "He has such a pretty shot, most of the time he's going to knock it down."
Bailey, who is eloquent, articulate and beams of maturity beyond his years, said he's tried to use his talented vocals to take a greater leadership role. When his melodic voice resonates, the team listens.
"He's a big asset to the team and a good person," Rhoads said. "When he gets vocal, it motivates us."
Clarke County, who had their 20-game winning streak snapped against Altavista on Saturday, hopes Bailey can orchestrate his three finest performances in the state tournament, where the Eagles will attempt to repeat as state champions.
"The talent is there," Bailey said. "We have to have the chemistry to play as one."
