The atmosphere at the Peak Skills Basketball facility in West Berlin was suitably casual, as one might expect it to be on a sunny Sunday afternoon in October. Players milled about. Fans chatted as they settled into the bleachers. On the court, the proceedings between teams from Camden High School and Hamilton Hall Academy predictably lacked the intensity that regular-season action brings.
For a little while.
Then, the referees ignored a goaltending violation, and the players started chirping at each other. Camden coach Rick Brunson, who was at the game in an unofficial capacity, but who wanted to see his team show a little fire, preseason or not, became agitated. A fun Sunday had lost its relaxed vibe.
Amid the swirl, Camden junior DJ Wagner remained somewhat aloof. He shook his head at the blown call. He listened to the chatter. Then he took over. The 6-foot 3-inch, 165-pound Wagner stole a Hamilton Hall pass, zipped through three defenders, and converted a lefty layup in heavy traffic. The next possession, he drilled a three-pointer from the top of the key. Not long after, he took a pass and made a lightning move to the hoop for a layup—and was fouled. As the first half wound down, Wagner drove across the lane to the right, made a jump stop in the middle, and improbably slithered back to his left to draw a foul on a layup try. He made both free throws.
