The high school basketball scene has changed a lot in the past few years. Thanks to social media, of course, high school talents are receiving all the fame even before they turn 18. But before the internet, there were only a few names that generated national attention before reaching the collegiate level. Carmelo Anthony recently claimed that it was his first high school match-up against LeBron James that shifted people’s attention onto the high school game. 

In the latest episode of 7 pm in Brooklyn, the New York Knicks legend took us back to February 10th, 2002 in Trenton, New Jersey, when Anthony and James faced off for the first time. It was also the first time when the fans of the basketball world realized the hype and potential of high school basketball games. “That game in Trenton, New Jersey set the tone of high school basketball…That game like really set the tone for like business,” said the 2013 scoring champ. “Like we can do high school games we could do matchups we can build a business around this level of basketball,” explained Carmelo Anthony.

And, truly when we dial back in the past, this was the biggest showdown, involving not only two teams but numerous brands and companies eagerly seeking to tap the potential of emerging talents. Quite surprisingly, that matchup was also fully televised by ESPN. In an episode of The Highschool Collective, sports writer Brian Windhorst explained how LeBron James earned $50 million that night.

“I have argued that he made $50 million that night. He might have made even more. Because the stakes to get him increased dramatically, and it ended up being an all-out war between Reebok, Adidas and Nike.” Melo’s statement makes sense considering how the hype contributed to business.

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Carmelo Anthony’s Oak Hills vs. LeBron James’ St. Vincent-St. Mary

There was no social media or YouTube and the entire game was only available on pay-per-view. As per sources, more than 11,000 people had gathered to watch the nation’s best high schoolers face off on neutral grounds. The two didn’t disappoint!

While the Los Angeles Lakers star contributed 36 points, eight rebounds, and five assists to help his team, Carmelo Anthony put up 34 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Oak Hills toward a 72-66 victory. The on-court rivalry and off-court friendship continued with James and Anthony getting selected within the first three picks of the 2003 NBA draft.

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While James signed a $ 90 million deal with Nike, Melo also inked a deal to become the first face of the Jordan Brand. All this before the two had ever played a professional game. Did you know about this iconic 22 year-old game? What are your thoughts on Carmelo Anthony’s take? Let us know in the comments section below.

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