Article published November 13, 2009
Buford's Buckeyes best Wells' Dukes
Former Libbey standouts meet as opponents
Ohio State's William Buford defends James Madison's Julius Wells. The two Libbey High School standouts are best friends but kept the matchup between their respective teams 'about business.'
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COLUMBUS DISPATCH/NEAL C. LAURON
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By MAUREEN FULTON
SPECIAL TO THE BLADE
COLUMBUS - As they stood next to one another waiting for the game to tip off, William Buford and Julius Wells showed no hint of a past acquaintance.
"We said before the game we were going to keep it about business," Wells said.
It was the blue-and-gold cheering section in the corner of Value City Arena that gave them away.
Buford and Wells, former Libbey High School teammates, met again on the court last night, only this time as opponents. They faced off when Buford's Ohio State Buckeyes hosted Wells' James Madison Dukes. Both are coming off stellar freshman seasons and each have a conference freshman-of-the-year award to show for it.
OSU won 72-44 to improve to 2-0. It was the season opener for James Madison. Buford scored 12 points, and Wells had five points and five rebounds.
In 2008, Buford and Wells were the headliners on the senior-laden Libbey squad that finished Division II state runners-up. Last night the two played an organized game together for the first time since the heartbreaking state title loss, on the same floor. Buford started at guard for the No. 16-ranked Buckeyes. Wells started at forward for James Madison."We've been talking about it for quite a while, we always wanted to play each other in college," Buford said. "We never expected it, but I'm glad we got to."
One fan last night sat with his chest puffed out a little - Leroy Bates, who coached Buford and Wells in high school. About 40 people from Toledo and Libbey, including Bates, traveled down from Northwest Ohio for the game, some making sure to wear Libbey colors so they could remain "neutral."
"Everybody in Toledo has been looking forward to see how well they match up at the collegiate level," Bates said. "It's very important for us to support WB and Julius. It's great for them to see the support from the Toledo community."
Kimberly Caldwell, assistant principal of activities at Libbey, came with Daphne Derden, former S.M.A.R.T. school leader at Libbey who taught Wells and Buford. Other Libbey teachers and support staff also made the trip, as well as family and friends.
"There's not too many folks I would drive this far in the middle of the week to see," Caldwell said. "They are my sons, and it's great to see them getting this national exposure."
Buford started off the game with a bucket, then had a steal and assist that put OSU up 4-0. He had six of the Buckeyes' first eight points.
Wells answered with an early basket of his own but had a cold shooting touch most of the night (2-of-8).
Early in the second half, Buford drove to the basket and Wells drew the foul.
It was hard for Buford and Wells not to hold much conversation on the court last night. The two were so close growing up they had sleepovers at each other's houses.
"We're best friends," Wells said. Even though Wells lives eight hours away now in Harrisonburg, Va., the two still talk almost every day.
After his senior season at Libbey, Wells signed with James Madison in spring 2008, soon after coach Matt Brady was introduced as coach. He followed Brady to JMU after originally signing with Marist where Brady previously coached.
Wells' faith in Brady has paid off so far. Last year he averaged 11.8 points and a team-leading 5.5 rebounds per game to earn the Colonial Athletic Association freshman honors.
"I knew Julius had the capabilities to really perform well at the next level if given the opportunity," Bates said. "I felt that if Julius was given the right situation that he could possibly shine."
Buford has scored 31 points in the first two games of his sophomore season. He averaged 11.3 points per game last year for the Buckeyes and is among the top sophomores in the country.
Buford said he was especially happy about Wells' success so far in college.
"I was really proud of him, because coming from where we come from, nobody really makes it to college and gets freshman of the year," Buford said. "It was a really big accomplishment for both of us, and I'm glad we could do it for our city. It shows anyone can do it, anything is possible."
Afterward James Madison, Ohio State and Libbey fans all mingled together, spending a few minutes with their hometown stars.
"We've got a lot of support, and we're happy about it," Buford said.
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