Myrtle Beach, SC — A tale of two halves unfolded as 1 of 1 Prep Academy (NC) rallied from a 21-point deficit to secure a thrilling 81-74 victory over PrinceGeorge’s Christian Academy (MD) in the second game of the 2024 Beach Ball ClassicPrep Division.
Prince George’s CA dominated the first half with sharp shooting and relentless energy. Neiko Mundey was unstoppable, leading all scorers with 35 points, including six three-pointers. His aggressive drives to the basket also earned him nine trips to the free-throw line, where he capitalized to keep Prince George’s in command. By halftime, Prince George’s held a commanding 45-24 lead.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the second half. 1 of 1 Prep came out with a renewed focus and a scorching offensive attack, shooting a blistering 74.2% from the field in the final two quarters. Gevonte Ware and Frank Oguchee took control in the paint, combining for 36 points and 18 rebounds. Ware also recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards, providing critical second-chance opportunities for his team.
“Our guys never stopped believing,” said 1 of 1 Prep coach Jermaine Jackson. “We emphasized defense and attacking the basket in the second half, and it paid off big time.”
1 of 1 Prep outscored Prince George’s 57-29 after the break, using a 26-point third quarter to erase the deficit and set up a thrilling final period. LJ Rush, who tallied 22 points, hit key free throws late in the game to secure the victory.
Despite Mundey’s heroics, Prince George’s faltered in the second half, shooting just 30.3% from the field and struggling to defend against 1 of 1 Prep’s relentless inside attack. Prince George’s still managed contributions from Cameron Mise (13 points, 6 rebounds) and Camron Kent (7 points, 4 rebounds), but their early dominance wasn’t enough to hold off the surging Prep squad.
“We let our guard down, and they made us pay,” said Prince George’s coach Taj Hawkins. “Credit to 1 of 1 Prep—they played a phenomenal second half.”
Key Stats:
- 1 of 1 Prep Academy (NC):
- Gevonte Ware: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks
- LJ Rush: 22 points, 4-of-4 free throws
- Frank Oguchee: 18 points, 8 rebounds
- Prince George’s CA (MD):
- Neiko Mundey: 35 points, 6-of-14 from three
- Cameron Mise: 13 points, 6 rebounds
- Camron Kent: 7 points, 4 rebounds
Turning Point:
Trailing by 21 late in the second quarter, 1 of 1 Prep found life through defensive stops and fast-break opportunities. Their dominance in the paint (50 points) and second-half shooting efficiency overwhelmed Prince George’s, whose early energy seemed to dissipate.
Looking Ahead:
With the win, 1 of 1 Prep Academy advances to the next round, riding the momentum of a resilient performance. Prince George’s CA, now 10-5, will regroup in the consolation bracket, eager to prove they can bounce back.
The Beach Ball Classic continues to deliver thrilling action, with more high-stakes games ahead.
