MYRTLE BEACH, SC, December 30, 2023 – The highly anticipated match-up between Norcross High School from Georgia and St. Peter’s from New York concluded with a riveting game at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. St. Peter’s edged out a victory with a final score of 58-52, in what was the 20th game of the 2023 Beach Ball Classic Traditional Bracket, vying for the 5th place in the Traditional Bracket.
Norcross, holding a 7-8 record before the game, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the offensive prowess of St. Peter’s, who improved their record to 9-3. The game, starting at noon, was a display of basketball at its finest, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.
For Norcross, Toby Ojukwu led the scoring with 20 points, while Casey Williams followed closely with 13 points and a commanding presence in rebounds. Alex Pace contributed significantly with 12 points. However, their efforts were countered by St. Peter’s, with Qadir Martin scoring an impressive 23 points, and Jalen Munson adding 14 points to their tally.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Norcross initially leading the way. They showcased their strength in the paint and off turnovers, scoring 28 and 21 points, respectively, in these categories. However, St. Peter’s resilience and strategic plays, particularly in the second half, turned the tide in their favor.
The largest lead of the game was by St. Peter’s, who were ahead by 10 points at one stage in the third quarter. Norcross led for a total of 8:10 minutes, while St. Peter’s held the lead for 22:36 minutes, demonstrating their control for the majority of the game.
Norcross struggled with their shooting, with an overall field goal percentage of 32.1%, including 11.8% from the three-point line. St. Peter’s, on the other hand, had a slightly better shooting performance, with a 38.3% field goal percentage and 22.2% from beyond the arc.
The game was a testament to the high school basketball talent on display year in and year out at the annual Beach Ball Classic Tournament, with both teams leaving it all on the court. St. Peter’s victory in this closely contested battle adds another feather to their cap, while Norcross can take pride in their gritty performance against a formidable opponent.
