MYRTLE BEACH, SC
Concord Academy of North Carolina used a strong second half surge and timely rebounding to pull away late and defeat First Baptist of South Carolina 63 to 54 Friday afternoon in the opening game of the 2025 Beach Ball Classic Holiday Invitational United Bank Division at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
The game featured multiple momentum swings early, with the lead changing six times and the score tied four times. Concord Academy took a 15 to 9 advantage after the first quarter, but First Baptist responded with its best stretch of the game in the second period, outscoring Concord 24 to 12 to take a 33 to 27 halftime lead.
First Baptist shot efficiently in the first half, including 6 of 7 from three point range, and briefly pushed its lead to eight points midway through the third quarter. Maddy Pojani led the offensive charge, finishing with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Dyarri Braddick added a team high 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Gabby Moore chipped in 9 points and 8 boards.
Concord Academy answered in the third quarter behind improved shooting and dominance on the glass. The North Carolina squad outscored First Baptist 23 to 16 in the third to regain the lead and never trailed again. Victorian Collins was a force inside, posting 11 points and a game high 17 rebounds. Justice Alexander scored 13 points and dished out 6 assists, while Jayla Brower provided a key lift off the bench with 13 points, including three three pointers.
In the fourth quarter, Concord Academy tightened defensively and capitalized on turnovers and second chance opportunities. Concord finished with 17 points off turnovers and 16 second chance points, compared to just 6 in each category for First Baptist. Jada Powell and Taylor Smith combined for 20 points, helping Concord stretch the lead to as many as nine points in the final seconds.
First Baptist struggled from the field in the second half, shooting just 28.6 percent after halftime and going 1 of 13 from beyond the arc in the second half after a red hot start.
Concord Academy improved to 10 and 5 on the season with the win and advances in the United Bank Division bracket. First Baptist fell to 8 and 4 but showed depth and balance with 18 bench points in the opening round contest.
The Beach Ball Classic continues throughout the weekend with games split between the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and the John Rhodes Sports Center.
