Myrtle Beach, SC — In the opening round of the 2024 Beach Ball Classic Prep Division, Balboa (FL) surged past Our Savior Lutheran (NY) with a 60-52 victory in a hard-fought battle that featured multiple lead changes and dynamic performances.
The game began with Our Savior Lutheran dominating early, jumping to a 10-point lead in the first quarter, thanks to the sharp shooting of LJ Saunders, who contributed 17 points, including three triples. However, Balboa quickly regrouped, using a strong second quarter to seize momentum.
Balboa’s Apolo Caetano was instrumental, lighting up the scoreboard with 14 points, including 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Jahmarian Forrester controlled the boards with a game-high 8 rebounds, while Travis Musonda proved clutch, leading all scorers with 21 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, coupled with a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
“Our guys really stepped up defensively in the second quarter,” Balboa coach Dominique Jones said. “We focused on limiting their second-chance opportunities and making smart plays in transition.”
Indeed, Balboa held OSL to just 12 points in the second quarter while scoring 20 of their own, fueled by points in the paint and precise three-point shooting. The team’s 50% shooting from the field and 43.8% from deep outpaced OSL’s 40.4% overall shooting and 30.8% from long range.
Despite the loss, OSL showed resilience throughout the contest. David McKay-Samuels battled in the post, tallying 10 points and 6 rebounds, while bench players Marten Alles (11 points) and Tyler Green (5 points) provided key sparks. OSL led for over 14 minutes of the game, leveraging their dominance in second-chance points (11 to Balboa’s 4).
Balboa took its largest lead of 13 points late in the fourth quarter, but OSL made a last-minute push. Saunders hit a critical three-pointer with 35 seconds left, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Balboa’s lead.
The game featured five ties and seven lead changes, showcasing the competitive nature of these two elite programs. With this victory, Balboa advances to the next round of the Beach Ball Classic, while OSL will look to bounce back in the consolation bracket.
“We knew this wasn’t going to be easy,” said Musonda. “Everyone came together when it mattered, and now we’re focused on keeping this momentum going.”
Key Stats:
- Balboa (FL):
- Travis Musonda: 21 points, 1 block
- Apolo Caetano: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
- Jahmarian Forrester: 7 points, 8 rebounds
- Our Savior Lutheran (NY):
- LJ Saunders: 17 points, 5 assists
- David McKay-Samuels: 10 points, 6 rebounds
- Marten Alles: 11 points, 3 three-pointers
Balboa will face the winner of Game 2 (Prince George’s Christian Academy (MD) vs 1 of 1 (NC)) in the second round, while Our Savior Lutheran aims to regroup in their next game Sunday versus the loser of Game 2. Both teams displayed the grit and talent that make the Beach Ball Classic a must-watch event for basketball fans every year since it started.
