Thomas Dale (VA) Overpowers Winter Haven (FL) To Win Tournament MYRTLE BEACH, SC – In a masterful display of basketball, Thomas Dale (VA) claimed the championship title of the 2023 United Bank Holiday Invitational, overpowering Winter Haven (FL) with a decisive 74-43 victory at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Thomas Dale’s performance was nothing short of dominant. Nylah Wilson led the charge with an outstanding 23 points, complemented by 2 assists and 2 steals. Her agility and sharp shooting were pivotal in establishing an early lead for Thomas Dale. Syvannah Dawson also made a significant impact, adding 14 points and 3 assists to the team’s score. The game started with Winter Haven taking an early lead, but Thomas Dale quickly turned the tables, ending the first quarter with a 21-14 lead. Their offensive prowess continued throughout the game, with the team shooting an impressive 57.4% from the field. Timani Harris contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers, showcasing her range and scoring ability. Winter Haven, despite a valiant effort, struggled to keep up with Thomas Dale’s intensity. Jaeden Williams was their top scorer with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Serenity Hardy followed closely with 12 points. However, they faced challenges in penetrating Thomas Dale’s robust defense and converting opportunities into points. Thomas Dale’s defense played a crucial role in their victory, forcing 17 turnovers from Winter Haven and converting these into 22 points. Their bench also played a key role, contributing 14 points and showcasing the depth of their squad. The second half saw Thomas Dale pulling further away, outscoring Winter Haven 32-23. Their consistent performance across both halves of the game sealed their victory and a spot at the top of the tournament. This win not only solidifies Thomas Dale’s status as a powerhouse in the tournament but also sets the tone for their upcoming season, promising more exciting basketball action from this talented team. The United Bank Holiday Invitational concludes with Thomas Dale (VA) emerging as deserving champions, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and a competitive spirit throughout the tournament. Box Score

Camden (SC) Secures Third Place in United Bank Holiday Invitational with Convincing Victory Over Paul VI (VA) MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Camden (SC) claimed the third-place title at the 2023 United Bank Holiday Invitational with an emphatic 61-30 win over Paul VI (VA) at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The victory was marked by a standout performance from Joyce Edwards, who has signed with the currently number one ranked South Carolina Gamecocks for next year. Camden dominated the game right from the start, leading 16-12 at the end of the first period. Their offensive prowess was on full display, with the team shooting an impressive 62.8% from the field. Joyce Edwards was the star of the show, scoring a remarkable 33 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, showcasing why she’s a future Gamecock. Braylin Mungo also had a significant impact, contributing 21 points for Camden. Her flawless shooting and dynamic play were instrumental in Camden’s win. Zyasia Carter added 4 points and dished out 7 assists, proving to be a key playmaker for the team. On the other side, Paul VI struggled to find their footing, with Ava Limcaoco leading their scoring with 12 points. However, they faced challenges penetrating Camden’s robust defense and converting opportunities into points, as evident in their 33.3% shooting from the field. Camden’s defensive strategy was highly effective, limiting Paul VI’s scoring opportunities and forcing 21 turnovers. Camden capitalized on these, scoring 28 points off turnovers. Their fast break points were a remarkable 26 compared to Paul VI’s none, highlighting Camden’s quick transition play. The second half saw Camden pulling further away, outscoring Paul VI 32-10. Their bench, though not contributing to the scoring, played a vital role in maintaining the team’s energy and momentum. The game ended with Camden enjoying a comfortable 31-point lead, a testament to their consistent performance throughout the tournament. This victory not only signifies their prowess on the court but also speaks volumes about the team’s depth and potential, especially with a star player like Joyce Edwards. Camden’s third-place finish in the prestigious United Bank Holiday Invitational sets the tone for their upcoming season, promising more exciting basketball action from this talented team. Box Score

Catholic (VA) victorious in win over Bishop O’Connell MYRTLE BEACH, SC – In the much-anticipated John Rhodes Division Championship game of the United Bank Holiday Invitational, Catholic High School (VA) triumphed over Bishop O’Connell High School (VA) with a final score of 50-35. The game, held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, was a display of skill and strategy that kept the audience captivated. Catholic High School showcased a strong team performance, with Kylah Moore and Zaniyah Williams leading the charge. Moore, with a stellar performance of 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals, was a crucial player for Catholic. Williams added 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. Bishop O’Connell fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome Catholic’s defense. Carly Sweazie stood out for Bishop O’Connell with 9 points and 2 rebounds. However, the team struggled to keep up with Catholic’s pace, especially in the third period, where they fell behind significantly.   The game started with both teams showing strong potential. However, Catholic soon took the lead and maintained it for most of the game, leading 16-10 after the first period and 28-17 at halftime. Their dominance continued in the third period, widening the gap to a 20-point lead at one point. Catholic’s strategy focused on exploiting turnovers, scoring 21 points off Bishop O’Connell’s 18 turnovers. They also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 13 points off offensive rebounds. Their defensive game was equally strong, limiting Bishop O’Connell to just 35 points. Despite a late surge by Bishop O’Connell in the fourth quarter, Catholic maintained their lead, ultimately winning the championship game with a 15-point margin. This victory was a testament to their cohesive team play and tactical prowess on the court. The United Bank Holiday Invitational, known for showcasing some of the best high school basketball talents, lived up to its reputation with this thrilling championship game. Both teams displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship, making it a memorable event for players and spectators alike. Box Score and Additional Photos

Thomas Dale (VA) Secures a Convincing Win Over Camden (SC) in United Bank Holiday Invitational Semifinal MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Thomas Dale (VA) delivered an impressive performance to defeat Camden (SC) 61-46 in the second semifinal of the 2023 United Bank Holiday Invitational held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Thomas Dale, maintaining an undefeated streak, exhibited a balanced and strategic game. Timani Harris was the star of the show, leading her team with a sensational 27 points, including seven 3-pointers. Nylah Wilson also played a crucial role, contributing 20 points and 9 rebounds. Their combined efforts were pivotal in establishing Thomas Dale’s dominance on the court. Camden, despite a valiant effort, struggled to keep pace with the intensity of Thomas Dale. Joyce Edwards stood out for Camden with her double-double of 26 points and 18 rebounds, showcasing her resilience and skill under pressure. However, Camden’s overall field goal percentage of 30.8% and difficulties from the three-point line (13.3%) hindered their ability to close the gap. The first half ended with Thomas Dale leading 30-17, setting a solid foundation for their second-half performance. They extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Camden and maintaining control of the game’s tempo. Thomas Dale’s defense was a key factor in their victory, creating turnovers that led to 17 points. Their bench contributed 4 points, showcasing the depth of their squad. Camden, on the other hand, managed 7 points off turnovers and 13 second-chance points, demonstrating their fighting spirit. The final quarter saw Camden mounting a comeback, scoring 23 points, but the deficit proved too large to overcome. Thomas Dale’s consistent performance across both halves sealed their victory and a spot in the tournament final. Thomas Dale (VA) is now set to face off against Winter Haven (FL) in what promises to be an exciting championship match. The win not only solidifies Thomas Dale’s status as a powerhouse in the tournament but also sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the United Bank Holiday Invitational. Camden (SC), though disappointed, can take pride in their performance and the determination they showed on the court. They will play against Paul VI (VA) to determine 3RD Place at 12:30 pm tomorrow. The tournament continues to be a showcase of young talent and the spirit of competitive basketball.