MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Bishop Ireton (6-1) powered past Franklin County (4-2) with a decisive 76-45 victory in the opening round of the 2024 Beach Ball Classic Holiday Invitational at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
Bishop Ireton’s balanced offense proved too much for Franklin County, as four players scored in double figures. Nyla Brooks led the Cardinals with 20 points and nine rebounds, hitting all seven of her free throws. Amirah Anderson and Theresa Hagans each added 13 points, with Anderson drilling three three-pointers. Geornae Davis chipped in nine points and three assists, helping Bishop Ireton maintain control throughout.
Franklin County struggled to keep pace despite Madison Jackson’s team-high 13 points. Jylin Edmondson and Juliana Fraza contributed nine points each, but turnovers and cold shooting plagued the Flyers, who hit just 36% from the field and 18% from beyond the arc.
The Cardinals built their lead early, outscoring Franklin County 16-7 in the first quarter and maintaining steady production throughout the game. Bishop Ireton’s defense forced Franklin County into difficult shots, while their offense capitalized with seven three-pointers on 39% shooting from deep.
Bishop Ireton also controlled the boards, narrowly out-rebounding Franklin County 32-30. Brooks and Hagans were instrumental in crashing the glass, limiting the Flyers’ second-chance opportunities.
The win advances Bishop Ireton to the next round of the United Bank Championship Division, where they will face tougher competition. Franklin County, meanwhile, will regroup in the consolation bracket, hoping to bounce back from the lopsided defeat.
