MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Bishop O’Connell High School (9-3) didn’t just win their semifinal matchup in the 2024 Beach Ball Classic—they put on a clinic. The Knights dismantled Ridge View (6-6) with a decisive 77-43 victory, locking in their spot in the Traditional Division championship game.
From the opening tip, it was clear who controlled the floor. Bishop O’Connell’s offense was as crisp as their defense was relentless, racing out to an 18-7 lead after the first quarter. By halftime, the Knights had doubled up the Blazers, 38-14, and the rout was on.
Let’s talk about Darius Bivins. The senior guard dropped 16 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, including four daggers from beyond the arc. Makel Minor wasn’t far behind, adding 15 points while connecting on 3-of-5 from deep. Throw in Liam Koelsch’s 14 points and five rebounds, and you have an offensive trio that Ridge View had no answers for.
The numbers tell the story. O’Connell shot a scorching 55.8% from the field and 56.3% from three, making the most of their looks. Meanwhile, Ridge View struggled mightily, shooting just 34.1% overall and 25% from beyond the arc. The Blazers didn’t hit a three-pointer until the second half, by which point the Knights were already cruising with a 30-point lead.
The Knights were equally dominant on the defensive end, forcing 15 turnovers and converting them into 23 points. Ridge View struggled to find any rhythm, with no player scoring more than 11 points. Malachi Cooper led the Blazers with 11 points, but his efforts couldn’t keep pace with the Knights’ balanced attack.
Bench production was a bright spot for Ridge View, with 24 points coming from reserves like Korie Corbett (7 points) and Yale Davis (6 points). However, Bishop O’Connell’s starting lineup simply overpowered the Blazers, controlling the paint (32 points) and making the most of fast-break opportunities.
The Knights’ largest lead came midway through the third quarter, stretching to 36 points. Even as Ridge View tried to claw back late in the game, O’Connell’s depth and defensive discipline ensured there would be no comeback story.
With the win, Bishop O’Connell advances to the Traditional Division championship game, where they’ll look to continue their dominant play. For Ridge View, it’s a chance to regroup in the consolation bracket and close the tournament on a positive note.
For now, though, all eyes are on O’Connell—a team firing on all cylinders and looking every bit like a championship contender.
