Windermere Prep (FL) vs Myrtle Beach (SC)

Recap

Windermere Prep Outlasts Myrtle Beach in Sluggish Consolation Clash

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Windermere Prep (8-6) leaned on a big first quarter and steady defense to defeat Myrtle Beach High School (5-4) in a 50-35grind-it-out victory in the consolation bracket of the 2024 BeachBall Classic.

If the crowd was hoping for fireworks, they were treated instead to a defensive slugfest that saw both teams struggle offensively for long stretches. But Windermere Prep did just enough early and closed strong to put away the Seahawks.

Bass Leads the Way

Brandon Bass was the spark for Windermere Prep, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds while hitting three of the Lakers’ seven three-pointers. He set the tone early, as Windermere opened the game on a 24-12 first-quarter surge and never relinquished the lead.

Samuel Shoptaw chipped in eight points, six rebounds, and a team-high five assists, while Max Qi provided a spark off the bench, nailing a three-pointer to help stem Myrtle Beach’s third-quarter rally.

Myrtle Beach Struggles to Find Offense

For Myrtle Beach, it was a frustrating afternoon. The Seahawks shot just 24.5% from the field and a woeful 15% from beyond the arc. Jamarcus Carroll was the lone bright spot, scoring 14 points and grabbing five rebounds, but he shot just 5-of-18.

The Seahawks had a brief glimmer of hope in the third quarter, cutting the lead to seven behind buckets from John Simmons and Carroll. But Windermere’s defense clamped down, holding Myrtle Beach to just two points in the final quarter.

Defense Wins the Day

The Lakers’ defense proved the difference, forcing 12 turnovers and limiting Myrtle Beach to just six free-throw attempts in the second half. Windermere also dominated fast-break opportunities, outscoring the Seahawks 9-4 on the break.

While neither team lit up the scoreboard, Windermere’s balanced scoring and timely three-point shooting (36.8%) helped them keep the Seahawks at bay.

Key Stats

• Points in the Paint: Windermere 26, Myrtle Beach 18
• Turnovers: Myrtle Beach 12, Windermere 13
• Bench Points: Windermere 11, Myrtle Beach 3

With the win, Windermere Prep moves forward in the consolation bracket, hoping to finish their tournament on a high note. For Myrtle Beach, it’s back to the drawing board after a tough shooting night in front of their home crowd.

 

Box Score