Great Crossing (KY) vs Ridge View (SC)

Recap

Moreno Dominates as Great Crossing Claims Third Place at Beach Ball Classic

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Great Crossing’s Malachi Moreno turned the third-place game of the Beach Ball Classic into his personal showcase, and Ridge View simply had no answer. Moreno’s dominant 31-point, 17-rebound performance propelled the Warhawks to a 74-62 victory on Monday afternoon at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

The 6-foot-11 big man was a force in the paint, shooting a blistering 13-of-16 from the field while controlling the glass on both ends. “This was about setting the tone early,” Moreno said. “We wanted to leave here on a high note, and I just tried to do my part.”

A Statement Start

Great Crossing (9-4) came out firing, opening with a 21-point first quarter behind Moreno’s relentless attack and Vince Dawson’s sharpshooting. Dawson, who finished with 14 points and six rebounds, knocked down three triples, giving the Warhawks an edge they never relinquished.

Ridge View (6-7) kept things close early, led by Korie Corbett’s 17 points and four rebounds. But the Blazers struggled mightily from beyond the arc, shooting just 4-of-27 for the game, which proved to be their undoing.

Second-Half Surge

After a competitive first half that saw Great Crossing take a 36-29 lead into the locker room, the Warhawks broke the game wide open in the third quarter. Moreno scored 12 of his 31 points during a 23-point frame for Great Crossing, including a pair of thunderous dunks that brought the crowd to its feet.

Late Push Falls Short for Ridge View

Ridge View made a spirited run in the fourth quarter, cutting a 24-point deficit to 12 in the final minutes. Yale Davis (13 points, four rebounds) and Talan Staley (five points, two steals) provided a spark, but the Blazers couldn’t overcome their shooting woes or slow Moreno’s dominance.

Key Stats Tell the Story

Great Crossing shot a scorching 65.1% from the field, compared to Ridge View’s 33.3%. The Warhawks also dominated the paint with 42 points inside, a testament to Moreno’s presence. Ridge View, meanwhile, relied heavily on its bench, which contributed 24 points but couldn’t offset the team’s poor shooting from deep.

What’s Next?

For Great Crossing, the victory capped a strong showing at the Beach Ball Classic, with Moreno cementing his status as one of the tournament’s standout performers. Ridge View, meanwhile, will regroup after a tough week but showed flashes of promise with their young core.

As the sun sets on another thrilling edition of the Beach Ball Classic, one thing is clear: Malachi Moreno and Great Crossing made sure their final game was one to remember.

Box Score

 

(Photos By: Kyd B. Wilde | IG: KBWtheory)