Socastee took advantage of an injury to Spartanburg Day’s Zion Williamson and scored a 63-56 overtime victory to advance to the quarterfinal round of the 2017 Beach Ball Classic at the Myrtle Beach (SC) Convention Center.
NOTING THE WIN FOR SOCASTEE: With Socastee as the tournament host and the fact that the Braves have played in more Beach Ball Classic games than any other program, following are some notes on the win:
* This was Socastee’s fifth first round victory in 37 BBCs. The last came in 2001 when the Braves defeated Martinsburg (WV).
* This was the first victory for Socastee, no matter the round, since winning in the second round over Mullins (SC) in 2013.
* This was the 36th overtime game in BBC history and third for Socastee. The Braves lost their other two overtime games, an 84-82 loss to Berkmar (GA) in 1999 and a 71-69 loss to Landmark Christian (GA) in 2003.
SOCASTEE LEADERS: Sophomore Andrew Gardner paced Socastee with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Jay Williams chipped in 17 points and 10 boards for the Braves.
SPARTANBURG DAY LEADERS: Matthew Brown scored 21 points to lead Spartanburg Day. Kyle Tracy added 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Griffins.
RECORDS: Spartanburg Day 5-4. Socastee 6-5.
WHERE ARE THEY FROM: Spartanburg Day (Spartanburg, SC), Socastee (Myrtle Beach, SC).
WHAT’S NEXT: Socastee advances to the quarterfinal round to face the winner of the Montverde Academy (FL)/Albany Academy (NY) match-up on Thursday at 8:45 p.m. Spartanburg Day will face the loser of that same contest on Thursday at 1:45 p.m. in the consolation bracket.
GAME STATS: Box Score
