Myrtle Beach, SC, December 30, 2023 – In an electrifying third-place game at the 2023 Beach Ball Classic, J. Addison from Canada clinched a narrow victory over Blue Ridge Academy (Virginia) with a final score of 66-63. The high-octane match, played at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, kept the audience on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
J. Addison, with a record of 18-6, exhibited a remarkable team effort. Eternity Eguagie led the scoring with 26 points, demonstrating exceptional skill beyond the arc and in field goals. Abraham Osman followed with a stellar performance, adding 19 points to the team’s tally. The team showed consistency, shooting 46.9% from the field and 45.5% in three-pointers.
Blue Ridge Academy, standing at 8-3, displayed resilience despite the loss. Shanon Simango stood out with 18 points, dominating in free throws. Colby White contributed significantly, scoring 10 points, while Kamren Martin added seven crucial points in the final quarter, almost turning the game around for Blue Ridge Academy.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with J. Addison leading for a significant 31:04 minutes. Blue Ridge Academy fought back valiantly in the fourth quarter, reducing a 15-point lead to just three points, creating a nail-biting finish. However, clutch free throws from Zion Messam in the final seconds secured the win for J. Addison.
J. Addison’s defense was commendable, with Tony Ezeonu grabbing nine rebounds and blocking one shot. The team also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 24 points off them. On the other hand, Blue Ridge Academy’s bench played a crucial role, contributing 24 points.
The game was a testament to the spirit of high school basketball, with both teams showcasing talent, teamwork, and determination. Officials T. Merck, Joey Manigault, and Mike Bell praised the sportsmanship and skill level displayed. J. Addison’s win adds another accolade to their impressive season, while Blue Ridge Academy, despite the loss, showed they are a force to be reckoned with.
The Beach Ball Classic once again proved to be a platform for young athletes to shine and for basketball fans to witness the stars of tomorrow in action.
