MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Archbishop Moeller (7-1) made it clear they were on a mission in the consolation bracket of the Beach Ball Classic, overpowering Socastee (7-6) with a 66-31 victory that left no room for doubt.
This game wasn’t just a win for Moeller—it was a basketball clinic. The Crusaders’ defense suffocated Socastee, holding the Braves to a frigid 22.5% shooting from the field, including just three buckets in the entire second half. Moeller turned 15 Socastee turnovers into 27 points and dominated the boards, outrebounding their opponents 44-25.
The Crusaders flexed their depth, with bench players contributing a massive 28 points. Brady Franz was the star of the day, recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Alex Kazanecki paced the scoring with 15 points, including three triples, while Roman Mason added five points, four assists, and three steals in a versatile performance.
Socastee struggled to find rhythm from the start. Josh Brown led the Braves with nine points, but the team managed just eight points in the paint compared to Moeller’s 34. The Braves’ second-half offensive woes—just 15 points total—were compounded by Moeller’s relentless rebounding and second-chance opportunities, which resulted in 18 points for the Crusaders.
Early on, the game was within reach. Socastee even took a brief 10-9 lead in the first quarter before Moeller slammed the door shut with a 17-10 advantage at the end of the period. From there, it was all Crusaders. Moeller extended their lead to 28-16 at halftime and unleashed a dominant 22-point third quarter to put the game out of reach.
For Moeller, this win was about more than just advancing—it was a statement. The Crusaders will move on with confidence, their depth and defensive prowess serving as their calling cards. For Socastee, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back in the tournament’s final stretch.
At the Beach Ball Classic, it’s not just about the score; it’s about how you impose your will. And on this night, Moeller did just that.
