Pepsi Carolina Classic: Final Day Observations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops took in the final day of action at the 38th Annual Pepsi Carolina Classic in Florence. This year the event was being played at South Florence HS. Who won the Championship? Who was missing today and didn't play? Well this would be a good time to jump on board and <strong><em>SUBSCRIBE today. Use the passcode "Swanny30" at checkout to 30% off your first billing cycle. #RecruitThePalmettoState</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>7th Place Game</em></strong>: <strong><em>Pharoahs Defeat Tigers </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712982,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-08-51-3430AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-08-51-3430AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712982" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quality Education Academy (NC) Regional Team defeated Wilson HS in the 7th place game. 53-49. The Pharoahs were led in scoring by junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2712773' first='Malachi' last='John'] </strong>with 19 points. John a rangy wing player hails from the Lone Star State. Malachi has great bounce and really looked to play along the baseline here today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712983,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-09-09-2460AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-09-09-2460AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712983" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1834535' first='Donyeh' last='Baird'] </strong>finished the game with 15 points for QEA. Baird a member of the 2027 Class was very effective hitting the gaps and getting to the basket. Donyeh would slash to the bucket and score on a few short jumpers here today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712159,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-08-34-7640AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-08-34-7640AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712159" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2456043' first='Isaiah' last='Addison']</strong> a freshman led the Wilson HS Tigers with 26 points in defeat. The Tigers played without <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2283890' first='Tristan' last='Thompson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1425907' first='Elijah' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1486211' first='Josh' last='Leonard']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1333159' first='Khristian' last='Bruce']</strong> here today. Addison was able to finish some mid-range jumpers along with some three-pointers here today for the undermanned Tigers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Titans Get Balanced Attack in Win</em></strong>: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trinity Collegiate Titans defeated West Florence HS 63-51 to claim the 5th place game here at the Pepsi Carolina Classic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans really got a balanced scoring attack from<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1444326' first='Landon' last='Wilson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2614011' first='Kiauj' last='Allen']</strong>, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2354724' first='Jy'ell' last='Preston'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2354712' first='Evan' last='Williams']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712165,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-06-49-8760AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-06-49-8760AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712165" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson a UNSIGNED senior led the Titans charge with 20 points. Landon really showcased a nice mid-range pull-up game when he wasn't getting to the basket in transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712162,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-07-43-8850AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-07-43-8850AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712162" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen made the move over this off season from nearby Lee Central HS to the Titans. Nicknamed "KJ" Allen was able score through contact from the wing position. He finished with 15 points in the win. Allen excelled on the football field this past season for the Titans. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712163,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-07-27-7910AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-07-27-7910AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712163" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Preston plays his best basketball close to the cup finishing around the bucket. Jy'ell was able to drop 12 points today in the win. Preston was able to finish mostly on the left-side of the bucket here today. His best basketball is from 2-4 feet in. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712164,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-07-07-8410AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-07-07-8410AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712164" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams provided a good spark off the bench from the guard position. Evan finished with 9 points in the win. He does a nice job of getting the ball downhill to the bucket and showing good bust of speed at times. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712160,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-08-18-3580AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-08-18-3580AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712160" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2137886' first='Bryant' last='Graham Jr']</strong> finished with 15 points for the West Florence HS Knights. Graham Jr is a shifty guard who rarely leaves the floor. Bryant plays the game on both ends of the court at full out effort. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356316' first='Karon' last='Brown']</strong> a long-armed wing player fills the lane in transition. Karon was able to score the ball from 15 feet in. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Bruins Handle Bulldogs</em></strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The host South Florence HS Bruins were not nice guest to the Marlboro County HS Bulldogs in the 3rd place game of the Pepsi Carolina Classic. The Bruins led from start to finish while racing out to a 41-26 halftime lead. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1149788' first='Jackson' last='Robinson']</strong> a UNSIGNED senior didn't play in the game for the Bruins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712168,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-58-9580AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-58-9580AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712168" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1444327' first='Jarius' last='Davis']</strong> a UNSIGNED left-handed wing player came out on fire from downtown. Davis connected on 4 three -pointers tonight while scoring 20 points in the win. Jarius showed good shot selection from the wing position tonight. Davis brings good versatility to the perimeter with his ability to play multiple on both ends of the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712167,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-06-14-8120AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-06-14-8120AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712167" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior guard <strong>Lennix Valerie</strong> a football player in the fall scored 8 points in the win. Junior guard <strong>Darius McClam </strong>finished with 8 points while sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1931197' first='Josh' last='Gamble']</strong> added 6 points in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712166,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-06-31-6370AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-06-31-6370AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712166" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marlboro County received 11 points from<strong> LaQuincy Leach</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672080' first='Ralphier' last='Monroe']</strong> added 8 points in defeat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Armada Hold off Knights to Claim Championship</em></strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Atlantic Collegiate Academy Armada defeated the Crestwood HS Knights 69-61 to claim the Pepsi Carolina Championship. This was the first time the Armada had played in the event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plenty of <strong><em>UNSIGNED SENIORS</em></strong> in this game for a college program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712171,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-04-42-6470AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-04-42-6470AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712171" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freshman guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2456044' first='Anton' last='Daniels']</strong> scored 15 points in the game. Daniels is quite shifty with ball and racing to the basket. Anton is looking to touch the paint every time he brings the ball. He really excels in 94 feet game and pushing the rock. Anton gets a lot of paint touches and surely likes to have the ball down the stretch in crunch time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712170,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-05-8580AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-05-8580AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712170" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1172891' first='Jaylen' last='Bellamy']</strong> a UNSIGNED Senior finished with 14 points in the win. Jaylen really gets his hands all over the place by being active on both ends of the court. Jaylen is a driver-slasher to the bucket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532832' first='Justin' last='Bellamy']</strong> was the key to the Armada winning this game today with his play off the bench. He scored 12 points in the win. Justin came up big with some timely hustle plays and shots on the floor when the Armada needed a lift. Jaylen is a UNSIGNED senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712173,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-03-53-3040AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-03-53-3040AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712173" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158878' first='Jamie' last='Brooks']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1485126' first='CJ' last='Hemingway']</strong> surely contributed in this bigtime win for this very young program which is just 2 years old. Brooks finished with 11 points all coming from around the bucket. Jamie runs the floor and defends the rim with his quick leaping ability and shot blocking skills at times. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712172,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-04-10-5140AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-04-10-5140AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712172" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hemingway is a TWEENER on the floor who can play inside-out. CJ already has a good frame and still has more room to fill out down the road. He plays with a HIGH MOTOR and shows to move very well around the floor. CJ scored 9 points in the win over Crestwood HS.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bellamy, Bellamy, Brooks and Hemingway are all <strong><em>UNSIGNED SENIORS</em></strong> for the Armada and Head Coach Tanner Massey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712169,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-41-6840AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-41-6840AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712169" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights suffered their first loss of the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215473' first='Shannon' last='Davis']</strong> a UNSIGNED Senior combo guard finished with 17 points. Shannon was able to race to the basket and explode off the dribble to the cup. Davis shows to have good body control to the rack. He will use ball-screens to get around defenders and touch the paint at times. Shannon will show good elevation on his jumper. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UNSIGNED Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215474' first='Teon' last='Tindal'] </strong>finished with 9 points in the game. Teon a power forward will look to play face-up when given the opportunity. He runs the floor well and does have a soft set of mitts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2712176,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-25-0320AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_31-12-2024_01-05-25-0320AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2712176" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore guard<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2712177' first='Jaden' last='Shaw']</strong> tried to get the Knights closer with his play late in the game. Jaden showed a lot of desire and determination with his play. He surely plays with a good deal of the confidence for his age. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->