NOBLE Session IV - Melissa (TX) vs Vashon (MO)

Vashon (MO) edged Melissa (TX) 66–64 in one of the most competitive games of Noble Classic Session IV, grinding out a physical win late at Oak Park High School. The matchup featured momentum swings, rebounding battles, and clutch shot-making, with Vashon doing just enough defensively to survive Melissa's efficiency from three. Despite the loss, Melissa produced several high-level individual performances, highlighted by a dominant interior showing that kept the game within one possession until the final moments.    [player_tooltip player_id='3231732' first='Mustafa' last='Mohamad'] — Melissa (TX) earned Player of the Game honors after finishing with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, consistently scoring through contact and anchoring the offense. He imposed his will defensively as well, recording 3 steals and 2 blocks while protecting the paint and disrupting passing lanes. Mohamad's physical two-way presence was the driving force behind Melissa staying competitive until the final horn.   Translatable skills ✅ Efficient interior scoring ✅ Defensive playmaking (blocks & steals) ✅ Physicality and finishing through contact     [player_tooltip player_id='2507205' first='Cohen' last='LaCore'] — Melissa (TX) controlled tempo with 12 points and 10 assists, serving as the primary organizer against consistent pressure. He spaced the floor by hitting 2 threes and repeatedly created clean looks for teammates with timely reads. LaCore's poise and decision-making stood out in late-game situations where every possession mattered.   Translatable skills ✅ Primary playmaking & vision ✅ Pick-and-roll command ✅ Floor spacing from the guard spot     [player_tooltip player_id='2436963' first='Trey' last='Edwards'] — Melissa (TX) delivered a strong two-way performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds, impacting the game on both ends from the wing. He attacked the glass aggressively, defended multiple positions, and mixed perimeter shots with downhill drives. Edwards' rebounding effort helped Melissa stay within striking distance throughout.   Translatable skills ✅ Rebounding from the perimeter ✅ Versatile scoring approach ✅ Defensive versatility     Jimmy McKinney III — Vashon (MO) led all scorers with 23 points, shouldering the offensive load with confident shot creation. He finished 10-of-20 from the field, knocked down 3 threes, and consistently delivered in late-clock situations. McKinney's scoring punch was the difference in a game decided by two points.   Translatable skills ✅ Shot creation at volume ✅ Perimeter scoring confidence ✅ Poise in late-clock moments     Leon Powell Jr. — Vashon (MO) provided efficient secondary scoring with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, attacking gaps and finishing plays without forcing the issue. He converted at the free-throw line and stayed composed within the flow of the offense. Powell's decisiveness complemented Vashon's primary scoring options.   Translatable skills ✅ Efficient slashing ✅ Physical guard play ✅ Off-ball scoring value     Kain McCaskill — Vashon (MO) impacted winning despite a tough shooting night, finishing with 12 rebounds and 8 assists while controlling tempo. He consistently made high-IQ plays, rebounded in traffic, and initiated offense when needed. McCaskill's toughness and versatility were critical in closing out the win.   Translatable skills ✅ Rebound-and-initiate ability ✅ High-IQ playmaking ✅ Competitive toughness

Vashon (MO) edged Melissa (TX) 66–64 in one of the most competitive games of Noble Classic Session IV, grinding out a physical win late at Oak Park High School.
The matchup featured momentum swings, rebounding battles, and clutch shot-making, with Vashon doing just enough defensively to survive Melissa's efficiency from three.
Despite the loss, Melissa produced several high-level individual performances, highlighted by a dominant interior showing that kept the game within one possession until the final moments.