This is the 40th Annual Beach Ball Classic. A little backstory here: having grown up in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina the Beach Ball Classic was my introduction to high level basketball. Still to this day, as an industry vet who has attended (and even thrown) some of the highest-level events in the country, this is the event I look forward to the most. For this is my 30th consecutive Beach Ball Classic, the eighth I have had the privilege of covering.
Growing up, the week after Christmas was set aside to head down to Socastee High School (now it has been moved to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center). I would go watch the likes of Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Ray Allen, Jason Kidd and so many others, every year knowing Tournament Director John Rhodes would bring in the best of the best.
In this year of COVID, The Beach Ball Classic is the one event we could count on. The event that got me into high level basketball, the event that piqued my interest in recruiting, the event that opened up the world of what would eventually be my career.
I walked through the doors on Saturday of my 30th consecutive Beach Ball Classic, and this is what I saw on Day 1: Standout Performers
’21 Chase McDuffie of West Columbia, SC/Gray CollegaiteCommitted to NC A&T
It seemed to all come together for McDuffie in this one. The length and athleticism matched the skill and jump shot, the product we saw on the floor was one of dominance. The three-time defending state champion and NC A&T signee finished with 24 points and 5 rebounds on 4-6 shooting from three. McDuffie had always shown us high level pieces to his game, but in this one, it was all there.
’22 Dillon Mitchell of Tampa, FL/Bishop McLaughlin
Walking out of the gym, it was Mitchell who was the talking point for most who were in attendance. The lefty has a nice blend of motor, anticipation, and ridiculous athletic explosion. Mitchell rebounded the ball, especially on the offensive glass, with a purpose. He was very active in the passing lanes and when he got the basket he put on a show. Some people are jumpers, but there is a grace that goes with Mitchell’s raw power. Mitchell finished this one with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 5 steals on 12-16 shooting from the field. He most recently picked up a Vanderbilt offer, this is one recruitment that could explode sooner rather than later.
’21 Kymani Knox of North Myrtle Beach, SC/North Myrtle Beach High
There is something unassuming about Knox as he walks on the floor, and that something makes his incredible production that much more exciting. To put this in a bit of context, Knox was his team’s starting center at 6’3”/6’4”, the opposing team (Oak Ridge (FL) smallest starter was 6’3”. However, this did not stop Knox from attacking the opposing team from all angles. He scored with footwork on the block, he scored with skill from the high post, he secured rebounds with toughness. Knox should not have finished with a team high 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks, because he only played 18 minutes due to foul trouble. Most telling of his night, in his time on the floor, North Myrtle Beach outscored Oak Ridge by 8 points, but, this is no surprise, it’s Kymani Knox, production is what he does no matter who the opponent is.
’21 Mike James of Orlando, FL/Oak Ridge - Committed to Louisville
James came into this event with a reputation, one he very much has earned. Oak Ridge is one of the top teams in Florida and James is committed to Louisville and a Top 75 prospect in the 2021 class. James' shot was not falling from the field, but it was the pressure he was able to put on the other team attacking the basket that really steadied the ship. James shot 10 free throws in the game, as he continued to get into the teeth of the defense. The shooting will come and go, but how you affect the game when your shot is not falling speaks volumes toward your level of success. He finished with a team high +13 for his time on the floor.
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