That's a wrap; the 40th Annual Beach Ball Classic is in the books. We have so many things to be thankful for here as this was one of the very few events that happened. Kudos to Tournament Director John Rhodes and his staff for pulling this off.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has played host to one of the nation's premier holiday events now for the 40th year. Founded in 1981 by then Socastee High School now Marshall University, Head Coach Dan D'Antoni, this event is going as strong as ever, current day. With an alum list that includes the likes of Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant and more, it seems each year the field gets bigger and better from a talent stand point.
On a personal level, I was able to call two games during this event. It was my first time on the call, at any point. I found out this is an interest I have with my career, but also that I have a long way to go to get there. Rest assured the fire has been lit and thank you to Allen Smothers and Tyler Watkins for this opportunity and clarity.
This year’s Beach Ball Classic was split into two separate events. The first was the Beach Ball Winter Classic, which was won by #18 ranked West Oaks Academy on Tuesday. The second was the Beach Ball Classic, which was won by #22 ranked Milton High School on Thursday.
Between the two events, there were six teams ranked among CBS Sports Top 50 in the country. From a talent perspective there was not much missing.
Here is what I learned from the Beach Ball Classic.
Milton Found a Way
Despite losing its best player, sophomore Kanaan Carlyle, early in the game, and being down 36-28, Milton scratched out a 13-point win in the championship finals. It is a thing that championship level teams do, they rally together and find a way.
Milton sparked this comeback on the defensive end of the floor, holding Calvary Christian to 31.8% shooting from the field in the second half while creating 25 turnovers.
Junior 5-star and Ohio State commitment Bruce Thornton set the tone for Milton as he finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals while earning tournament MVP. Broc Bidwell also chipped in 10 points, making two key 3s in the game. Milton played seven players in this game and each had at least seven points as they shot 47% from the field and 92% from the free throw line as a team.
Milton started this tournament ranked 22nd by CBS Sports, after winning this major Christmas tournament, expect a small bump to be forthcoming.
Versatility Reigns Supreme
Looking through this event, at the individual players who stood out, you notice a common thread, versatility. Guys blend a unique set of skills that allows them to do multiple things on either end of the floor.
Let’s take a look at Bishop McLaughlin’s 6’8” junior Dillon Mitchell. The lengthy and explosive forward showed the ability to guard positions one through five in this event. He also initiated the offense while finishing high above the rim. Calvary Christian’s 6’8” junior Gregg Glenn Jr was similar to Mitchell. While Glenn guarded more the three through five, his ability to rebound and pass the ball was the catalyst for his team’s run to the championship game. He shot the ball from three at a high clip as well.
Continuing on with this notion, it is easy to see why West Oaks sophomore Matt Bewley is ranked among the nation’s top five in his class, he has the motor and quick twitch to rebound, protect the rim, move his feet and run the floor at a high level. While his offense was mostly around the rim, he had the ability to not only defend, but shut down multiple positions on the floor.
Cape Fear Christian junior Cinque Lemon and Archbishop Moeller junior Evan Mahaffey both fell across this category as well, versatile offensive threats who could defend multiple positions with their athleticism and length.
But with that topic started, let us take a look at some of the events...
Stock Risers
6’8” 2022 Dillon Mitchell - Spring Hill, FL/Bishop McLaughlin
Mitchell is a length and explosive forward. He showcased defensive versatility, across all positions, as well as the ability to run the floor, finish high above the rim and the comfort to initiate offense. So much to like here, he showcased 4-star, top 100 type talent through his four games in Myrtle Beach.
6’8” 2024 Derik Queen - Baltimore, MD/St Frances
Queen is a big-bodied forward who has some nimbleness to his skill set. He was able to grab the board, push the break or create offense in the half court. Very advanced for his age, size and do not be surprised to see him crack the Top 10 when the initial 2024 rankings are released.
6’4” 2022 Emanuel Sharp - Spring Hill, FL/Bishop McLaughlin
Sharp proved to be one of the premier bucket getters in the entire event. For his final three games, Sharp averaged 29.7 points while shooting 49% from the field and going 26-28 (92%) from the free throw line.
6’8” 2022 Gregg Glenn - Ft Lauderdale, FL/Calvary Christian
Glenn is a big-bodied forward who was just as comfortable on the ball, starting the offense, as he was on the block finishing and rebounding. He is a matchup nightmare all over the floor and a lock for a double/double as he averaged 11.8 points and 9.3 boards while also adding 2.5 steals and shooting 36% from three.
6’4” 2023 Marvel Allen - Ft Lauderdale, FL/Calvary Christian
There is something about this young man’s poise on the basketball court that went well beyond his years. He wanted the ball in the tough spots, and he delivered as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17.5 points per game through his four games and run to the event finals. Expect him to be firmly in the 2023 top 30 when the listing drops.
6’3” 2023 Jaydon Young - Greensboro, NC/Greensboro Day School
There is nothing flashy about his game, as Young just goes about his business. Whether it be acting as the point guard when Nik Graves goes down or as the leading scorer as he finished averaging 16 points on 8-16 (50%) shooting from three. He also won the Defensive Award for the event.
6’6” 2022 Evan Mahaffey - Cincinnati, OH/Archbishop Moeller
Mahaffey did a bit of everything, on both ends of the floor for the #8 ranked Archbishop Moeller team. On defense, he guarded the ball and was able to switch down to fours. On offense he cut hard, moved well off the ball, and finished plays from the wing. Easy to see why he is getting the recent power five interest and the rankings should follow suit.
All-Tournament Team
Most Valuable Player – Bruce Thornton
Most Outstanding Player – Taylor Hendrick
Cinque Lemon, Jarvis Moss, Dillon Mitchell, Alex Williams, Jalen Smith, Michael Zanoni, Logan Duncomb, Marvel Allen, Tim Barnes, Emanuel Sharp
Defensive – Jaydon Young
Hustle – Mike James
Sportsmanship – Gavin Gallion
