Tuesday’s action featured two close games that decided the championship game to be played Thursday. The Hoopers punched their ticket to the finals with a 50-44 victory over Team Money while the Rebels advanced after a 54-51 overtime win against the Ballers.
Game 1 between Team Money and the Hoopers featured an exciting comeback. After trailing 27-25 at halftime, the Hoopers managed to focus and settle in for the second half. They outscored Money 25-17 with an aggressive offense that drove the ball to the hoop on most possessions. Neither team had much success from beyond the perimeter in the second.
Hykeem Raines led the Hoopers with 16 points. Davonte Jones and Cohen Walker followed him up with 11 and 10. Zydaris Daniels and Ramsey Jones both had 4. Diontae Smith finished with 3 and Tra’zarion Whitehead had 2.
Dra Eason led Team Money with 19 points with B.J. Cox piling on 18. Drake Stokes added 5 and Develyn Johnson had 2.
Overtime was needed to settle things in game 2 between the Rebels and Ballers. It was close the entire game with a halftime score of 26-24. Both teams were effective offensively with hit-or-miss defenses.
Jamar Autry led the Rebels with 25 points. Donald Plummer added 16. Rashay Cooke had 7 and Tavion Raines had 4. Tyree Coxum contributed 2.
For the Ballers, Malachi Butts led the team with 17. Quamane McLeod added 12. Jr. Bethea had 11. Ahmad finished with 6 and Treyvon Stephenson had 5.
Thursday’s championship game will pit the Hoopers against the Rebels. Vince Marshall Jr. and Andre Sankey will be the respective head coaches. Tip off will be at 5 pm.
