Two games were in the book and basketball fans were in for a HUGE treat between two of the top teams in the state in 1 of 1 Prep and Combine Academy. Two coaches that are familiar with each other matched up in a heated battle and it started off exactly how we thought. 1of1 Prep came out strong and quickly showed their youth came to play, but they also had a few veterans step up. But players like Collin Tanner, Silas Demary Jr., and Trentyn Flowers created a nice trio for Combine in the first half. Neither team was able to make an early run and this game quickly turned into a dogfight with a ton of energy.
Back and forth these teams went, trading blows. 1of1 Prep was able to hold the narrow one-point lead after the first quarter 17-16, and it continued to be that way throughout the second half. It was right before halftime when Flowers hit a huge hot at the buzzer to give Combine a 32-28 halftime lead, as things were getting chippy between these two teams.
In the third quarter, it was Combine that came out strong on both ends, creating havoc defensively and also finding ways to score effectively. Combine’s presence on both ends allowed them to earn the first double-digit lead of the game midway through the third quarter, as players like Collin Tanner and company started to step up. By the end of the third quarter, it was Combine that held the 48-38 but this game wasn’t over until the final buzzer.
The fourth quarter came around and 1of1 showed they had another run in them, as they erased the double-digit lead and eventually took the lead with 2:35 to go (54-53). But Combine Academy answered right back to regain the lead and it was just enough in the end, ultimately securing the hard-fought victory.
Final: Combine Academy 62 – 1of1 Prep 58
Combine Academy: Collin Tanner 20pts, Rakease Passmore 12, Trentyn Flowers 12
1of1 Prep: Yohance Connor 14pts, Taye Smith 10, LJ Rush 9