Christmas in the South means friends, family, and hoops! The Palmetto Classic, Phenom's gift to Columbia South Carolina, kicks off today with 6 games. In game one we had Village Christian versus hosting Ben Lippen HS. Village comes in with several to watch including Travion McCrae, a 2019 6'2 scoring guard and 6'7' 2019 F Khuath Gatkhuath, both of whom carry D1 offers into the event. Ben Lippen comes in without the hype as some of the other programs here but do hold the home court advantage and a veteran backcourt is in place to show the way. In past events we have seen the home standing team do some damage, would we see the same here this week'

Right away the size of Village would prove to be an issue for Lippen as they dominated on the glass and in the lane on the offensive end. Village used that size to build a 23-9 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. Free throw's would allow Lippen to hang within striking distance but Village would be in control start to finish here. Final score in this one is Village Christian 86, Ben Lippen 56.

Players of note:

Village Christian:

Travion McCrae, 2019 6'2 G ' Quick scorer knows how to light up a score board. Tough kid plays hard and competes on both ends of the floor. Strong on the glass from his G position. (17p/5r/4a)

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Khuath Gatkhuath, 6'7 2019 F ' Big had no one to stop him in this one. Inside/out game was too much for'the other team to handle. Showed ability as a playmaker as well by creating several opportunities for others today. Talent is enhanced by hustle. Good looking SF prospect for next level. (21p/7r/3a/1 block)

 

 

 

 

Derrick Quansah, 6'11 2019 C ' Sheer size draws your attention to this kid. Long and slender big had half a footon everyone out on the floor so rebounding and shot blocking came easy. Needs to add weight/strength but nice-looking prospect. Stats (10p/7r/1 block)

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Ben Lippen:

Javian Bellamy, 6'1 2018 G ' Strong combo guard has no back down in his game as he took the fight to the otherteam wire to wire. Despite giving up a ton of size inside, showed heart and ability to go clean the glass. Ability to step out and hit the 3 helps his stock. Solid first half of 13p/7 reb kept it from getting ugly early. (21p/11r)

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Ryan McCray, 5'11 2018 G ' Small guard is nice compliment to Bellamy in the backcourt. Brings quickness and'defense to the floor with the ability to score to go with it. Drives regardless of how big the trees are in his path. (18p/1r/2a)

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