In the final game of the night on Day 1, Combine Academy and Carolina Basketball Academy-GA battled it out on Court 1 at the Phenom Tip-Off Classic. Both teams really traded blows on the court, with neither being able to separate themselves through much of the first half. For CBA, Elijah Wilson and Omar Gardner controlled the show, attacking the rim and finishing strong. AJ Smith and Kris Robinson were both really strong for Combine, with Robinson making a tough play at the end, getting fouled from three, hitting a few free throws, missing the last one and securing the rebound and scoring to give Combine an 8-point cushion at the half.
In the second half though, it was the firepower and depth of Combine that was just too much, continuing to push the pace and attack; the style that Coach McInnis wants. It started to weigh on CBA, as Combine continued to stretch their lead over 20+ points and they never looked back in this one.
Final: Combine Academy 88 – Carolina Basketball Academy-GA 65
Top Scorers:
Combine Academy:
Kris Robinson 19 points
Jaylen Curry 10 points
AJ Smith 9 points
Carolina Basketball Academy-GA:
Omar Gardner 24 points
Elijah Wilson 17 points
Standouts:
2021 Kris Robinson (Combine Academy): People may look past Robinson but this is a young man that simply steps up when called upon. Continued to show that smooth, confident release from the perimeter, but also plays with heart and makes winning plays on the floor.
2021 Omar Gardner (CBA-GA): Gardner is an explosive athlete and he can get to the rim and throw it down with power. But he also showed more of his overall scoring ability to attack off the dribble, finish through traffic/contact, and be aggressive. Liked what he showed on Day 1.
2021 Elijah Wilson (CBA-GA): Wilson is a prospect that many should look at with his size, ability to score on multiple levels, and ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. Plays with a smooth feel and plays a great pace.
2023 Jaylen Curry (Combine Academy): Curry really played well on the floor, with his blend of speed, feel and vision on the floor, ability to find open teammates and make plays, as well as use that speed to score… he is something special on the court.
