The John Wall Invitational got underway in Raleigh (NC), as two North Carolina teams squared off to start the event. Winston Salem Christian and The Burlington School matched up in a highly enticing game between two highly talented teams. Both teams started out a little slow but got things going a couple of minutes in. 2024 Zion Walker helped lead the charge early for TBS, as they were able to gain the early edge after the first quarter, 12-10.
In the second quarter, it was Winston Salem Christian that started to make their mark, using its size and really attacking the paint. It is what helped them from being down early on to going up at halftime, 27-23. Lewis Walker led the way for WS Christian with eight points in the first half, while Torey Alston and Kany Tchanda both chipped in with six. The Burlington School was led by Zion Walker with eight points.
Coming out of halftime, Winston Salem Christian continued to make a point in attacking and getting into the paint, using their physicality and length. In doing so, they were able to create the first double-digit lead of the game late in the third quarter and hold that 10-point lead by the end of the third, 44-34.
Winston Salem continued to push the pedal and eventually increased their lead two 20 points halfway through the fourth quarter. In the end, WS Christian was just too much on both sides of the ball, eventually taking home the Day 1 victory,
Final: Winston Salem Christian National 64 – The Burlington School 51
Stats:
WS Christian: Torey Alston 20pts, 8rebs/ Lewis Walker 13pts/ Kobe George 9pts
TBS: Zion Walker 20pts/ Kaden Hammond 12pts, 9rebs/ Josh Randolph 7pts
