Slam Dunk to the Beach is a high school basketball tournament that takes place in Delaware. The tournament features some of the nation’s top basketball teams and players. Over the years the tournament hosted players like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James. This year’s tournament featured five teams in the MaxPreps XCellent 25 and four players in the 2016 ESPN Top 100. The WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference) had three teams play in the tournament. Here is a recap of what they did.
Paul VI (8-2) played two games against top 25 teams and the Panthers knocked both of them off. Their first game was a 77-55 victory over Neumann-Gorretti (PA). Louisville signee VJ King finished the game with 16 points. Paul VI center and Pittsburgh commit Corey Manigault had a big game as he scored a season high of 24 points.
The Panthers second game of the tournament was against Roselle Catholic. Led by VJ King’s 30 points, Paul VI knocked off No. 13 Roselle Catholic 68-58. The Panthers trailed 34-30 at the half but they outscored the Lions 20-6 in the third quarter to break away. With the victory against Roselle Catholic, Paul VI has 3-1 record against Top 25 high school basketball teams.
Bishop McNamara was another team in the WCAC that found success in Delaware. The Mustangs went 2-0 and their most notable win was against Roselle Catholic. Their first game of the tournament was against Cape Henlopen High School. McNamara cruised past Cape Henlopen 68-42. Mustangs 6 foot 9 freshman Makhi Mitchell had a big game as he scored 19 points. Two days later, McNamara defeated Roselle Catholic 60-57 despite trailing by 16 points. Junior guard Ernest Jenkins finished the game with 19 points and 6 rebounds.
Bishop O’Connell opened up the tournament with a 53-46 victory over Mt. Pleasant (DE). The Knights had a 19 point third quarter after trailing 21-19 at halftime. Center Nate Watson went for 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Randall Gaskins had 11 points. Bishop O’Connell recorded a total of 41 rebounds, 9 blocks, and 3 steals. On the last day of the Slam Dunk to the Beach, the Knights lost to Patrick School 62-54. Nate Watson, who’s making a case as the best big man in the conference had 17 points and 15 rebounds.
Ryan McFadden is a freshman at Iona College and alumni from DeMatha Catholic High School. He is the founder of Inside The Locker Room and sports writer for the Ionian. Follow him on Twitter @RMcFadden15
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