Each year the Myrtle Beach area is invaded by high school basketball teams from all across the country. 2015 is the 35th edition of the Beach Ball Classic. Started in 1981 by now Marshall University head coach, Mike D’Antoni, the BBC, as it is affectionately called is bigger and better than ever.
What started as a local holiday tournament for local schools has turned into the premier holiday boys basketball 16 team tournament in the nation. Coach D’Antoni was the head coach at local Socastee High School when he started this tournament. Now it has a committee of more than 15 people strong and is attended by fans and scouts from all over.
Over the years the Beach Ball Classic has had some future superstar come to Myrtle Beach. Current NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Vince Young and Kevin Garnett have all competed for the BBC crown. Former NBA star, Mike Bibby, played in the BBC as well. That being said he is back now as the head coach of his old high school, Shadow Mountain, AZ. The Matadors, led by Bibby’s son, Mike, are serious contenders for the championship this week.
The big attraction this year is defending Dick’s Sporting Good National High School Champions Montverde Eagles from Florida. They are Four-Time National High School Champions, First School To Win Three Years Consecutively. Led by 4-time National Coach of the Year, Kevin Boyle, the Eagles are the favorites to win the BBC crown.
St. John’s College High School is on the list of contenders as well. The 2015 DC State Champions are led by Head Coach Sean McAloon and will be a force to be reckoned with. They are a strong defensive team that is led by ultra-quick and savvy PG Anthony Cowan, Jr.
The Shadow Mountain Matadors led by Head Coach, Mike Bibby will have something to say about who wins the 2015 title. Mike Bibby (coach’s kid) leads a strong Shadow Mountain squad with smooth ball handling and a dead eye shot. Gee…wonder where he learned that from?
We have been and will continue to tweet all week from the Beach Ball Classic. Since I live in Myrtle Beach I attend all the games. Follow me @GolfMonger and follow the tournament @?BBCbasketball for updates.
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