Beach Ball Classic Day 3 highlights

Top scorer

Wheeler (Ga.) guard Phil Taylor did everything but hit the game-winner against Scott County (Ky.). Taylor missed a game-tying jumper in the closing seconds, but finished the contest with 27 points on 10-of-23 shooting. Cedar Hill's Billy Johnson scored 27 points for Cedar Hill in the day's final game.

Star of the day

D.W. Daniel's Shaq Lawson lived up to his "guarantee to do something special" Tuesday and gave his team an emotional lift, netting 23 points and securing five rebounds in a 77-61 victory over Bishop O'Connell. Lawson has worked hard to improve his touch at the free throw line and was a perfect 7-of-7 from the line.

Unsung hero

There were few bright spots for Socastee in an 83-41 loss to Mount St. Joseph (Md.), but one came in the form of sophomore Travis Frye, who wasn't even listed on the Braves' pre-tournament roster. Frye was called up from the JV squad this week and looked like a boy among men when he entered the game in the first half with the Gaels already in command. Frye's name had to be added to the scoring database and he was temporarily known simply as "Travis." But he wasn't anonymous for long, scoring six straight points after entering.

Game of the day

Scott County (Ky.) and Wheeler (Ga.) turned in the best contest of the day. In a game that saw six ties and five lead changes, Chad Jackson connected on consecutive free throws with 13.7 seconds to give the Cardinals a 64-62 victory. Wheeler once trailed by 10 points with 9:17 to play in the first half, but rallied to take its largest lead of the game at 43-39 when Phil Taylor connected from long distance in the second half.

Today's best matchup

The 8:45 p.m. game between Bishop Gorman (Nev.) and Scott County (Ky.) has the makings to be the best contest of this year's tourney. Both the Gaels and the Cardinals shoot the ball well and are scrappy on defense. Scott County plays fast, but will have to step it up a notch against Bishop Gorman because no team in the 2009 field can match the Gaels speed.

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