News Summary
Atlantic Collegiate Academy has triumphed in the Class 2A Championship, defeating High Point Academy 58-52 in a thrilling game. This victory marks a significant achievement for the young school, which just started operations two years ago and faced playoff ineligibility last year. With strong performances from players and a strategic approach from the new head coach, they showcased resilience and determination, ending a championship drought for Horry County. Celebrations are underway as the academy looks forward to bright seasons ahead.
Atlantic Collegiate Academy Triumphs with First Class 2A Championship
Conway, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement after Atlantic Collegiate Academy clinched its first-ever Class 2A Championship title by defeating High Point Academy with a score of 58-52. The thrilling championship game took place at the Florence Center and was filled with nail-biting moments that had fans on the edge of their seats.
A Wonderful Season for a Young School
This victory is particularly sweet for Atlantic Collegiate Academy, as it has only been in operation for two years. Last year, the team faced disappointment, being ineligible for the playoffs due to rules set by the South Carolina High School League for first-year schools. However, this year marked a turning point, demonstrating that hard work and determination truly pay off.
The academy’s basketball program saw a change in leadership when Tanner Massey took over as head coach in August. He stepped in to replace Jason Harris, who moved on to coach the women’s basketball team at East Carolina University. Massey is not new to the game; he’s a proud graduate of both Carolina Forest High School and Coastal Carolina University, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the college and NBA G-League basketball circuits.
Star Players Shine
Leading the charge for Atlantic Collegiate was junior guard Jaylen Bellamy, who delivered a phenomenal performance with 20 points, hitting a career-high and showcasing his skills on the big stage. Alongside him, Jamie Brooks contributed greatly with his balanced game of 14 points, four rebounds, and three blocked shots. These young athletes displayed their potential and led the team through tough stretches of the game.
The Atlantic Collegiate team established a formidable lead in the first half. They launched an impressive 12-0 scoring run late in the second quarter, which allowed them to exit halftime with a commanding 32-21 advantage. But the game was far from over, as High Point Academy came roaring back to start the second half, cutting the deficit to just 32-29 with an 8-0 run.
Coaching Changes and Tactical Moves
Massey quickly recognized the need to refocus his team and called a timeout during the third quarter. He made crucial adjustments, including bringing in Justin Bellamy for his defensive prowess. This tactical move paid off when Atlantic Collegiate regained momentum, extending their lead to 37-29, thanks to a well-placed layup and a strategic 3-pointer.
As the game reached its climax, High Point Academy kept pressing, narrowing the score down to 46-42 with just over two minutes remaining in the game. However, Atlantic Collegiate showcased their resilience by hitting critical free throws down the stretch, ensuring their victory.
Free-Throw Troubles for High Point
Despite their strong finish, High Point Academy struggled with free-throw shooting, finishing the game with only 13 out of 26 attempts. Their leading scorer, Travis Morman, managed to rack up 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Atlantic’s determined defense.
With this win, Atlantic Collegiate Academy improved its record to an impressive 24-3, while handing High Point Academy their first loss after a seven-game winning streak, leaving their record at 27-4. This championship victory is a momentous occasion for the school and the local basketball community, ending a championship drought for Horry County’s SCHSL boys teams that had persisted since Myrtle Beach High clinched the title in 2007.
As the celebrations kick off in Conway, this victory not only marks a historical win for Atlantic Collegiate Academy but also sets the stage for exciting seasons to come. One thing is clear: the future is bright for this young team!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass Approaches
Myrtle Beach Faces High Surf Advisory and Tropical Storm Warning
ONEflight Becomes Co-Title Sponsor for Myrtle Beach Classic
Myrtle Beach High School Basketball Thrives with New Region
Hideki Matsuyama Sets New PGA TOUR Record with New Putter
Columbia Crowns Champions at South Carolina High School Football Championships
Oceanside Collegiate and Northwestern Win State Championships
Columbia High School Football Playoffs Heat Up with Exciting Matchups and Dominant Performances
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: High School Basketball
- MaxPreps
- Google Search: Atlantic Collegiate Academy basketball
- USA Today High School Sports
- Google Scholar: Atlantic Collegiate Academy basketball
- CBS Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- MaxPreps
- Google News: Atlantic Collegiate Academy
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
