Wisconsin Lutheran Secures Victory at Beach Ball Classic

Myrtle Beach, SC, January 1, 2026

The Beach Ball Classic concluded with Wisconsin Lutheran defeating North Crowley in a thrilling championship game. Zavier Zens showcased his skills, scoring the winning points for his team and earning MVP honors. This prestigious tournament highlighted the dedication and talent of high school athletes, underscoring the importance of teamwork and resilience in sports. Both teams displayed exceptional talent, with North Crowley proving to be a formidable opponent despite the narrow loss. The event again demonstrated Myrtle Beach’s commitment to fostering youth athletics in the community.

Myrtle Beach, SC – The Grand Strand once again played host to a dazzling display of national high school basketball talent, culminating in a dramatic championship finish at the Beach Ball Classic. This prestigious tournament consistently brings top-tier competition to our community, highlighting the dedication, teamwork, and discipline essential for success on the court and in life. The championship game on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of high school sports, offering an unforgettable contest that showcased incredible resolve and skill.

Amidst the competitive atmosphere, the final matchup between the No. 15 ranked Wisconsin Lutheran Vikings and the North Crowley Panthers delivered a testament to athletic excellence and the pursuit of victory. Spectators witnessed players pushing their limits, demonstrating character and leadership under pressure. These moments not only decide champions but also forge lasting memories and instill valuable life lessons that resonate far beyond the final buzzer.

High school athletics in Myrtle Beach, SC, and across the nation provide a vital platform for young individuals to develop critical skills. Events like the Beach Ball Classic exemplify how commitment to a team, adherence to strategy, and personal responsibility contribute to collective achievement, fostering an environment where young athletes can truly grow.

A National Stage in Myrtle Beach

The Beach Ball Classic, held annually in Myrtle Beach, SC, serves as a premier national platform for high school basketball, attracting elite teams from across the country. This year, the championship spotlight shone on the highly-touted No. 15 Wisconsin Lutheran Vikings from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the formidable North Crowley Panthers from Fort Worth, Texas. Both teams navigated challenging paths to reach the final, demonstrating the talent level present in South Carolina prep sports. Wisconsin Lutheran’s journey included a dominant 77-33 victory over local Myrtle Beach (S.C.) in the first round, followed by a 49-38 win against George Rogers Clark (Winchester, Ky.) in the semifinals. North Crowley, with an impressive 17-3 season record, also showed their strength by defeating Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.) 54-47 in their opening game and securing a narrow 49-48 triumph over Notre Dame (West Haven, Conn.) in the semifinals.

The Championship Clash Unfolds

The championship game, played on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, was a true battle. The Wisconsin Lutheran Vikings initially established control, heading into halftime with a 29-20 advantage. However, the North Crowley Panthers displayed resilience and determination, steadily chipping away at the lead in the third quarter. Their efforts brought them within striking distance, reducing the deficit to a narrow 41-39 by the end of the third period. This intense back-and-forth exemplified the high level of competition and the athletes’ commitment to every possession.

Back-and-Forth Battle for Supremacy

The fourth quarter opened with a dramatic equalizer, as North Crowley’s junior guard Isaak Hayes sank a layup, tying the game at 41 points apiece. From that moment, the contest intensified, with both teams trading scoring runs and the lead changing hands multiple times down the stretch. Wisconsin Lutheran mounted a 7-0 spurt, only for North Crowley to respond with six straight points of their own, showcasing the competitive fire and disciplined execution from both sides. This segment of play highlighted the mental toughness and strategic adjustments made by the young athletes and their coaching staffs.

Zavier Zens Delivers the Heroics

In a moment destined for high school sports lore, Wisconsin Lutheran’s Zavier Zens, a Northern Iowa signee, delivered an unforgettable performance. He was instrumental in his team’s scoring, particularly at the game’s critical juncture, where he accounted for the last seven points for the Vikings. Zens concluded the game with a remarkable 26 points, leading all scorers. His efficiency was notable, shooting 9 of 12 from the field, an impressive 4 of 5 from three-point range, and a perfect 4 of 4 from the free throw line. As time expired, Zens launched a 3-pointer from the left corner that found its way through the net after bouncing high off the rim, securing the 57-54 victory and the Beach Ball Classic title. For his outstanding play throughout the tournament, Zens earned MVP honors, having averaged 26.3 points per outing across the three games.

North Crowley’s Valiant Effort

While Wisconsin Lutheran celebrated the championship, North Crowley’s performance was equally commendable. Junior guard Isaak Hayes led his team with a team-high 24 points, demonstrating his skill and leadership under immense pressure. The Panthers’ ability to rally from a halftime deficit and push a nationally ranked opponent to the absolute final second speaks volumes about their character and competitive spirit. Despite the loss, their journey through the tournament and their showing in the championship game provided valuable experience and a clear demonstration of their dedication and teamwork. These experiences, even in defeat, contribute significantly to the personal growth and development of young athletes.

The Beach Ball Classic: Building Futures and Community

The Beach Ball Classic consistently brings more than just exciting basketball to Myrtle Beach, SC. It serves as a vital platform for high school athletes, offering exposure to collegiate scouts and an opportunity to compete against some of the best talent nationwide. This fosters an environment where discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility are paramount, helping young men develop into leaders on and off the court. The enthusiastic fan engagement and community turnout underscore the powerful connection between high school sports and local identity. Such events strengthen our community bonds and highlight the positive impact of supporting youth athletics.

This thrilling championship game epitomizes the very best of high school sports. The determination shown by every player and the dramatic conclusion are reminders of the power of competition, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. We encourage everyone to continue supporting our local high school athletic programs and to experience the excitement firsthand. Stay tuned to HEREmyrtlebeach.com for more coverage of Myrtle Beach SC high school basketball and South Carolina prep sports.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Beach Ball Classic Championship

What was the final score of the Beach Ball Classic championship game?
The final score of the Beach Ball Classic championship game was No. 15 Wisconsin Lutheran 57, North Crowley 54.

Who hit the game-winning shot?
Zavier Zens of Wisconsin Lutheran hit the game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

What award did Zavier Zens receive?
Zavier Zens earned MVP honors for the Beach Ball Classic tournament.

How many points did Zavier Zens score in the championship game?
Zavier Zens finished with a game-high 26 points in the championship game.

Who was the top scorer for North Crowley?
Isaak Hayes was the top scorer for North Crowley with a team-high 24 points.

When did the championship game take place?
The championship game took place on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

What is Zavier Zens’ college commitment?
Zavier Zens is a Northern Iowa signee.

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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.