University of Virginia point guard commit Reece Beekman capped off his 2019 Peach Jam experience in game-winning style in front of his future coach, Tony Bennett.
Phenom University beats Expressions 82-80 on Reece Beekman’s GAME WINNING put back at the BUZZER!! @reece_beekman @PhenomUniverse @ny2lasports @D1Circuit pic.twitter.com/julbewmWXT
— Isaac Dennis (@IsaacDennis_2) July 13, 2019
Beekman’s buzzer beater gave Phenom University (WI) an 82-80 win over Expressions Elite (MA) in the final game of Peach Jam round robin pool play. Unfortunately for the 6’3” rising senior and his Phenom U teammates, the victory wasn’t enough to propel them into weekend bracket play that will decide the 2019 Peach Jam champions.
Phenom University entered Friday play with a 2-1 record in Pool B. Win both of Friday’s games and the squad would make it to the weekend. However, a nip-and-tuck matchup with Boo Williams got away from Phenom U, and the Hampton (VA)-based AAU program turned a tie game after three quarters into a 12-point victory over Beekman and company.
Boo Williams defeated The Family on Friday evening, cementing their place in Peach Jam tournament play. The Renaissance (N.Y.) captured the other bracket spot out of Pool B.
Beekman had 17 points, including the game-winner, as well as 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists and 2 turnovers in 34 minutes of play against Expressions Elite. It was the Scotlandville Magnet (Baton Rouge, LA) star’s third double-digit point outing at Peach Jam, as he went for 17 points in an 81-77 win over Team Final (PA) and scored 16 in a 94-67 win over The Family Detroit (MI).
Beekman averaged 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.4 steals and 2.4 turnovers per game in five games at Peach Jam. He was 23-of-48 (47.9%) from the field, 5-of-16 (31.2%) from 3, and 11-of-15 (73.3%) from the free throw line. (Stats courtesy of D1Circuit.com)
In 17 games this Nike EYBL season (regular season plus Peach Jam), Beekman averaged 11.3 points, 6.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.5 turnovers per game. He made 47% of his field goals, 31.1% from 3 (14-of-45), and 79.2% from the foul line (38-of-48). Beekman scored in double-digits in 12 of those games and reached double-digit assists in three contests.
McCorkle, Garner Road Remain In The Hunt For Adidas Summer Championship
UVA-bound shooting guard Carson McCorkle and his Garner Road (N.C.) teammates are among the 16 finalists at the 2019 Adidas Summer Championships.
After going 1-1 in Pool Play, Garner Road handled Team Carroll, 75-62, in the opening round of 17U tournament play on Friday morning (July 12) in Birmingham, Alabama. The 6’3” McCorkle was outstanding in the win, pouring in 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting (5-of-8 from 3).
Garner Road took on Team Wall (N.C.) in the second round Friday afternoon and held a comfortable 40-22 advantage at halftime. Team Wall made a big second-half run, however, and cut the lead to 3 in the final minutes. McCorkle and company were able to hold on for the 61-57 win. The Greensboro Day (N.C.) rising senior struggled from the floor – 7 points on 2-of-14 shooting (0-of-2 from 3) – but contributed in other ways, pulling down 10 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists.
Garner Road faces Wildcats Select on Saturday for a chance to move on to the quarterfinals.
In two games pool play earlier in the week, McCorkle scored 19 points (6-of-13, 2-of-6 from 3) in a loss to the Atlanta Celtics and put up 11 points (4-of-4 shooting, 1-1 from 3) in a win over Chauncey Billups. Virginia associate head coach Jason Williford has been on to watch this event.
