Hope Academy led 35-31 at halftime. Mounds Meridian had a great halftime talk as coach ]hasized they had to go after the rebound instead of waiting on it. Well they did to the tune of a 46-38 rebound advantage in the game.
Meridian (Mounds) 68 Hope Academy (Chicago) 60: Senior Will Thurston (6'2") transferred in and freshman Antonio Flenoid Jr (6'3") joined the team in January. It changed their season as Thurston had 11 points 6 rebounds and 6 assists in win. Flenoid Jr had a double/double of 24 points 12 rebounds with 2 assists 3 steals 2 blocks and an explanation point dunk before end of buzzer. Sophomore point guard Javionne Ransom (5'8") had a key three, then steal, then basket to put the game out of reach in fourth quarter. Senior Jai'Deon Reed (6'2") was huge off the bench with 15 points 9 rebounds 1 assist and 1 block. Hope Academy was led by sensational 5'5" sophomore point guard Tyjuan Hunter with 18 points 8 rebounds 4 assists 5 steals and 1 block. Senior guard Josh Dillon added 12 points 3 rebounds 4 assists and 1 steal. Meridian (Mounds) heads to title game at 26-8, while Hope Academy goes to third place game at 29-8.