2024 Jordan Holiday Classic Sunday Night Recap

December 29, 2024 by Brian Flinn

The third and final day of the Jordan Holiday Classic has been action packed. Two of the top teams in the country went head to head, a number of underclassmen impressed, and one team finished their JHC weekend unblemished. MADE Hoops recaps the action from Sunday night. 

Final: St. Raymond (NY) 61,  Imhotep (PA) 56

Bess Goes Ballistic in Ravens Win 

Junior guard NaJay Bess has started off the season strong for the St.Raymond Ravens out of the Bronx. The 6-foot-3 guard went nuclear on Sunday evening, knocking down 7 of 9 threes en route to 21 points in a five point victory. Senior point guard Tai Turnage used his IQ and crafty handle to get to the line a staggering 11 times and didn’t miss. 

For Imhotep, 2026 guard RJ Smith led a balanced attack with 17 points and 8 rebounds, both team highs. Senior Carnell Henderson was effective getting to the basket and hit a couple of jumpers to keep ‘Tep within striking distance. 

Box Score 

Final: South Kent (CT) 64, College Achieve (NJ)  55

Balanced Attack Key To South Kent Victory

A upperclassmen laden squad, South Kent got production from all over its roster with 8 of the 10 players to touch the floor scoring a basket. Iowa commit Badara Diakite was aggressive attacking his man off the dribble and controlled the boards to the tune of 11 points and 10 boards. Unsigned senior Tim Walker led all scorers with 17 points.

College Achieve’s underclassmen led the way throughout. Sophomore lead guard Anthony Mauro brought his trademark aggressiveness to the floor, finishing with a team high 15 points. Freshman wing Marque Johnson Jr. was dynamic going to the basket and forced a number of turnovers. 

Box Score

Final: Blair (NJ) 81, Our Saviour Lutheran (NY) 63

Rippey Puts On Show For Hometown Crowd 

As one of the more highly thought of players in the JHC this year, the excitement for Deron Rippey’s “homecoming” was palpable. Going against a talented Our Saviour Lutheran team in the closing matchup of the weekend only helped to set the stage for the top-15 prospect, and boy did the junior guard deliver. Rippey hit 6 of 7 threes in the first half to give Blair a five point lead at the half. The explosive guard showcased his athleticism on a couple of drives in the second half and spent a good bit of it setting his teammates up. With 6 rebounds and 3 assists, it was arguably the best performance of the weekend.