Army National Guard Main Event Day Two Storylines

December 8, 2024 by Trent Watson

Day two of the Army National Guard Main Event was full of suspense and highlight plays. We saw big time shot makers, explosive athletes and passionate coaches all take the floor. Which players and teams made the most of day two? Read further for storylines as year two of the Army National Guard Main Event concludes

Combine Academy’s High-Octane offense was too much for Sagemont Prep

In the opening matchup of day two’s action Combine Academy come out victorious 94-103 in an overtime thriller. The Goats’ were led by FAU commit Josiah Parker who finished with thirty-three points and ten rebounds, showcasing his foot speed and touch around the rim as a hybrid-style forward. 

Explosive guard Yohance Connor added twenty-two points and five rebounds, while Kaden Magwood came up clutch down the stretch in overtime and finished with eighteen points and six boards. Lehigh commit Caleb Thomas also contributed fourteen points of his own, and led the team with eight assists. 

Although Sagemont Prep came up short, the recurved a monster performance from six-foot guard Anthony Knowles, pouring in thirty-two points on 40% from three. Kevin Thomas displayed his athleticism in the open floor and high-level motor on the glass, collecting a twenty-two point, fourteen rebound double-double. Miami commit Matthew Able also gave the Lions eighteen points and seven rebounds. 

Columbus comes out on top in a heavyweight matchup

Columbus High School and Gonzaga College High School might have put together an early favorite for the high school game of the year down in Miami Florida. It took three overtime periods before a winner was finally declared, with Columbus pulling away in the end taking a 85-79 win and leaving 2-0 on the weekend. 

Cayden Boozer set the tone early again for his team, operating as a pick and roll maestro and using his patience to constantly turn the corner for downhill attacks. He also was a heavy source for transition offense, on his way to twenty-two points in the victory. 

Cam Boozer leaves the game with MVP honors, hitting two clutch jumpers to keep Columbus alive and force additional periods of action. His dominance led to him finishing the game with thirty-one points, thirteen rebounds and five assists. Jaxon Richardson struggled throughout the game with foul trouble, but still managed to net thirteen points and contribute to the glass with eight boards. 

Gonzaga put up a tough fight, and saw moments throughout the game where they could’ve closed it out. UNC commit Derek Dixon came alive in the second half, scoring all twenty-two of his points when his team needed them the most. Virginia Tech commit Christian Gurdak battled inside to the point of exhaustion, finishing the game with twenty-three points and eight rebounds. 

Dynamic Prep bounces back with a huge win 

In the final game of the weekend, the two SMU commits in Jaden Toombs and Jermaine O’Neal Jr. imposed their will in a huge 20-point victory against SoCal Academy. Toombs owned the inside, posting an eleven point, fourteen rebound performance. 

O’Neal Jr.’s polished mid-range game and downhill driving instincts led to him shooting 4-4 from the free throw line, while also managing to collect three steals on the defensive end. He finished the game with fifteen points on eleven shot attempts. 

Two of Dynamic Prep’s young rising stars also showcased what makes them such intriguing long-term prospects. Freshman guard Ryan Hampton made an impact coming off the bench, with a total of eleven points and four rebounds. 2027 wing Marcus Spears Jr. put on an efficient thirteen point performance, on 50% shooting from the field, while also grabbing six rebounds.