Hamilton Powers SMAC Akron over Another Level in OT

Brayden Hamilton, Connor Sams, Deitrich Hurst & Sam Marbury

Leading for most of the game, 2022 SMAC Akron needed 3 clutch free throws and over time to get by a scrappy Another Level squad in Gold Bracket play at the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament in Columbus. Up by 2 points with under 3 seconds left, a Another Level player fouled a 3-point shooter, and after 3 clutch freebies, the game entered OT.  SMAC would control the overtime period to advance to the semifinals.  SMAC was led in scoring by Braden Hamilton (6’1”/SG/2022/Brunswick), who was smoking hot from beyond the arc and scored a team-high 18 points.  Behind him in scoring was Aiden Palmes (11 points) and Connor Sams (9 points).  This SMAC Akron team is very well coached, fundamental, talented and has a roster is full of high skill guys who can all shoot, pass and dribble.

We were also really impressed with Another Level who is also well coached, physical and play hard. The man for the Cleveland-based team was Deitrich Hurst (6’1”/WF/2022/Cleveland), who was too big, strong, physical and athletic to keep from scoring at the rim.  Hurst dropped a game-high 24 points.  Also playing well for Anther Level was Sam Marbury (6’1”/SG/2022/Cleveland), who finished with 12 points.  They gave the game away at the end, but from what we saw from Anther Level, they should receive top 10 consideration when we update our Power Rankings next week.

On another note, Ed Heban's TNBA Ohio Shooting Stars exacted some revenge on the Ohio Basketball Club from a loss last week with a 66-65 squeaker in Gold Bract Play. Despite a monster effort from Elmore James IV (19 points) and Danny Young Jr. (18 points), OBC went down.  Michael Bova was a stud, finishing with a game-high 22 points in the win.  Three other players were in double figures including Raymar Pryor and Jalen Wenger.  Two very competitive games!