The 2024 Moneyball Tip-Off Classic delivered an electrifying start to the high school basketball season this past Saturday at the Don Johnson Fieldhouse. Hosted by Moneyball Sportswear, a Lansing-based brand renowned for its premium athletic apparel and unwavering support for local sports, the event showcased thrilling matchups and stellar performances. The three-game lineup brought together talented teams from across Michigan, all competing with passion and intensity in front of a lively crowd. 

Game 1: Lansing Sexton (4-1) vs. Chandler Park (1-2)

In the opening game, Lansing Sexton edged out Chandler Park in a closely contested first quarter, leading 17-15. By the final buzzer, Sexton had pulled away for a 64-51 victory, thanks to standout performances from their players.

Junior guard Markese Murray led the charge with 19 points, showcasing exceptional poise and control throughout the game. His contributions included four two-pointers, a three-pointer, and an impressive 8-for-13 from the free-throw line. Kivon Brown added 12 points with a mix of two- and three-pointers, while Xavier Park and Willie Brown each contributed 9 points, displaying accuracy from beyond the arc. Troy Bell and Mario Murray rounded out the scoring with 7 and 6 points, respectively. 

Sexton’s defense and teamwork shone, setting the tone for an exciting day of basketball. Murray’s ability to control the game stood out as he showcased a reliable midrange jumper, sharp passing in transition, and focused on-ball defense. His leadership and positive body language uplifted his teammates, solidifying his role as a key player for Sexton this season. 

Game 2: Adrian (3-0) vs. Everett (0-5)

The second matchup featured Adrian taking on Lansing Everett in a game that saw both teams battling fiercely from start to finish. Adrian jumped out to a 15-9 lead in the first quarter and extended their advantage to 34-26 by halftime. 

Stevie Elam was the star of the game, putting on a scoring clinic with an impressive 40 points, including six two-pointers, six three-pointers, and near-perfect accuracy from the free-throw line. Supporting Elam’s efforts, Carson DeKeyser added 10 points, and Angelo Collins and Calvin Polly each chipped in with 6 points. 

Lansing Everett’s Marrion May led his team with 24 points, showing his scoring prowess with a combination of two-pointers, three-pointers, and free throws. Javari Funches added 10 points, while Nizjai Davidson and Nathaniel Benson contributed 13 and 8 points, respectively. Despite Everett’s efforts to close the gap in the final quarter, Adrian’s resilience and execution secured a 66-58 victory. Adrian’s ability to maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on key opportunities proved decisive in this thrilling contest. 

Game 3: East Lansing (4-0) vs. Warren Lincoln (3-1)

In the final game of the day, East Lansing dominated Warren Lincoln with a 69-54 victory, capping off an incredible 2024 Moneyball Tip-Off Classic. 

East Lansing led 32-24 at halftime, fueled by dynamic plays and a pair of electrifying dunks each from Kingston Thomas and KJ Torbert. Torbert finished the game with 20 points, excelling in both scoring and free-throw shooting (7-for-10). Cameron Hutson added 19 points, showing consistency from the field and the free-throw line (4-for-4). Kingston Thomas contributed 11 points, including a highlight-worthy and-one play that brought the crowd to its feet. 

For Warren Lincoln, Markus Blackwell delivered an outstanding performance with 34 points, including seven two-pointers, three three-pointers, and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Despite Blackwell’s heroics, East Lansing’s balanced attack and defensive prowess proved too much to overcome. 

Moneyball Sportswear’s flawless organization and commitment to elevating youth sports made the Tip-Off Classic an unforgettable event. Known for providing high-quality gear for athletes at all levels, Moneyball continues to be a cornerstone of Michigan’s basketball community. This year’s Tip-Off Classic was a testament to their dedication to fostering local talent and bringing communities together through the love of the game. As highlighted in the preview by 517 Hoops, this event lived up to its promise of delivering exciting matchups and showcasing some of Michigan’s brightest basketball stars.