Phoenix, AZ—The third annual HBCU All-Star game unfolded in Phoenix with a plethora of thrilling moments and remarkable individual displays as the nation’s top players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities took center stage in a captivating, high-scoring showdown. Team Ben Wallace staged a remarkable comeback, rallying from an 11-point deficit in the first half to clinch a 108-97 victory over Team Rick Mahorn.
Dhashon Dyson of Team Wallace emerged as a standout performer, tallying a team-leading 19 points and earning the coveted MVP title. Jaylen Alston contributed 16 points, while Jeremiah Kendall added 14, aiding in the remarkable comeback. Impressively, six players from Team Wallace achieved double-digit scoring figures, showcasing the depth and skill of the squad.
Under the guidance of coaches Johnny Jones from Texas Southern and Jason Armstrong from Lincoln, Team Wallace showcased talents from the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, delivering a stellar performance that captivated fans.
“Real excited for these young men,” Jones said. “I thought both teams played extremely hard. I though it was a great show for the fans. Our guys did a much better job of sharing the basketball in the second half and locking in on the defensive end. That was a big difference in this game.”
After Team Wallace took a 15-11 lead, Mahorn’s squad came roaring back. They went on a 12-4 run to take over and would hold the lead for the rest of the frame. While their advantage did blow up into the double-digits, Team Wallace finished the half strong and trimmed the lead to 56-53 before going into the half.
Team Wallace’s built nine points lead in the second half, the biggest of the game. Their final 10-2 run helped put Team Mahorn away. In the last minute of the contest, with a double-digit difference on the scoreboard, both teams let it hang, pulling out their best dunks and taking half court shots from the parking lot.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Jones expressed his excitement for the players’ achievements, highlighting the intense effort displayed by both teams and commending his players for their improved ball-sharing and defensive prowess in the second half, which proved pivotal in securing the victory.
On the opposing side, Team Mahorn, led by coaches LeVelle Moton from North Carolina Central and Alfred Jordan from Clark Atlanta, showcased impressive performances from Christian Brown, who scored 21 points, and Fred Cleveland Jr., who chipped in 20 points.
Team Mahorn comprised talented individuals from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, as well as Independent All-Stars from Tennessee State and Hampton.
The electrifying game saw both teams combine for 30 of 88 three-pointers, with Cleveland’s six 3-pointers leading the charge. The event not only showcased exceptional basketball talent but also served as a celebration of the rich tradition and excellence embodied by Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
