During the City of Palms Classic semifinals on Friday night, Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.), ranked second in the nation, outpaced Link Academy (Branson, Mo.), ranked fourth, with a final score of 76-63. Leading the charge was V.J. Edgecombe, a senior from the top 10 players, who contributed 17 points, seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds.

In the triumph, the Crusaders witnessed the contribution of four players who scored in double digits. Nigel James, a junior ranked in the top 100, provided 13 points and three rebounds, while junior Kayden Mingo, recognized with three stars, concluded the game with 11 points and three assists. Additionally, junior forward Tajae Jones, who remains underrated, achieved 10 points and six rebounds.

On the other hand, as a consequence of the defeat, three players from Link Academy shared the distinction of being the highest scorers. Tre Johnson, a five-star recruit committed to Texas, Labaron Philon, a four-star recruit committed to Kansas, and Jalen Shelley, a four-star recruit committed to Arkansas, all accumulated 13 points each.