JHX Hoops are one of four teams left on the Alumni Champion side of TBT.
And there were several points during their three-game stint against Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni) where the door felt like it was slammed shut.
It started with an 80-61 blowout loss that very quickly presented a team that showed little on-court chemistry despite the copious amounts of talent on the hardwood.
However, two days later, despite being down by as many as 14 points, JHX pushed through thanks to 10 points in the ELAM from Frank Mason III. That day saw four double-digit scorers, including Mason, who led the way with 23 points to even the series at one all.
Friday night was the winner-takes-all affair that did not disappoint. Despite JHX falling behind 16-9 by the end of the first quarter, they persistently clawed themselves back into the game, entering ELAM 11 points away from advancing.
After a grueling 5:16 period, JHX capped the night off with a Mason layup to end the game at 62-55.
Following the thrilling end, JHX head coach Sherron Collins spoke on the team’s resilience.
“It was so unselfish”
“These dudes played together; they didn't care who was scoring, it was so unselfish,” opened the former two-time All-American.
Of everyone who registered minutes, all but Mario Chalmers scored for JHX on Friday night; Zeke Mayo led the way with 25 points and Jacob Hanna followed it up with an additional 10.
“It was so great to be a part of and watch. That's why Carlton [Bragg Jr.] got that three.” What Collins is referring to was an assist from Mason to Bragg, who was found wide open in the left corner after his defender dropped him to snap onto the driving Mason. That three-pointer pushed Kansas to a 57-53 lead in the ELAM.
“Frank earned the right to shoot shots if he wanted to, but he played the right way. That's why all of our guys play the right way; they follow that lead,” finished Collins.
So far throughout TBT, Mason has averaged 14 points in nearly 35 minutes of action. Though Friday only saw the KU hero finish with 9 points on a 3-12 mark from the field, Mason also added a healthy 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
What is left for JHX Hoops?
Just two games stand before them reaching a TBT final against the bracket winner from the Non-alumni bracket. Left on JHX’s side are La Familia (Kentucky alumni), Boeheim’s Army (Syracuse alumni), and the Aftershocks (Wichita State alumni). With La Familia and Boeheim’s Army squaring off in one quarterfinal, it leaves JHX and the Aftershocks to play one another Monday night at Charles Koch Arena.
Last season, the Aftershocks won the gambit after defeating Eberlein Drive in the championship 82-67. The Aftershocks are returning 7 players from last season in Conner Frankamp, Rashard Kelly, Marcus Keene, Markis McDuffie, Marcu Santos Silva, Trey Wade and James Woodard.
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT on the 27th.
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