The Brad Beal Elite 17U basketball team made history on Sunday by winning its first championship at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C.
Brad Beal Elite defeated the New York Rens 75-55 to win its first 17U title after three previous attempts at the big prize. It was also a back to back championship run for this particular BBE nucleus as it won the Peach Jam 16U championship last year.
The Peach Jam is the most prestigious basketball tournament on the summer grassroots basketball circuit. BBE came through pool play with a 3-2 record, but then won three consecutive games in two days to bring home the championship.
After falling behind early 7-0, BBE settled down to take a 19-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. They led 34-30 at halftime, but they blew the game open in the second half with its defensive pressure and toughness.
This year’s BBE team had a strong St. Louis area presence with three starters in Jamison White (East St. Louis), Quentin Coleman (Principia) and Sheek Pearson (John Burroughs). All three area kids were instrumental in the team’s success as they enjoyed some individual breakout games during the week.
The St. Louisans combined for 38 points and 20 rebounds in the championship game. The 6’8” White had 16 points and five rebounds. He is the son of former Cardinal Ritter standout and NBA player Jahidi White. The 6’3” Coleman had 14 points and seven rebounds while the 6’11” Pearson had eight points and eight rebounds. He has already committed to Marquette. BBE’s leading scorer for the game was Arkansas commit J.J. Andrews, who had 20 points and six rebounds. Andrews was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Peach Jam.
In the quarterfinals, BBE defeated Team Durant 91-59 as Pearson had 14 points and nine rebounds, White had 10 points and eight rebounds while Coleman had seven points and 10 rebounds. In the semifinals, BBE squeaked by Team Why Not 69-68 as Pearson led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds while Coleman added 11 points and eight rebounds.
White’s biggest performance in pool play came in a victory over Team Final where he had 24 points and nine rebounds while making all three of his 3-point attempts. Coleman had a big 23-point performance in a victory over the Oakland Soldiers in a nationally-televised game on Thursday night.
The St. Louis based organization carries the name of Beal, the former Chaminade College Prep All-American, who just signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. He was present at all of the game as he sat on the bench in support. The head coach of BBE is Tony Irons, the former high school legendary coach at Vashon High who is now running the program at Mineral Area College.