In a game highlighted by 11 lead changes, Cedar Hill (TX) scored a 56-53 opening round victory over Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore, MD) at the 2009 Beach Ball Classic.

Cedar Hill (13-2) used a 5-0 run to take the lead for goo dlate in the second half.  With the game tied 45-45, the Longhorns scored five unanswered on a free throw by Thomas Gipson and back to back layups by Billy Johnson.  The run opened a 50-45 cushion with 4:49 to play in regulation.

Mount St. Joseph (10-1) closed the gap to just one point at 54-53 with 47 seconds to play on Brian Morton's layup.  Following a timeout by each team, Anthony Wilson hit a short jumper to open a 56-53 lead for Cedar Hill with just 0:25 on the clock.

Mount St. Joseph called its final timeout to set a game tying shot.  Ryley Beaumont's attempt from behind the arc rolled around the rim but would not fall as the final horn sounded.

Gipson, who connected on 6-of-9 from the field, led Cedar Hill with 16 points.  Tanner Milson, who will play collegiately at UNC Wilmngton, chipped in 15 points.

The Gaels were paced by Notre Dame signee Eric Atkins' 18 points and Elon signee Beaumont's 16 points and seven rebounds.

Box Score

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