High school phenom LaMelo Ball explodes for 92 points in one game
LaMelo Ball will suit up for UCLA in 2019 and could be in the NBA as early as 2020. Image: Screen grab from Ball’s Instagram account/@swaggymelo1
When your last name is synonymous with a basketball, you better be worth your salt and be able to back it up.
Living up to the family name is the youngest of the much-hyped Ball brothers, LaMelo, who lit up the scoreboard with a staggering 92 points in a single high school basketball game on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).
The 15-year-old phenomenon, whose older brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo are expected to become NBA lottery picks in the coming years, proved that he inherited the family’s incredible basketball genes with a virtuoso performance of his own.
With older brother and Chino Hills teammate LiAngelo sitting out the game against Los Osos High School due to a sore ankle, the sophomore stepped up big time and carried much of the scoring load for his team en route to an impressive 146-123 win.
As highlighted by a box score posted on Twitter, the young stud finished the half with an impressive—but nothing out of the ordinary—29 points after two quarters. But come the second half, Ball exploded for 63 points on an impressive 30-of-39 shooting on two-point attempts and 7-of-22 on threes. Even more remarkable, was 41 of his points came in the fourth quarter.
To top it off, the young baller hit 11 of 14 free throws and had seven assists and five rebounds.
Bruh pic.twitter.com/AmVcRgjtXJ
— adam figman (@afigman) February 8, 2017
Meanwhile, his impressive tally was in response to Chino Hill’s (26-1) first loss of the season against perennial powerhouse Oak Hill Academy over the weekend, where LaMelo finished with 36 points in a losing effort. After his brother’s epic performance, the eldest of Ball brothers, Lonzo praised his little brother’s efforts on Twitter. “Well I mean that’s one way to bounce back after a loss … I see you lil bro,” he wrote.
Well I mean that’s one way to bounce back after a loss… I see you lil bro 9️⃣2️⃣ — Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) February 8, 2017
LaMelo first gained internet notoriety last year, when he nonchalantly sank a half court shot after taunting his opponent to guard him. The brash youngster pointed to the half court line and casually sank the almost 50-foot heave.
His penchant for the absurd on the floor, along with his limitless shooting range and ankle-breaking handles, has earned him early comparisons to two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry.
Much like their older brother Lonzo who plays point guard for UCLA, LiAngelo and LaMelo are both committed to the university program after they graduate from high school. LaMelo will join UCLA in 2019, and will be eligible for the NBA in 2020.
Watch from the video below LaMelo’s highlights from his 92-point explosion.
