Greer basketball wins Rippy’s Tip-Off Classic

The Greer Yellow Jackets came out on top in the Rippy’s Tip-Off Classic for the second year in a row. The Jackets defeated Landrum, Fountain Inn, and Woodruff to claim the title. Amare Anderson (No. 10) was named tournament MVP.

After two down-to-the-wire wins over Landrum and Fountain Inn, Greer basketball had already learned a lot about itself.

“Those first two tournament games were great for us,” said Greer head coach Devin Liferidge. “It gave us some adversity. We were kicked in the mouth at times, but we were able to win ugly.”

Heading into the Rippy’s Tip-Off Classic championship game against Woodruff, the Jackets were fully prepared for another knockdown, drag-out fight.

They got exactly the opposite.

Greer jumped out to a 20-2 lead to begin the game and never looked back, cruising to an 89-46 win. They brought home the Rippy’s Tip-Off Classic title for the second year in a row.

Mikey Williams and Amare Anderson—the dynamic backcourt duo for the Jackets—were both named to the all-tournament team. Anderson was named MVP of the tournament after averaging 19.6 points per game.

“This feels great, man. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, they really get me going,” said Anderson. “Everybody on this team just loves to play defense, and that defense really translates to the offensive game.”

Greer’s full-court press caught Woodruff from the opening tip. The Jackets forced turnover after turnover in the backcourt leading to easy transition buckets. Greer stormed out to a 23-6 first-quarter lead and a 49-15 halftime advantage.

Greer’s stifling defense—and ensuing fast-paced transition offense—is part of the identity it’s trying to set in 2023.

“When we’re playing lights out defense, that’s the best version of ourselves,” said Liferidge. “We’re not the most physically dominant, but we’re extremely athletic. When we can play good defense, we can get out in transition make it a track meet, and that’s where we feel pretty comfortable.”

The Jackets’ season rolls on this Friday, Dec. 1 as Greer welcomes Blue Ridge to The Hive for another cross-town rivalry installment. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

THE SCORE BY QUARTERS
Greer 23 26 20 20 - 89
Woodruff 6 9 11 20 - 46

GREER STAT LEADERS
Zayn Valentine - 21 points, 1 rebound
Amare Anderson - 14 pounds, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Isaiah Woodruff - 14 points, 1 rebound
Bradyn Durrah - 7 points, 6 rebounds
Mikey Williams - 5 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists