Camden's Billy Richmond (24) goes up for a dunk against Camden Catholic in the Camden County Tournament boys basketball final played at Clarence Turner Gymnasium at Camden High School in Camden, New Jersey on Friday, February 16, 2024. Collin Conway/D2 Sports Network
CAMDEN - The Camden High School boys' basketball team was in search of redemption after last year's Camden County Tournament final didn't reach completion.
The Panthers hosted a familiar Olympic Conference National Division rival Camden Catholic. The goal was completed as Camden surged past the Irish, 60-44, to become the first-ever Camden County Tournament champion on Friday night.
Camden Catholic struck first as freshman Bryce Clark converted a contested layup to give the Irish to take the first lead. The Panthers responded and led 12-10 after one quarter. Alijah Curry powered Camden with seven of his 18 points in the first quarter. Curry, a three-star recruit via On3's Class of 2024 rankings, holds offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Radford, Missouri, LSU and Memphis.
The Irish were able to remain within striking distance and trailed Camden by only four points at halftime. Seamus Bieg knocked down a pair of three-point field goals as the Irish took the lead twice throughout the contest.
Kentucky commit Billy Richmond delivered a slam dunk to help Camden seize momentum and build a 38-33 after three quarters. Richmond's dunk brought the crowd to its feet and sparked the Panthers in the fourth quarter. The Kentucky commit scored 14 of his game-high 20 points in the second half.
Camden outscored the Irish 22-11 in the final period to secure the Camden County title.