Camden's Billy Richmond (24) dribbles between Middle Township's Jermaine "Bubba" McNeil (3) and Amir Elston (13) in the South Jersey Group 2 boys' basketball final played at Middle Township High School in Cape May Court House, New Jersey on Friday, March 1, 2024. Collin Conway/D2 Sports Network
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE - Camden senior Billy Richmond wore a pair of custom Kentucky Wildcat themed Nike Kobe Bryant sneakers in a win over Camden Catholic in the Camden County Tournament on February 16.
He only wears them on special occasions.
The Kentucky commit sported the kicks again and represented his future team well with 20 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two assists in the Panthers' 80-55 triumph over Middle Township in the South Jersey Group 2 final on Friday night.
Camden improved its record to 28-2 and captured its 50th sectional title in school history.
Richmond is the only returning starter from last season's team.
"People doubted us," the Kentucky commit said. "They didn't think we were gonna be here because we don't have D.J. Wagner or Aaron Bradshaw."
The Panthers were unable to compete in last season's S.J. Group 2 playoffs after the Camden City School District withdrew the Panthers and Eastside from the state tournament after a melee between the two teams in the Camden County Tournament final at Cherry Hill High School East.
The Panthers were able to earn redemption this time around.