By Dave Krider
MaxPreps.com
FORT MYERS, Fla. - St. Benedict's (Newark, N.J.) handed Chester (Pa.) its first loss, 68-55, Saturday night before a packed house to win the prestigious Bank of America City of Palms Classic at Bishop Verot High School. The unbeaten Gray Bees became the first New Jersey titlist in the 35th annual event.
Louisville signee Samardo Samuels, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound senior, paced the champs with 20 points and was named tourney MVP. Fellow twin tower Gregory Echenique, a 6-9, 255-pound junior, added 17 rebounds and three blocks. Senior point guard Karon Burton led Chester with 15 points.
During the consolation round - an 8:30 a.m. game Saturday morning - sensational Kenny Boynton exploded for a tourney-record 61 points as American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) defeated Fort Myers Dunbar, 88-71. The 6-2 junior guard drilled 22-of-33 shots, including 11-of-13 from three-point range, and added 6-of-8 free throws.
The record of 56 points by Teddy Dupay of Mariner (Cape Coral, Fla.) had stood since 1997.
* Look for more from the City of Palms Classic in the coming days at MaxPreps.com