High school basketball: No. 1 Paul VI defeats No. 8 IMG Academy 71-70 on game-winning floater from Ben Hammond

FORT MYERS, FLA. — MaxPreps Top 25 No. 1 Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) escaped with a 71-70 victory over National Top 10 No. 8 IMG Academy after three-star Rhode Island signee Ben Hammond floated in a mid-range jump shot from the right corner with five seconds remaining in the nightcap of the City of Palms Classic quarterfinals slate on Thursday.

Hammond led the Panthers in scoring, finishing with 19 points, five assists and three steals on an efficient 7-of-13 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line.

Five-star sophomore Jordan Smith also played a key role for Paul VI, finishing with 14 points and five rebounds on 7-of-9 from the field, while four-star Duke signee Darren Harris chipped in 13 points, three rebounds, two steals and two assists in the win.

Five-star junior guard Darius Acuff finished with a game-high 20 points, six assists and four rebounds on 6-of-16 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free throw line in the loss.

Paul VI appeared to have the edge early on as they led 16-9 at the end of the first quarter and 37-30 at the half before extending their lead to 13 points mid-way through the third quarter sparked by an 8-0 run.

The Ascenders responded strong to end the third quarter, with a 10 point swing in the final three minutes to cut the deficit to 54-51 heading into the fourth period.

With the game tied at 67-67 with approximately one minute remaining, four-star Houston signee Chase Mccarty converted a layup to give the Ascenders a 69-67 lead before Hammond responded with a layup on the other end to tie things up with approximately 45 seconds to go.

Four-star Syracuse signee Donnie Freeman was fouled on a drive to the basket with 17.7 seconds remaining before splitting a pair of free throws to give IMG Academy a 70-69 lead before Hammond sealed the deal for the Panthers with the floater.

A last second shot from top 30 Michigan commit Khani Rooths was off the mark before the Panthers celebrated their quarterfinal victory with exuberance.

Paul VI (7-0) advances to tomorrow's City of Palms Classic semifinals where they face National Top 10 No. 1 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) at 7 p.m. eastern standard time.

IMG Academy (4-4) looks to rebound in the fifth place semifinal where they will take on MaxPreps Top 25 No. 5 Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.).