Good People Hoops Pulls Away From The Mecca 66-54, Advances to Real Run Semifinals
CARSON, Calif. — No. 4 seed Good People Hoops defeated No. 5 seed The Mecca 66-54 in the 2026 Real Run Men’s Summer League quarterfinals, pulling away in the fourth quarter after three tightly contested periods.
The Mecca controlled much of the opening quarter behind its defense and transition game. Adrionne Marcus (ELAC) and JJ Mitchell (CPP) converted turnovers into early fast-break baskets, helping The Mecca build a seven-point advantage before Good People Hoops responded. The Mecca still held a 17-16 lead after the first quarter.
Good People Hoops found its rhythm in the second. EJ Andrews attacked the basket repeatedly, scoring eight first-half points, while Max Sheridan began finding his spots. Sheridan's three-pointer gave Good People Hoops a 31-27 advantage, but The Mecca continued answering. Mitchell's transition layup cut the deficit to two before Sheridan scored at the buzzer to send Good People Hoops into halftime ahead 36-32.
The Mecca Makes Its Run
The game remained a possession-by-possession battle in the third.
The Mecca opened the second half aggressively, getting a second-chance basket from Dorian Tate, followed by transition dunks from Marcus and Mitchell to turn a four-point halftime deficit into a 38-36 lead. From there, neither team could create separation. The score was tied at 38, 40, 42 and 44 before Good People Hoops carried a narrow 46-45 advantage into the fourth.
Then Sheridan changed the game.
He knocked down a three on Good People Hoops' first possession of the fourth and hit another shortly afterward to push the lead to eight. The Mecca briefly cut it to six, but Sheridan continued attacking, eventually drilling a step-back three to make it 62-49 with 4:53 remaining. What had been a one-point game entering the quarter became a double-digit Good People Hoops advantage.
Good People Hoops closed out the 66-54 victory and secured its place in the Real Run semifinals.
Top Performers
Max Sheridan was the difference-maker for Good People Hoops, finishing with 23 points and four assists, with his perimeter shot-making taking over in the fourth quarter. EJ Andrews added 14 points, consistently getting downhill and giving Good People Hoops another reliable scoring option.
For The Mecca, Adrionne Marcus scored 12 points, JJ Mitchell added 10, and AJ Orji finished with nine. Ryan Hajjar made his presence felt as a facilitator and defender with seven assists and four steals.
Scouting Notes
Sheridan showed good change of pace and confidence creating his own shot. His ability to get to pull-ups and step-backs was especially impressive once the game tightened late.
Andrews was effective attacking gaps and getting into the paint without forcing the issue. His downhill pressure complemented Sheridan's perimeter scoring well.
For The Mecca, Marcus' athleticism stood out in transition, while Hajjar's passing instincts and defensive activity consistently created opportunities for teammates. Mitchell also showed some two-way value, producing in transition while generating steals and a block.
Final Takeaway
For three quarters, this looked like a game that could go either way. Good People Hoops led by only one entering the fourth before Sheridan and company finally created separation. Their ability to make shots, control the glass and execute late ultimately decided the quarterfinal.
Now the challenge gets significantly tougher. Good People Hoops advances to face No. 1 seed Inland Empire (Cal State San Bernardino) and its talented trio of Zion Paleo, Aidan Fowler and Christian Fernandez in the Real Run semifinals.