AUGUSTA, Ga. — Emoni Bates and Bronny James squared off for the first time two years ago at a Nike Elite Youth Basketball League event in Indianapolis when Bronny was 14 years old and Emoni 15. Bronny got the win, while Emoni dropped 43 points in front of a packed crowd.
Round 2 took place Wednesday evening with Bates’ team, Bates Fundamental, edging out Strive for Greatness 73-72 at the Nike Peach Jam.
Bronny 1, Emoni 1.
The second meeting had a familiar face coaching on the sideline: LeBron James. Basketball royalty descended upon a city known for hosting the biggest golf tournament in the world, the Masters.