Community College of Beaver County freshman guard Yazid Powell scored 81 points in his school's 147–61 victory over Butler County Community College as a tribute to Kobe Bryant. The Lakers legend and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine passengers killed in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday morning.
Powell, who switched his jersey number from No. 1 to No. 24, shared news about the performance on Twitter after the game.
"Tonight I scored 81 points in the honor of my idol, favorite player, and someone who is the reason I start playing basketball this mean so much to me I want to thank my teammates and coaches for allowing me to accomplish this," he wrote.
ESPN added that he missed his final free throw to remain at 81 points.
Powell, who switched his jersey number from No. 1 to No. 24, shared news about the performance on Twitter after the game.
"Tonight I scored 81 points in the honor of my idol, favorite player, and someone who is the reason I start playing basketball this mean so much to me I want to thank my teammates and coaches for allowing me to accomplish this," he wrote.
ESPN added that he missed his final free throw to remain at 81 points.
