The 14 and Under Division had some interesting inside stories. The oldest bracket in the tourney produced some big time players and teams. Here’s a look at the division as a whole and what took place at the Grand Finale.
Team Nelson Dominance!Team Nelson formerly Educated Athletes took it to the hard wood this weekend and let everyone know that they will be a tough team to beat this season. The Chester based squad play tremendous defense and brings virtually two starting fives to the table. Their hard nose style and willlignness to push the rock at every opportunity caused them to wear down most of their opponents. It’s early in the season thus far but when our preseason rankings drop later this month you might see them in the #1 spot.
Coach Craig “Kat” Keyes (Mr. Consistency)
Coach Kat from the NY Panthers needs to receive accolades for being one of the most successful and consistent coaches in the region. His squad is not overwhelmed with big time names but he uses his players to the best of their ability. His finals appearance at the Game Over Classic, MDC and Grand Finale will attest to the that. Then when you through in his championship at Funsport this fall/winter there’s nothing else to be said.
KBR Fliers Reunite
Another good sight this weekend was seeing the KBR Fliers finally taking the court together as a unit. They looked good on the floor together and made a run to the quarterfinals. If they are able to keep this crew together for the season the NJ 14 and Under Crown should be right in their grasp. In these days were many squads break up for good it would be awesome to see them ride out the season together.
Beantown Boys
The BHC Bearcats/Saintz took the trip down from Boston and came within a final second layup of making it to the finals. They have a host of talent and play with some high intensity. Here’s a look at their phenomenal backcourt.
Ramone Gibbons is a high scoring that can get it done every time he touches the floor. He destroyed teams with his scoring in traffic and using his body to draw contact. He’s grown a few inches since I saw him last spring and his game has reach new heights. He has to be one of the top 8th Graders in the New England area. He averaged over 20 points in this event.
Dimitri Lewis was perhaps the quickest guard I saw this weekend with the rock. He goes end to end in a blur and has enough ball handling skills to make defenders disappear. Lewis was able to start and finish off many fast breaks and keep his teammates happy with passes.Never Too Young!
The Grand Finale had a couple of players that were playing up in the 14U division that need notice. Here’s a look at both of them.
Nazier Chew is a 7th Grader and played the point spot for the Trenton Hurricanes. Chew was very effective leading them to the quarterfinals and showed tremendous hear during their loss to eventual champ Team Nelson. I can’t wait to see him playing with his age group this spring.Juwan Gooding is a 6th Grader that came down with the Boston squad and proved that he could hang with the big boys. The multi-talented guard can score on anyone at anytime. He has good size at this young age and would have dominated if he played on his grade level.
Other Noticeable Ballers
Jordan Forehand (Hoop Heaven)- Hoop Heaven needed a boast during their quarterfinal game against Keystone Blazers and he responded with a 24 point outburst. The combo guard is tough to contain around the basket and just has a true knack for scoring.
Trevis Wyche (KBR Fliers)- Wyche caught fire from the perimeter in their quarterfinal loss to the NY Panthers. He nailed 3 treys and looked very comfortable running the point for his reunited team. They should be ready to go.
Dalique Mingo (NY Panthers)- Mingo carried the load for the NY Panthers against the Fliers which sent them to the semifinals. He drained several treys and made some key plays down the stretch to help his team succeed. He had a very solid weekend.Grand Finale 08 ALL Tournament Team
Lewis Hayes (Team Nelson)- MVP
Dajuan Drennon (Team Nelson)
Rondee Jefferson (Team Nelson)
Conrad Chambers (Team Nelson)
Darrell Nicholson (Team Nelson)
John Severe (NY Panthers)
Dalique Mingo (NY Panthers)
Master Coleman (NY Panthers)
Maynard Grant (NY Panthers)
Ramone Gibbons (BHC)
Juwan Gooding (BHC)
Dimitri Lewis (BHC)
Jordan Forehand (Hoop Heaven)
Jaren Sina (Hoop Heaven)
Nazier Chew (Trenton Hurricanes)
Rasoul Holland (KBR Fliers)
Rakwan Kelly (PPY Elite)
