Team Battle Wins The CupTyus Battle scored 18 points including 4 treys and Leondre Washington scored the go ahead basket in the final moments as Team Battle nipped NYC Gauchos 39-38 to win the Clash For The Cup 11 and Under Title. Shamori Pond scored 10 points for the Gauchos in the loss.
Championship Game Top Performers
Tyus Battle Guard (Team Battle)- Battle started the game in spectacular fashion knocking down his first 3 treys from the left wing. His stroke has gotten a lot better this year and so as his speed. What really impressed me this time around with Tyus was the maturity he showed in the closing moments by passing the rock to Washington instead of forcing a tough shot. He loves the stage in the big game.
Leondre Washington Guard (Team Battle)- I was happy to see Washington get involved at the end of the game. He’s currently making one of the toughest transitions in basketball. Last season he was counted on to be a scorer now he running a top notch squad like a true point guard. When it was money time he still showed he could put the ball in the hole. 
Jamir Harris Forward (Team Battle)- In the second half Harris was very active and used his athleticism to convert buckets and keep the rock alive for his squad. I also like the energy he brings on the defensive by blocking shots and chasing down rebounds. He should be a super athlete in the future.
George Pena Guard (NYC Gauchos)- Pena’s final shot attempt fail short but you couldn’t discount his effort the entire game. He’s basically in charge of breaking down defensive pressure and getting the rock to his teammates. The good thing is he wants the rock in the clutch and knows how to make plays.
Shamorie Pond Guard (NYC Gauchos)- The lefty has the swagger of a high school player but does back it up with his play on the floor. He can bury the long ball but really looks his best pushing the rock or finishing in transition. Once he has a defender back peddling or running side by side with him it’s usually a wrap put 2 in the books.
Brandon Randolph Guard (NYC Gauchos)- Speaking of scoring in transition Randolph loves his role of running the floor and slashing to the basket. He runs the floor like deer and has tremendous body control when he trying to score. He usually throws his body into the chest of the shot blocker and tries to convert the bucket while getting fouled.Other Clash For The Cup Top Performers
RJ Cole Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- His name appears on this site after many tourneys but when you hear an opposing coach say he needs more ink during an intense battle then you know he’s deserving of the accolades. The southpaw gave us a full look at his game especially his court vision and he laced teammates with laser passes. He’s also very strong for his size and can convert after absorbing contact.
Jagan Mosley Guard (Team Battle)- Mosley’s outside shooting in the semifinals was one of the reason’s TB made it to the chip. He got position in the corner of the floor and took full advantage when the ball was rotated his way. His outside shooting was definitely needed.
Darius Gillan Forward (Team Battle)- Gillan is a project in terms of footwork and offensive production but many post players are at the age of 11. One thing you have to give him credit for is his effort on the defensive end in terms of blocking shots and hitting the glass. His play on that end usually starts TB transition game.
Sa’eed Nelson Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Nelson played his first tourney with this squad and made an impact on both ends of the floor. In the semifinals his defense including quick steals helped his squad stay close with the Gauchos and then against Team Artest his scoring and playmaking down the stretch helped them get the win.
Christian Ford Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ford is also a new addition to this squad and gives them the inside presence they needed badly. He’s long enough to block shots and score near the buckets but does need to work in terms of footwork and touch. His improvements should come quickly as Coach Cole is a good teacher.
Anthony Gibbs Guard (Team Artest)- This pint size guard got into the lane against any defender and either used the floater or finished with a layup. He has a good handle and dribbles low to the ground. Gibbs also can drain the trey ball if you decide to back up off him.
Mekhi Hall Guard (Team Artest)- Hall is the glue player for this squad because he does everything. He pressures the rock on defense, pushes the rock on offense and likes to be involved in every play. He’s definitely one of the leaders of this young bunch.
Issac Grant Forward (Team Artest)- Grant roams the lane for the Queenbridge team. The ball always seems to find his hands especially he uses his body to box out for rebounds. Offensively he has good touch around the basket and from the charity stripe. Expect big things from hin soon.
Romello Ford Guard (Team Artest)- The little lefty is fun to watch because when he makes plays it looks amazing because of his size. He can shoot from the perimeter like many other guards but few his size can finish inside above big guys better than him. On one play he drove the lane in transition and when he approached the shot blocker he had the presence of mind to push off a little with his off hand. I just smiled.
Anthony Munson Guard (Team Artest)- Munson is another guard with the group. He’s more physically developed than the others and uses his dribbling skills and strength to get to the basket. Munson also can score near the basket and help out on the boards. I think has a bright future
