Team Battle Left With The HardwareThe 11 and Under Division at the Atlantic City Showcase provided the most fire works by far. We had a new team jump on the scene and major programs making their first trip to a Basketball Spotlight event. Here’s the inside track about what happened in Atlantic City.
Team Battle Rebounds For CrownTeam Battle rebounded from a lopsided pool loss to CT 300 to win the Atlantic City Showcase 11 and Under Title. The loss put TB on a tough road to the crown. The defeated a tough New Heights team in the quarterfinal before getting past highly touted DC Assault in the semifinals by one. In the championship Team Battle knocked off F.A.C.E.S. to take the crown home.
CT 300 Causes HavocCT 300 (Hartford Boys and Girls Club) was one a mission as they drove 95 South to Atlantic City. They wanted to make a statement and put their program on the map. Little did they know they would be the talk of the tournament. On the first night after getting past Staten Island Stingrays they were face to face with NJ Powerhouse Team Battle. This was the moment they have been waiting for and they proved they were ready by not only defeated TB but also mercy ruling them. This victory sent shock waves through the tourney and many people calling for an investigation. After looking through their information CT 300 checked out and were able to continue the tourney. The next round they defeated Team Takeover before losing to a determined FA.C.E.S. squad in the semifinals. It was an emotional weekend for this group and a real introduction to the reality of AAU Basketball. But guess what? They accomplished their goal because now they are on the map.
Potomac Valley Love!Basketball Spotlight has trying to reach into the Potomac Valley for teams since last year. The PTS Pistons broke the ice at the Grand Finale but we really got a treat in Atlantic City as Team Takeover and nationally ranked DC Assault made their Spotlight debuts. Team Takeover finished 2nd in their pool after losing a close one to New Heights. The next day they loss in the quarterfinals to CT 300. DC Assault on the other hand cruised through pool and ran passed Team NJ ABC in the quarters. They then fell to Team Battle in the semifinals by one point. We would like to say thanks to both squads and we hope to see you at the MDC
What A Move!Shyquan Gibbs of F.A.C.E.S put on the move of the tournament while driving the crowd into frenzy. In the pressured packed semifinal game against CT 300 Gibbs caught a pass in transitions and took two dribbles when the defender jump at his dribble hand Gibbs tossed the rock around his back and glided in for a lay up. The ref called traveled but where I was standing it looked like a legit move.
AC Showcase All Tournament Team
Tyus Battle (Team Battle)
Jamir Harris (Team Battle)
Khalif Crawford (Team Battle)
Darius Gillon (Team Battle)
Sa’eed Nelson (F.A.C.E.S.)
Shyquan Gibbs (F.A.C.E.S.)
Ray Montilous (F.A.C.E.S.)
RJ Cole (F.A.C.E.S.)
Jamar Watson (DC Assault)
Anthony Cowan (DC Assault)
Reggie Gardner (DC Assault)
Jayson Johnson (DC Assault)
KeAndre Fair (CT 300)
Ashon Avent (CT 300)
Giovanni Wickham (CT 300)
Dejane James (CT 300)
Thomas Bruce (Team Takeover)
Jaylon Myles (Team Takeover)
Malik Brown (Team Takeover)
AJ Perez (Team Takeover)
Jakeem Sturgis (New Heights)
Rakym Selder (New Heights)
Derrick Jones (Team NJ ABC)
