Gauchos Win Show Me CrownDesure Blue, Malik Naitland and Davonte Green all scored 10 points apiece as the Gauchos knocked off The City 52-50 to win the Show Me Invitational 12 and Under Title. Josh Wallace finished with 20 markers foe The City in the loss.
Spotlight Players
Desure Blue Guard (Gauchos)- Blue took home MVP honors after making some clutch shots down the stretch. The City guard banged home a big trey to put them up by 3 but Blue came down and knocked home a trey of his own to quiet the rally. The pint size guard also stepped to the free throw line and sunk a few clutch freebies. He showed tremendous heart.
Davonte Green Guard (Gauchos)- Green also made a statement for MVP in my eyes. His all around play is very similar to his older brother that plays for North Carolina. He does everything, handles the rock, rebounds effectively, scores off the dribble, has a nice outside stroke, defends his position and passes the rock like a point. He will be one to watch in the coming years.
Malik Naitland Guard (Gauchos)- When things got tight the Gauchos needed a strong guard to handle the pressure and Naitland answered the bell. The lefty used his ball handling and strength to knife through The City’s press and make plays. His ball pressure on the defensive end was also a problem.
Mustafa Jones Forward (Gauchos)- This forward is still in development stages in terms of strength and footwork but his presence was still felt. Defensively he got his hands on a few balls and used his length to snatch down a few rebounds. I also like his touch near the basket.
Eric Pachall Guard (The City)- This kid is very versatile, on one play he might come down a bang a trey then on the next play he will get a put back on the blocks. His ability to put the rock on the floor and create makes him a constant match up problem for opponents.
Wolfgang Novogratz Guard (The City)- Wolfie is truly a ball player. The combo guard is always focused on the game and wants the rock in clutch situations. On Sunday he hit some big shots throughout the day, he does lean in a little too much on his jumper but right now it’s very effective.
Mike Williams Guard (The City)- Williams will not be denied from getting to the rack. He finds a way to squeezed through the smallest holes in the defense and makes something happen. I also like how he battles down for rebounds even though he’s a guard.
Josh Wallace Forward (The City)- Wallace is a bona fide scorer and he showed it in the finals. The stocky forward used his smooth baseline and wide frame to get his shots off against the Gauchos trees. He also spent some time on the charity stripe after initiating contact.
Jack Laffy Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Laffy put forth a great effort after while helping his team make a comeback during the semifinals. His rugged play inside and willingness to get rebounds was the difference. He also lived at the charity stripe and was very efficient.
Samir Taylor Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Taylor also was involved in his team’s comeback effort. The wiry guard was a pest on defense and also got his offense going in the second half. He gave the squad great energy.
Kyle Phipps Guard (Linden Ballers)- Phipps is a true point guard and his play on the court shows it. He’s a bull dog on defense while his court vision and poise keeps the offense going. He made some big plays in his teams near upset of The City.
Juwan Dolbrice Guard (Linden Ballers)- I like Dolbrice’s game. He can hit the outside and take you off the dribble to the rack. He has good length especially for a wing player and also makes it his business to play defense. He plays the true Linden style. 
James Corbett Guard (Linden Ballers)- Corbett is another wiry guard for Linden but he’s more of a slasher. He cuts through the lane and finishes around the basket well. Defensively he will rebound as well as stick his hand in the passing lane for deflections.
