Sean Elliot (KSK)Sean Elliot scored a lay in closing moments as King Street Kings defeated F.A.C.E.S. 58-55 to win the NJ 12U AAU State Title. Justin Salem had 17 for the winners and Jack Laffy finished with 20 for F.A.C.E.S. in the loss.
Spotlight Players
Sean Elliot Forward (KSK)- Elliot was key because he made F.A.C.E.S. for pressing as he played the back and scored several times when KSK broke the press and feed him at the basket. Elliot shot at the end of the game was huge as he gave his the lead and made F.A.C.E.S. have to foul.
Otis Livingston Guard (KSK)- Livingston spent the day breaking F.A.C.E.S. press and getting teammates involved and making them better. He has a very low dribble and the quickness that get the ball up court very quickly. I like his change of direction and his decision making.
Justin Salem Guard (KSK)- This kid can flat out shoot the rock, every time he let it go the entire gym though it was dropping. Salem has the confidence of a pure shooter even letting it go with hands in his face. If you live him open he makes you pay.
Bryce Aiken Guard (KSK)- Aiken showed big heart when he stepped to the line the with seconds left and nailed a couple of free throws. The crowd was in his ear heavy but he bent his knees and knocked them down. Some college players would have choked during that moment.
Jack Laffy Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- The stage was huge and Laffy was ready. He had everything working today. Turnaround money, bank shot money, up and under cash, and he even stepped out and knocked down a few jumpers. This kid is really making a run for Player Of The Year Status.
Mike Jolaoso Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Mike had a heavy load of handling the rock against heavy pressure in a gym with extreme heat. The Philly guard showed that build in toughness before fouling out on a questionable technical foul in the 4th. Philly kids just have build in toughness.
Trey Lowe Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Lowe was stumbling with a knee injury but almost helped his team pull it out in the end. He hit a big trey, and got two lay ups in the closing moments. Even though he was hobbling on one leg he knew how to score when it counted.Thank You Players
I just wanted to say that I wanted to thank the players from both sides for giving a true “Game Of The Year”. Sometimes the internet hype and forums can take away from the true talent on the floor but today that wasn’t the case. It was a joy to watch two teams from the Garden State at such a young age let it all hang out on the floor. I’ve been around for years and have seen all the high school rivalries. St. Pats vs. St. Benedicts, St. Pats vs. St. Anthony etc. and this game had that type of energy. I just hope the adults involved can understand that the kids performing on the floor and having fun is the most important aspect. It was a joy to watch! Kids keep balling we are watching!
