Cali Styles Takes CrownAlthough the weather was a bit ugly outside with dark clouds, then rain, and then turning into snow,, but inside the XSI Factory, it was hotter than a Nevada desert. The competition was about as fierce as it could get. Defending AAU National champion, Dunk Dog Elite (formerly LA Select) was present. Highly touted teams such as #6 Houston Defenders Select 2016, CaliStyles 8th and 7th grade, Dream Vision 2016, ECBA Hoopstars, Colorado Hawks, Seattle Rotary, and the host team, X Factor, were out to make a statement with a championship run. It definitely had its share of many March Madness moments, like CaliStyles 7th grade squad upsetting the defending champ in a thrilling Elite Eight nail biter, 50-47. There were a few long distance game winning buzzer shots in pool and bracket play. The Dunk Contest was more exciting than the NBA’s most recent one in February. In the end, the competition bowed down to the eventual champion, CaliStyles 8th grade squad behind strong guard play and the inside presence of Cody Riley.
M.V.P.*****************************
Cody Riley #10 CaliStyle
The 6’7’’ beast was unleashed at throughout this tournament for both of his teams, 7th and 8th grade. Yes sir, this kid went to work on almost everyone that crossed his path. He scored at will, owned the glass, and defended the paint like his life depended on it.
MR. I-Wanna-Be-Like-Mike
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Courtney Lark #21 Houston Defenders Select 2016
The 6’2’’ jumpin’ jack was all over the rim in this tourney. He had several game time dunks that wowed’ the crowd every game. He even carried out the Dunk Contest championship. Finishing 2nd was Cody Riley with several powerful dunks. DFW Defenders Select’s Cam McGriff surprised us all with a few electrifying dunks to finish third place.
MR. FLOOR GENERAL***********************************
Derryck Thornton #11 Cali Style
‘Houdini’ was in full effect with amazing acrobatic shots and several unbelievable passes. His defense was stellar and he imposed his will on his opposing foes. In a tournament loaded with great point guards, JJ Caldwell, Shaquil Dawkins, and J’Shaun Agosto, it was Thornton that came out shining the most.
MR. I CAN DO EVERYTHING’
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Jake Valero #4 Houston Defenders Select
Jake the Headacke’ was all over the place for his team. He dominated almost every stat in the books. This six footer was a monster on the boards, he blocked shots, deflected passes, dished out several dimes to his teammates, and he scored at will. There was just too many things that this guy did consistently that we just don’t have the time to explain.
MR. RAINMAKER***********************************
Quin Barnard #1 ECBA Hoopstars
Wow this young man could knock down shots behind the arc all day, no matter where he was on the floor, he had the rim locked in. He put up shots that would drive a coach crazy, but when it went through the net, it was pandemonium. I was surprised the lights didn’t go out the way he was shooting.
THE REBOUNDING MACHINE
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Jared Goldwire #33 ECBA Hoopstars
The 6’6’’ Big Bear of a man was all over the boards, he used his body to perfection when it came to positioning and thwarting off defenders trying to take the ball from him. I was equally impressed with his ability to make nice interior passes to teammates cutting to the basket for layups. A little more footwork and this young man will be one to watch.
MR. DID HE JUST DO THAT**********************************
DeVearl Ramsey #0 Cali Style
YellowShoes’ was incredible all weekend long with gears in his motor that was turbo-like. It just seemed like there was nothing that he couldn’t do and everyone in the gym looking like we were witnessing greatness for the first time. This kid he pull-up jumpers from the elbow and behind the arc, he got to the rack, and defended opponents easily.
MR. CHARLIE HUSTLE
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Kade Poulsen #41 X Factor
Kid doesn’t look like much but HIS looks are very deceiving. This young man was everywhere for his teams. He came up with many loose balls, rebounds, and defensive stops. He ran the floor, filling lanes and finished strong for many layups for his team. There just wasn’t much that this kid couldn’t do.
BEST BIG MAN********************************
DeRon Davis #20 Colorado Hawks
With all the hype surrounding the ‘twin towers’ in Louisiana, Khalea Turner and Thon Maker (fractured finger), Davis did more than hold his own. Although he didn’t play well in pool play, he finished extremely strong in bracket play carrying his team to the championship. His 6’8’’ frame gave opponents fits in the paint. He was active on the both ends of the floor.
SURPRISE OF THE TOURNAMENT
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Remy Martin #6 Cali Style 2017
This slick and sleek guard made plays throughout this tournament. Whatever end, it didn’t matter. He had several penetrating shots and kickout passes that hurt all of his opponents. He was BIG in his team’s upset of the nation’s #1 ranked team in the country. I have my lazy eye on this guy, his future is a bright one.
MR. JUST GIVE ME THE BALL***********************************
Ryan Murphy #1 Dream Vision 2016
Aw man was this kid putting up shots and hitting them like it was nothing. Kid’s got one of the purest strokes in the country. He knows how to create space for his shots to get off. He can go by you with a pump fake and go. He knows how to use his screens. He runs the floor so effortlessly. Watching him play, was amazing, this young man loves having the ball. He’s worth all the billings that have been given to him.
