The weekend of November 21st and 22nd the CAVS 11U participated in the 2nd Annual California Heat Thanksgiving Classic.  First up for the CAVS were the Burbank Raptors.  The CAVS were playing with a smaller amount of players than usual, but with the players they did have they jumped ahead on the Raptors early.  The CAVS stifled the Raptors with their defense, which led to easy lay ups.  DJ Mc Donald and Brian Deveraux forced turnovers and drove straight to the basket with the ball.  Midway through the first half the CAVS 11U were up 11 – 0.  Mike Irving and Colden Davis controlled the rebounds and also scored in the post.  At halftime, the CAVS had a comfortable lead at 19 – 3.  The CAVS would dominate the second half as guards Skyler Barry and Elijah Walker also scored often from the field.  The CAVS would cruise to a 32 – 12 victory.

The CAVS 11U would then face the Jammers.  The Jammers proved to a speedy team, and were able to keep up with the team speed of the CAVS.  The CAVS played tough full court defense on the Jammers forcing multiple turnovers.  DJ and Kyle Fisher scored on open jump shots, while Elijah and Brian scored on drives to the basket.  At halftime, the CAVS led 21 – 8.  In the second half, Myles Marchand scored several baskets and made some outstanding passes for assists.  The CAVS defense continued to cause problems for the Jammers guards.  The turnovers by the Jammers led to easy baskets for the CAVS.  The CAVS went on to win 50 – 20.

The CAVS 11U were headed to another championship game.  The team would face their rival, California Heat.  These two teams have faced each other in several championship games, and this game would be as close as the previous ones.  The Heat jumped out quickly 7 - 2, as the CAVS had a few turnovers early in the game.  But the CAVS then got in to the rhythm of the game.  DJ help control the pace of the game, as the CAVS point guard worked to get his team back in to the game.  The CAVS were having a hard time scoring, but the defense was preventing the Heat from scoring as well.  At halftime, the CAVS found themselves in unfamiliar territory as they trailed to the Heat 14 – 9.

The CAVS would not disappoint and came out in the 2nd half ready to attack.  Within a few minutes, the CAVS cut the Head lead to 15 – 18.  DJ and newcomer Brandon tried to keep the CAVS in the game as each hit big buckets.  On defense, Colden and Myles played tough down low and attempted to grab every rebound that came their way.  With 3 minutes left in the game, the CAVS still trailed 22 – 27.  The CAVS did not give up, but they knew they were running out of time.  Brian and DJ scored for the CAVS, and the team continued to play staunch defense.  With only 55 seconds left, the CAVS only trailed by 2 points, 27 – 29.  Unfortunately, the officiating started to influence the game.  A technical foul was called against the CAVS bench, which sent the Heat to the free throw line.  The CAVS trailed by 3 points with 20 seconds left.  There would only be one last chance.  Coming out of the time out the CAVS were not able to execute the play they wanted.  The ball went back to the Heat, and the CAVS were forced to foul.  The Heat went on to win the tournament 29 – 33.  These two teams played another fantastic championship game.  We look forward to winning the next one.