The CAVS 11U headed out to Lancasterthe weekend of January 30th – 31st to participate in the AVAC New Years Kick Off Classic basketball tournament.  It would prove to be a challenging weekend for the team.  The CAVS opened pool play against Vegas Elite.  The CAVS started the game slowly against Vegas Elite.  Vegas Elite was a speedy team that was able to keep up with the team speed of the CAVS.  DJ McDonald hit some open jumpers early in the game to keep the game close.  Vegas Elite led most of the first half and held a 10 – 14 lead at halftime.  As the second half started, the CAVS walked back out on the court determined to send a message.  The loose balls that were going to Vegas Elite in the first half were now with the CAVS.  The CAVS 11U defense tightened up, as Brian Deveraux and Elijah Walker pressured the Vegas guards into multiple turnovers which led to either a lay-up or free-throws.  Chasen Pender made his presence felt down low as he used his size to muscle up some lay-ups from down low.  Midway through the second half, the CAVS had gained the lead 21 – 18.  The game continued to be very physical as both Colden Davis and Skyler Barry made free-throws.  However, once the CAVS gained the lead, they would not give it up.  The CAVS went on to win a tough game 34 – 27.

The next game for the CAVS would be much easier.  The CAVS faced the Jr. Hoopstars.  The CAVS had a huge size difference on this team.  As the game began, the CAVS offense tried to work on some specific plays.  The CAVS scoring was down as they continued to work on specific offensive plays.  At halftime, the CAVS led 23 – 13.  In the second half, the CAVS used their full court press to extend their lead.  All the players scored easy lay-ups, as the CAVS cruised to a 51 – 23 victory.


The CAVS 11U had earned the 1st seed in their pool.  They began the playoffs against the San Pedro Knights.  The CAVS would dominate this game from beginning to end.  DJ and Brian led the team on the offensive side.  Both guards scored on impressive drives to the basket.  Chasen also used his size to dominate the smaller opponents down low.  The CAVS held a 24 – 8 lead at halftime.  In the second half, Skyler and Elijah would help force turnovers which led to easy lay-ups for their teammates.  The CAVS went onto win 44 – 20.

The CAVS then faced the Mountaineers.  This team had good size and was ready to battle.  The guards dominated the game.  DJ, Brian, Elijah, and Kyle Fisher led the scoring charge in the first half.  The CAVS defense was not as stingy as normal, but the team led at halftime 23 – 18.  In the second half, the CAVS defense started to come together.  The team defense clamped down on the Mountaineer offense and held them scoreless for most of the second half.  The post play of Chasen and Mike produced easy lay-ups, and the CAVS 11U went on to win 45 – 22.

The CAVS 11U earned their spot in the finals.  The CAVS would match up against Vegas Elite who they had beaten earlier in pool play.  The CAVS 11U players were fatigued heading into the final game since they had been playing short-handed with 6 players most of the weekend.  DJ started the scoring for the CAVS team.  The team tried to take advantage of the defensive set by Vegas Elite, and DJ hit a pair of 3-pointers to start the game.  The CAVS took an early 11 – 5 lead.  The CAVS then hit a cold spell and could not get any shots to fall on offense.  At halftime, the CAVS were clinging to an 11 – 9 lead.  As the second half began, the CAVS offense still could not find its range.  Vegas Elite jumped on the opportunity.  Midway through the second half, Vegas Elite led 21 – 14.  The CAVS players pulled together everything they had left to make a final charge at Vegas Elite.  DJ and Brian scored on a series of back-to-back baskets to chip away at the deficit.  With 6 minutes left, the CAVS took the lead 22 - 21 with a 3 pointer by DJ.  The CAVS defense dug down to shut down the Vegas Elite offense.  On the next possession, Brian was called for his 5th foul, which took him out of the game.  The 5 remaining CAVS would have their work cut out for them if they were to pull out the victory.  The defense matched up against Vegas Elite desperate for a stop.  The teams exchanged baskets back and forth.  With only 50 seconds left, the CAVS still trailed 26 – 28.  The CAVS could not score the remainder of the game, and Vegas Elite went on to win with the final score 26 – 28.  It was a tough loss for the team.  The CAVS 11U will re-group and be ready for the next tournament.