In the first big tournament of the year, the CAVS 11U headed south to Anaheimto participate in the SGV Invitational February 13th – 15th.  The CAVS started pool play against Inland Force.  The CAVS have had some tough games against this team in the past, and this game would not be much different.  The CAVS started the game slowly and took some time to find their offensive rhythm.  Inland Force had a size advantage, and tried to exploit it against the CAVS defense.  The CAVS rotated Chasen Pender, Mike Irving, Isaiah Roby and Cody Hamlin down low to try and slow down the Inland Force’s post players.  DJ McDonald and Taj Regans used their sharp shooting from the outside to keep the game close.  Midway through the first half, the CAVS trailed 9 – 10.  The teams exchanged baskets, and unexpectedly the CAVS were behind at half time 11 – 14.  In the second half, the team came out and showed their fire power.  Brandon Thomas and Brian Deveraux were able to connect on some open shots.  Newcomer, Terrance McBride showed his offensive skills and played some tough defense.  With 5 minutes left, the CAVS led 25 – 20.  Inland Force was not ready to give up.  The CAVS defense could not get the needed defensive stops it needed.  With 1:38 left to play, Inland Force only trailed by 2 points, 26 – 24.  The CAVS defense could not stop the Inland Force, and the offense created some costly turnovers.  The CAVS went on to lose 30 – 27.

The CAVS were hoping to bounce back with a victory against the Las Vegas Rebels.  Once again the CAVS high powered offense could not get started.  The CAVS defense kept them in the game.  With only 4 minutes until halftime, the CAVS trailed 9 – 10.  The CAVS guards had some turnovers, and the Rebels were able to make a run before halftime.  At halftime, the CAVS trailed 19 – 13.  In the second half, the CAVS offense continued to be flat.  The CAVS players continued to miss shots.  Midway through the second half, the CAVS still trailed 18 – 28.  Elijah Walker and Colden Davis provided solid minutes off the bench, as the CAVS still trailed 25 – 33.  The CAVS went on to lose 42 – 33.

Heading into the second day of the tournament, the CAVS 11U definitely had their backs against the wall.  Only the first and second place teams would advance to the championship on Monday.  If the CAVS had any hope of reaching the championship, they would need to play flawless basketball the duration of the tournament.  Next up for the CAVS was a team they have never faced before, the San Francisco Rebels.  The Rebels were a large team and had some size advantage against the CAVS.  Knowing that they needed to have a win, the CAVS jumped out of the gate quickly.  DJ, Brian and Elijah also scored early as the game started.  Midway through the first half the CAVS led 12 – 4.  Kyle Fisher and Terrence came off the bench to provide additional offensive scoring.  The CAVS led at halftime 29 – 10.  The CAVS kept pushing the ball in the second half.  The team cruised to a 44 – 18 win.

The CAVS were now faced with a do or die situation.  The first place team was already decided.  In order to earn the second place seed, the CAVS needed to win, and they needed to win by enough points so that neither of the other teams could pass them on points.  To add to the pressure, the CAVS were facing Vegas Elite, a team that had just beaten them the week before.  The CAVS wanted to establish the post game early.  DJ worked the ball inside to Mike and Chasen, trying to get the Vegas Elite players in early foul trouble.  Midway through the first half, the CAVS led 9 – 7.  The CAVS guards continued to drive to the basket to get a lay-up or free-throw.  On the defensive side, Taj and Isaiah Roby came off the bench to help keep the Vegas Elite scoreless for a couple of offensive series.  At halftime, the CAVS led 25 – 15.  As the second half began, the CAVS began to extend their lead.  Brandon, Kyle, and Terrance all scored baskets off the bench.  The Vegas Elite players began to lose their composure.  There were a series of flagrant fouls called against the Elite players, and then their coach was ejected from the game.  The CAVS went on to win 50 – 34.  With that win, the CAVS earned enough points to earn the second seed and a trip to the championship on Monday.

Knowing that the team had lost the first two games of the tournament, it was a remarkable feat that they had fought their way to the championship game.  Their job was not over, since the championship game would be a rematch against the Vegas Rebels.  The Rebels hit a 3 pointer and an easy lay-up early in the game to take a 5 – 2 lead.  The CAVS came battling back.  DJ and Terrance drove to the basket and scored on multiple lay-ups.  Midway through the first half, the CAVS led 9 – 5.  The CAVS continued to drive to the basket as the Rebels players were getting into foul trouble.  At halftime, the CAVS led 17 – 11.  As the second half began, the CAVS offense started to fire on all cylinders.  The CAVS defense started forcing multiple turnovers, and the Rebels had no solution to stopping the CAVS guards.  Midway through the second half, the CAVS built a 26 – 13 lead.  A few minutes later, the Rebels center fouled out of the game.  With their center out of the game, the CAVS went to work down low.  Mike and Chasen both scored lay-ups down low.  With 5 minutes left, the CAVS had a comfortable 37 – 16 lead and never looked back.  The CAVS 11U beat the odds and won the championship 42 – 18.  Congratulations CAVS for a great team effort.