The CAVS 11U were looking forward to continuing their winning streak during the Holiday Classic December 5th and 6th.  The team started pool play against the Courtside Hoops White team.  The CAVS started the game at a fast pace.  DJ McDonald started the offensive spurt for the CAVS.  Teammates Brian Deveraux and Kyle Fisher soon joined in, as they scored on open looks at the basket.  The Courtside Hoops team was not able to handle the CAVS defensive pressure and turned the ball over.  Down low, Mike Irving, Myles Marchand and Colden Davis dominated as they all grabbed rebounds and scored on lay-ups.  The CAVS opened the tournament with an easy 45 – 5 win.

The CAVS then faced the SCV Hoopsters.  Once again DJ McDonald led the way in scoring, and teammates Kyle Fisher and Skyler Barry followed his lead by knocking down open shots.  The two teams exchanged baskets most of the second half, but the CAVS never gave up the lead.  They went on to win 38 -17.  The CAVS finished pool play undefeated and earned the first seed in their pool.

On Sunday, the playoffs started.  The CAVS found themselves facing the Courtside Hoops Blue team.  The CAVS had an easy time the previous day with the other Courtside Hoops team, and this game would not be any different.  Elijah Walker and Isaiah Roby energized the team on defense, as the CAVS pushed the tempo the entire game.  Courtside Hoops could not keep up with the fast pace of the game.  The CAVS went on to an easy 43 – 6 win.  The CAVS had earned a spot in the championship game.

The CAVS opponent would be a team from Northern California, Division One All Stars.  The CAVS had faced this tough opponent at a tournament the previous year.  The championship game would be a rematch for these two teams.  Division One had come out ahead last year, and the CAVS were determined that this tournament would have a different end result.  DJ and Brandon helped the CAVS jump out early in the game 10 – 3.  The lead wouldn’t last long as Division One slowly fought their way back into the game.  The CAVS had to dig in on defense to slow the quick Division one guards. The CAVS found themselves in unfamiliar territory as they trailed at halftime 23 – 20.

As the second half started, the CAVS tried to take advantage of their size down low.  Mike, Myles and Chasen all had scoring opportunities in the post.  The teams continued to trade baskets in the second half, with neither team being able to get a lead of more than a few points.  With less than 3 minutes in the game, the CAVS made their run.  DJ hit a 3 pointer that allowed the CAVS to take the lead.  Division One was also getting into foul trouble.  The CAVS were leading by 5 points when Division One hit a 3 pointer of their own to cut the lead.  With less than 30 seconds, the CAVS were holding on to a 2 point lead.  Division One was forced to foul the CAVS.  DJ sank his free throws, and the CAVS went on to win 46 – 43.  Great job CAVS!!