Although the holiday season is upon us, while other teams are taking a break for the holidays, the CAVS 11U were trying to squeeze in one last tournament before the end of the year.  The CAVS 11U participated in the ‘Tis the Season Classic at Cerritos CollegeDecember 19th and 20th.

The CAVS’ first opponent was the Basketball Factory.  It was a very physical game from the opening tip.  The CAVS pressure defense and physical play was not something their opponents were used to.  The Basketball Factory guards had a difficult time against the full court defense.  The CAVS used their speed to score easy lay ups.  DJ McDonald, Brian Deveraux and Elijah Walker all scored on lay ups after turnovers by the Basketball Factory.  The CAVS dominated the first half, and took had a commanding 30 -6 lead at halftime.  In the second half, the CAVS worked on their low post game.  Chasen Pender and Mike Irving executed the high/ low game to perfection as both players scored from the block.  Isaiah Roby, Myles Marchand and Colden Davis also got into the scoring column from hitting shots down low.  The CAVS never looked back and won the game 51 – 14.

The next game was against a team the CAVS have not faced.  The CAVS would match up against MOC, Mark of Champions.  Once again, their opponent was not ready to face the defensive pressure of the CAVS.  Players swarmed the court and fought for every loose ball.  Brandon Thomas and Kyle Fisher both came up with multiple steals.  Newcomer Taj Regans blended in with his new teammates and made some excellent plays on defense.  The CAVS had a commanding 19 – 1 lead at halftime.  In the second half, the CAVS picked up their scoring pace.  Even though the CAVS had a large lead, there were specific plays that the coaches wanted them to practice and execute well.  The CAVS had a balanced scoring attack from all positions, and rolled to a 48 – 13 victory.

In order to bring home the championship, the CAVS needed to defeat one more opponent.  The CAVS matched up against Basic Basketball.  Basic Basketball had some tall players, and it appeared they would match up well against the CAVS in terms of size.  The CAVS opened the game with some open looks at the basket.  Once DJ scored their opening baskets, the rest of his teammates joined him in the scoring column.  The CAVS also continued to use their pressure defense to force turnovers.  At halftime, the CAVS led 32 – 9.  In the second half, the CAVS continued to play tenacious defense.  Basic Basketball was having a difficult time just bringing the ball up the court, let alone getting any open shots.  Behind their excellent team defense, and balanced offense, the CAVS went on to win 53 – 19.   Congratulations CAVS on another championship.