|
CAVS 14U Win the Magic Mountain March Madness Tournament |
|
|
|
|
Written by Chris Spann
|
|
Thursday, 19 March 2009 |
 It was business as usual for the CAVS 14U, who welcomed their coach back after being away for a couple of weeks. After the championship game, an emotional Coach Chris told the team there is no other place he'd rather be then with the team this Sunday evening. Sundays are usually a good day for the CAVS 14U. Like Tiger Woods being in his traditional Sunday championship colors of black and red. The CAVS orange and blue is usually represented on Sundays in a tournament championship.
The weekend of March 14-15 at Valencia High School was no different. The CAVS began pool play on Saturday against one of their toughest rivals, the AVAC Hoyas. It was a physical game. The CAVS had to battle the Hoyas who used a zone to frustrate the CAVS and the referees who made frequent foul calls to slow down the aggressive CAVS defense. The Hoyas got off to a quick start taking a 8-0 lead and led 24-12 at the half. Despite the foul trouble and off shooting, the CAVS stayed close. Antwon Johnson and Jerelle Washington drove to the basket for easy lay-ups and Chris Yanku was 9 of 11 from the free-throw line. The CAVS were able to finally pull away in the second half and get the tough 47-40 win.
The second pool game Saturday was against Valley Extreme. Valley Extreme tried to slow the CAVS down with a 2-3 zone defense. The CAVS had the touch from inside and outside in this game. Justin Eisen and Chris Yanku knocked down a pair of 3-pointers each and Ashton King and Chris Johnson used their size advantage to pound Valley Extreme down in the post. The CAVS were never in danger and won 43-34. The CAVS won their pool with a 2-0 record and would be seeded #1 in bracket play starting Sunday afternoon.
Sunday's bracket play began with a match-up against the High Desert Crush. This was another physical game. The game began with a lot of talking between both teams. This game, unfortunately, would have to be called by the referee because of an altercation between Crush fans, players and coaches and another team that was watching the game. Before the game was ended, Chris Yanku and Jerelle Washington were having great performances. Chris was feeling it from behind the arc and Jerelle attacked the basket the entire game. The CAVS were ahead 46-35 early in the second half when the game was called.
Next up for the CAVS was a semi-final match-up against team Swoosh. Team Swoosh was made up of players very familiar to the CAVS. There were several players from Kings Basketball Academy, so we knew from the beginning that they were going to play us tough. The CAVS were down 24-22 at half-time. Yanku and Johnson provided the 1-2 punch again, Chris Johnson was a force on defense and Bruno Castillo hit the boards and a pare of huge 3-pointers as the CAVS advanced to the finals with a 47-37 victory.
There is something special about this team on Sundays when the championship of a tournament hangs in the balance. After the tough games and close calls in a tournament, I never doubt that this group will reach down deep and give me that special performance. They didn't disappoint! The CAVS were on a mission. They wanted to show everyone that there was not doubt who the best team was in the tournament. What made it all the more special was the opponent, Aim High. In the best half of basketball this season, the CAVS held Aim High to 8 total points. The defense was clicking. The CAVS dominated in every aspect of the game, taking a 29-8 half-time lead. The CAVS did more of the same in the second half and totally dominated Aim High. The game was never in doubt with the final score being 48-18. Chris Johnson was dominating on both sides of the ball. Even though CJ's performance stood out, this was a team effort.
Another Sunday goes by and the CAVS take home another championship. Some things never get old. I am back where I belong and couldn't be happier. A special thanks goes to Darryl McDonald and you know why! We can share this championship together, but I took the trophy home. Thanks to my team, parents and coaches. This win is very special to me.
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 23 March 2009 )
|
