The CAVS 11U had a tough weekend January 2nd and 3rd as they played at the HAX Centerat the Spartans New Years Tournament.  The tournament had a mixed 11U and 12U division so the CAVS had to be ready to face some older and larger players.  The CAVS first opponent was the Lightening.  Behind the sharp shooting of DJ McDonald, the CAVS started the game quickly.  They jumped out to an early lead as Brian Devereaux and DJ scored on drives to the basket.  Newcomer Jordan Wilder and Robert Martinez controlled the rebounds in the key.  The CAVS held a slim lead throughout the entire first half.  At halftime, the CAVS led 23 – 16.  In the second half, the CAVS used their team speed to exploit the Lightening defense.  Elijah Walker and Taj Regans blew past their defenders and made excellent passes to their teammates which led to easy lay-ups.  Isaiah Roby, Mike Irving, and Colden Davis were all recipients of excellent passes that led to easy scores.  The CAVS went on to win 51 – 38.

The next team in the CAVS pool was a 12U team.  The CAVS faced off against the 818 All-stars.  The CAVS were at a severe size disadvantage as most of the opposing team members were much taller.  The CAVS never back down from a challenge and were determined to try their best to find a way to win the game.  The CAVS had a difficult time running their offense, and could not seem to find their rhythm.  Shots that usually go in were falling off the rim.  At halftime the CAVS trailed 27 – 13.  In the second half, the CAVS could not seem to slow down the 818 All-stars.  They were able to fast break down the court to score multiple lay-ups against the CAVS.  The 818 All-stars went on to win 52 – 19.

The final game in pool play was Master Hoops Basketball.  Once again, the CAVS found themselves facing an older team with much taller players.  The CAVS were forced to double team the Master Hoops players in the post.  Isaiah Roby played with great intensity as he fought to guard players at least 6 – 8 inches taller than himself.  Jordan, Mike and Robert tried to provide as much as help on defense as possible to slow down the two big post players of Master Hoops.  The CAVS would eventually lose 40 – 17.

Even with 2 losses in pool play, the CAVS found themselves in the 11U championship.  Both losses for the CAVS had been against 12U teams.  The 11U championship game would be against the other 11U team from the other pool, Big City Sports.  The CAVS started the game very slowly as many of the players struggled to get open shots.  Midway through the first half, the CAVS trailed 10 – 5.  Slowly the CAVS players found their offensive rhythm.  Kyle Fisher and Elijah both hit open jumpers.  Mike and Jordan scored from down low.  The CAVS fought their way back and trailed only by 2 points with six minutes left until halftime.  Big City Sports forced some turnovers on defense and had a lead at halftime 16 – 11.  The CAVS fighting spirit kept them in the game.  In the second half the CAVS turned up the defensive pressure.  They started to use full court pressure to force turnovers.  DJ and Brian both hit some open shots, and suddenly the CAVS were back in the game.  The CAVS chipped away at their opponents lead.  The CAVS only trailed 28 - 30 with 7.6 seconds left.  The CAVS had the ball and were ready for some last second heroics.  However the CAVS weren’t able to get off a shot and were then forced to foul Big City.  The CAVS went on to lose 28 – 31.  It was a tough tournament weekend for the CAVS 11U, but they’ll be back in the gym and be ready for the next tournament. 

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.