As the 11U CAVS gear up for the heart of the travel season, the team packed up the new season’s uniforms for the Duel in the Desert Tournament in Palm Springs.  The first game in pool play was against SGV.  The CAVS jumped out quickly to begin the game.  Both DJ McDonald and Kihei Clark forced early steals which led to easy lay-ups.  Mike Irving and Chasen Pender used great position to also score easy lay-ups from down low.  Midway through the first half, the CAVS were cruising with an 18 – 3 lead.  The CAVS kept up the defensive pressure throughout the first half while guards Brian Deveraux, Elijah Walker and Taj Regans continued the scoring.  The CAVS built a 27 – 7 halftime lead.  In the second half, the rest of the CAVS players came in off the bench to continue the defensive pressure.  The CAVS cruised to a 39 – 13 victory.

The next game for the CAVS 11U was against the Tri City Ballers.  This would be a much tougher game than the previous.  The Tri City Ballers were a large team that matched up in size with the CAVS post players.  DJ and Kihei started that game with sharp shooting from the outside.  Both players hit open shots from the field. Brian played tough defense and forced several turnovers.  Isaiah Roby and Colden Davis also came in off the bench to force turnovers as the CAVS played tough, pressure,  full-court defense.  The teams exchanged baskets and midway through the first half were tied 10- 10.  The CAVS guards continued to rotate throughout the game to keep fresh players in to pressure the Tri City Ballers.  Mike and Chasen held their own down low, but the CAVS could not build a lead.  At halftime, the CAVS trailed 24 – 26.  The CAVS defensive pressure was slowly wearing the Tri City Ballers guards down.  They started to turn the ball over, and the CAVS capitalized by hitting open shots.  The CAVS started to build a lead and, with 6 minutes left in the game, the CAVS led 41 – 28.  The CAVS defensive pressure didn’t let up, and the CAVS advanced to the championship with a 43 – 28 victory.

In the championship game, the CAVS would face Inland Force.  The CAVS have faced off against Inland Force multiple times during the past few months, and it has always resulted in a great game.  The Inland Force team had a size advantage against the CAVS.  Kihei started the game by hitting some open shots.  The CAVS led early in the game 8 – 6.  It was a tough game and neither team could lead by more than a few points.  At halftime, the CAVS trailed 21 – 22.  Taj Regans hit some wide open shots to keep the CAVS in the game.  In the second half, Jordan Wilder made his presence felt with the physical play in the post against the Inland Force players.  With 5:21 left, the CAVS were clinging to a 30 – 28 lead.  For the remaining 5 minutes, the CAVS offense could not get any open shots.  The Inland Force players were jumping in the passing lanes the contesting every shot.  The CAVS offense disappeared, and the Inland Force went on to win 44 – 35.  The CAVS 11U always expect to win the championship, but it was still a great showing for the team.

During the Homecoming festivities, Coach Darryl McDonald took the time to speak to all his players about the importance of succeeding in life on and off the court.  As one of the core values Coach Darryl instills in his players, he stresses to all the players that it all begins with excelling in the classroom.

The CAVS would like to acknowledge all the players that have maintained a minimum of a B average while striving to become the best basketball player possible.  Great job CAVS.

CAVS 9U                         CAVS 10U                                          CAVS 11U

The weekend of March 13th and 14th was an opportunity for the entire CAVS family to come together and very simply, just enjoy themselves.  On Saturday, March 13, with the Chatsworth High Schoolgym decorated in CAVS colors and a DJ spinning music in the background, every CAVS team took the court for multiple games throughout the day.  All the CAVS teams played, including exhibition games for the youngest CAVS, the 6 and 7 year olds.

During the festivities on Saturday, the CAVS brought back the Molten $1,000 3-Shot challenge.  Any player could pay the entry fee and test their skill by making a free throw, a 3 pointer and a half court shot to win $1,000.  Up until this time, many players had come close, but no one has been able to succeed.  During the beginning of the afternoon, sharp shooter Kyle “Automatic” Fisher from the CAVS 11U stepped up take his turn to try and win the money.  Kyle calmly walked up to the free throw line and sank his first shot.  Then from the right side of the court he sank his 3 pointer.  With the crowd cheering him on, Kyle walked to half court.  Kyle ran and threw up his shot from half court, and with a sweet bank shot off the glass, he became the first winner ever for the 3 point shot challenge!!  Congratulations Kyle!

On Sunday March 14th the CAVS family gathered again at Matador Bowl to enjoy a few hours of bowling, food, and togetherness.  Thank you CAVS parents, players, and coaches for all that you do!  All the teams will be practicing night and day as they prepare for a series of tournaments.  Good luck to all the CAVS teams this season.