In order to earn a spot to the California State Games, the CAVS 10U had to win one of the qualifying tournaments.  So the weekend of June 20th – 21st, the team headed out to Cerritos College to garner another championship and win a spot in the State Games in San Diego.  First up for the CAVS was WCA. The CAVS started the game very slowly and the team had multiple players in foul trouble early in the game.  The CAVS defense prevented WCA from scoring, but the CAVS couldn’t seem to get their offense going with all the fouls being called on them on defense. At halftime, the CAVS lead was only 5 - 3.  This was unheard of to have such a low scoring game. In the second half, the CAVS were not as lethargic and took command of the game.  Brian Deveraux and DJ McDonald both had defensive steals that led to lay-ups.  Although they were outsized, Chasen Pender and Colden Davis took command down low and controlled the rebounds.  Skyler Barry and Elijah Walker both hit open shots and the CAVS went on to win a low scoring 22 – 11 game.

The second game would be much different.  The CAVS matched up against RYB. The RYB team was severely undermanned and was not able to keep up with the CAVS.  Elijah Walker came out firing and hit a series of long range jumpers.  He would be joined by the other guards as Myles Marchand, Isaiah Luckey, Skyler and DJ all scored in the first half.  The CAVS built up a 47 – 6 lead at halftime.  The second half continued the scoring spree for the CAVS. Eventually the scoreboard was turned off and the CAVS had an easy win.

On Sunday, the CAVS 10U needed to beat the Long Beach Sixers to finish in 1st place.  The Sixers were short-handed with only 5 players and the CAVS defensive pressure was too much for their guards to handle.  Jordan Hunt, Brian and DJ all had defensive steals that led to lay-ups by their teammates.  The CAVS built a 21 – 7 lead at half time and never looked back.  The CAVS defense held the Sixers to just 10 points in the 2nd half.  The CAVS guards continued to rack up points as DJ, Brian, Skyler and Elijah all scored on the way to a 45 – 17 victory.

Great job CAVS!  Next stop….California State Games.

During the month of May, the CAVS 9U and some of the younger developmental players participated in the California Heat Spring League. The CAVS finished 4 – 0 during league play and racked up convincing wins by 20 or more points. The playoffs began on Saturday, June 13th with the CAVS earning the #1 seed. The CAVS would face the California Heat during the first playoff game. The game was quick paced and guards Khari Osborne-Roddy and Jalen Bolden used their quickness to keep up with the Heat guards. Mike Irving, Cyrus Eslamieh and newcomer Austin were the big men in the post controlling the boards. Khari led the CAVS in scoring and the CAVS battled to a 14 – 10 lead at halftime. In the second half, the CAVS defense would stifle the Heat offense. The CAVS pressure defense forced multiple turnovers and held the Heat to only 6 points in the second half. Jalen and Cyrus both scored on free throws as they drove to the opponent’s basket. The CAVS cruised to a 32 – 16 victory.

The only thing standing between the CAVS and a championship was the Warriors. The Warriors White team only suffered one loss during league play and it was against the CAVS. The Warriors were looking for revenge. The CAVS started slowly against the Warriors. Kyle Fisher scored on some outside shots early in the game. The teams exchanged baskets most of the half and at halftime the teams were tied 9 – 9. In the second half, the veterans of the 9U squad took over. Mike Irving made his presence felt down low. Although he only scored one basket down low, the Warriors were forced to foul him and send him to the free throw line. The point guard, Jalen, handled the Warriors pressure well. Hunter Barry and Kyle all scored baskets in the second half. It was the outstanding play of Khari that sealed the victory for the CAVS. Khari finished a 3 point play to give the CAVS a lead of 24 – 21. After not being able to score during their possession, the Heat were forced to foul the CAVS. The CAVS sank their free throws and went on to win 26 – 21.

It was a great effort by the CAVS 9U! Congratulations.
                           

The CAVS 11U played in the ARC Next Level tournament the weekend of June 13th and 14th and came away with a second place finish. The team has not played in many tournaments this year, but they have been coming into their own as of late.

The CAVS 11U began tournament play against the ABA Hoopraiders. The Hoopraiders started the game quickly and jumped out to an early 12 – 4 lead in the 1st half. The CAVS settled into their game. Brian Deveraux and DJ McDonald pressured the Hoopraider guards and scored on easy drives to the basket. Maurice Walton used his size to score down low as well. The CAVS fought back but still trailed 13 – 17 at halftime. The CAVS came out in the 2nd half and tried to let their stellar defense lead them to a victory. Colden Davis and Skyler Barry played tough defense on the speedy Hoopraider guards. The teams traded baskets most of the second half. The Hoopraiders won 28 – 21.

On Sunday, the CAVS were poised to have a better outing than the previous day. The CAVS matched up against the La Verne Stars. The CAVS started the game quickly against La Verne. Myles Marchand and DJ both scored on long range shots from the outside. Jordan Hunt and Robert Martinez played great defense against La Verne and forced them into multiple turnovers. The CAVS built a 30 – 7 lead at halftime and never looked back. Maurice and Bryce Edelberg used their size down low to control the rebounds. The CAVS would cruise to a 42 – 12 victory.

The CAVS moved on to the playoffs and played Westlake NJB. The CAVS easily matched the speed of the Westlake team. Jordan and Brian both had easy drives to the basket and forced turnovers on defense. Myles also continued his sharp shooting from the outside. The CAVS cruised to a 31 – 19 lead at halftime. In the second half, the CAVS did not play with much energy and the offense became stagnant. The Westlake team began to take advantage of some sloppy play by the CAVS, and started to cut into the lead. With 7 minutes left in the game, Westlake was only down by 6 points. The CAVS continued to have problems scoring. Their shots were close but just weren’t falling in. With 1:30 left, Westlake had fought all the way back and only trailed by 3 points. The CAVS didn’t want to let the game completely slip away. The team regrouped for the final minutes and gained their composure. Brian, Skyler and DJ controlled the ball the rest of the game. Westlake regained the ball with 8 seconds left but the CAVS forced a turnover and got the ball back. The CAVS won 43 – 41.

The CAVS made it to the final and would match up against the Hoopraiders. The CAVS were determined to have a better showing then the first time they faced the Hoopraiders. Once again, the Hoopraiders jumped out quickly against the CAVS. The CAVS defense had a difficult time containing the Hoopraiders point guard. The Hoopraiders held a 22 – 12 lead at halftime. Unfortunately the 2nd half would be similar to the first half. The CAVS had too many defensive lapses which led to easy lay-ups for the Hoopraiders. On offense, the CAVS could not find any rhythm and the shots just would not fall in. The CAVS would lose 39 – 25 but it was a gutty performance by the team. This team will bounce back and be ready for the next tournament.