The CAVS 10U went to San Diego, CA July 17th – 19th, to compete in the coveted California State Games.  The CAVS opened pool play against the Oakland Soldiers.  The CAVS opened the game quickly.  Guards DJ McDonald, Skyler Barry, and Brian Deveraux all scored early on open looks at the basket.  Chasen Pender was a force down below scoring in the post and playing staunch defense.  The Soldiers cut into the lead, but the CAVS held a 15 – 9 lead at halftime.  The second half would be very close as the Oakland Soldiers tried to overtake the CAVS.  The front court of the Soldiers was up to the task, as the CAVS pressed full court in the second half.  With 10 minutes left in the second half, the CAVS held a 26 – 22 lead.  The teams exchanged baskets and, with 4 minutes left, the CAVS held a 28 – 24 lead.  With less then a minute left, the Soldiers hit 2 long 3-pointers.  With 18 seconds left in the game, the CAVS only held a 31-30 lead.  DJ hit 2 free throws to seal the game and the CAVS won 33 – 30.

Next up for the CAVS 10U was the Circle City Kings.  This proved to be an easier effort for the CAVS.  The CAVS guards continued their solid play.  Kyle Fisher connected on some long range baskets.  Chasen Pender, Mike Irving and Maurice Walton were successful down low as they used their size advantage.  The CAVS held an 18 – 4 lead at halftime.  In the second half, the CAVS would continue to dominate as the defense limited the scoring by the Kings.  DJ and Elijah Walker scored on easy lay-ups and midway through the 2nd half, the CAVS had built a 29 – 11 lead.  The CAVS never looked back and went on to win 37 – 12.

The final pool game for the CAVS would be against Flight Elite.  The CAVS started the game slowly and built a 7 – 4 lead behind DJ’s scoring.  Kyle continued his sharp shooting from the outside.  The CAVS defensive pressure continued to force the Flight Elite guards into turnovers.  The CAVS held a 21 – 14 lead.  In the second half, the CAVS bench continued to apply defensive pressure.  The defensive pressure applied by Isaiah Luckey, Isaiah Roby and Colden Davis force numerous turnovers.  Flight Elite wasn’t finished and they continued to fight their way back into the game.  With 6:40 left in the second half, Flight Elite cut the lead down to 4 points.  The CAVS regained their composure.  Their size advantage led to some lay-ups down low.  Mike and Maurice executed the high-low game.  The CAVS would go on to win 33 – 25 and earn a spot in the Championship.

The CAVS would match-up with the Oakland Soldier again for the Championship.  The CAVS wanted to bring home the championship banner that they had been seeing all weekend.  The team started the game with fierce intensity.  The CAVS defense swarmed the court and the team jumped out to an 11 – 0 lead.  The Soldiers were not ready to give up.  Their guards kept battling, and were determined to get their team back into the game. At halftime, the CAVS led 17 – 9.  The second half would be a contentious battle.  The CAVS guards continued to lead the charge as DJ, Brian and Kyle all scored.  The Soldiers' team speed posed some challenges for the CAVS and, with 2 minutes left in the game, the CAVS clung to a 32 – 27 lead.  The Soldiers guards would again score 2 long range 3-pointers.  CAVS big man, Chasen, fouled out of the game.  Colden entered the game.  With the game tied 33 – 33 and 15 seconds on the clock, the Soldiers were looking to steal the championship away from the CAVS.  On a defensive switch, Colden ended up on the Soldiers point guard and made a great defensive play to steal the ball.  The CAVS called a time out.  With 4 seconds left on the clock, the CAVS walked back out on the court to try and get of a game winning shot.  DJ’s shot fell short and the team headed into overtime.

In overtime, the two teams exchanged baskets.  The CAVS then pulled ahead by 2 points on DJ’s jump shot.  With 22 seconds left, the CAVS led 37 – 35.  The CAVS tried to run the clock out, but the Soldier regained control of the ball on a turnover.  The Soldiers had the ball with 5 seconds left on the clock.  The CAVS defense stymied the Soldiers who could not get a shot off.  The final buzzer sounded and the CAVS players swarmed the court.  The CAVS won 37 – 35 and are the new 10U California State Games Champions.  Congratulations CAVS!