A new basketball season has begun, and the CAVS 11U headed up the coastline to Santa Barbarato participate in the Ventura Heat Fall Classic November 14th and 15th.   With some of its players still returning from the Fall football season, it was going to be a challenge to see how the team would fare.  The CAVS would not have it easy, as they faced the California Heat in the very first game.  These two teams have played each other in some tough fought games in the past year.  If the CAVS were rusty, they didn’t show it.  They jumped out to a quick 10 point lead behind some pristine defense which led to easy lay ups by DJ McDonald and Elijah Walker.  But slowly the Heat tried to peck away at the lead.  The CAVS guards continued to dominate the game as Brian Devereaux and Kyle Fisher both scored on open shots.  Mike Irving, Chasen Pender and Colden Davis controlled the rebounding for the CAVS.  The team took a comfortable 23 – 11 lead in to half time.  In the 2nd half the CAVS were plagued with foul trouble.  The game was physical and unfortunately most of the fouls were being called against the CAVS.  With 11 minutes left in the 2nd half, the Heat only trailed 29 – 21.  The Heat continued to apply a full court press.  The CAVS struggled to find any offensive rhythm.  With 5 minutes left in the game, the Heat tied the game 28 – 28.  After the Heat tied the game, the CAVS regained their composure.  The CAVS scored on some easy fast break lay ups and never looked back.  They went on to win 46 – 34.

Next up for the CAVS was the Ventura Heat.  The CAVS used their full court press to force turnovers.  Austin Olsen and Myles Marchand both made stellar defensive plays that led to scores.  The CAVS held an 11 – 4 lead early.  As the team continued to force the Heat to turn the ball over, they built a 31- 15 lead at halftime.  The CAVS guards continued to dominate the game as they cruised to a 43 – 23 win.

On the final day of the tournament, the CAVS matched up against the Thousand Oaks Knights.  Very simply, the CAVS needed to win to clinch the tournament championship.  The team would not disappoint.  The CAVS jumped ahead early behind DJ’s open jump shots.  The Knights were out-manned as the guards could not handle the defensive pressure.  The CAVS dominated the first half and held a 32 – 6 lead at halftime.  In the second half, Kyle and Elijah also scored after forcing a turnover.  Mike and Chasen were able to control the post, and were able to control most of the rebounds.  The CAVS cruised to a 40 -10 victory.  Congratulations CAVS 11U for their first victory of the season.