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.