The CAVS 11U returned to the California State Games to defend their title from the previous year from July 9th – 11th. The CAVS opened play against Lobos Marinos Ensenada. 
The CAVS started the game on fire from the opening tip off. DJ McDonald and Elijah Walker dominated from the guard position. Both guards scored easy baskets after forcing turn overs on defense. James Watson and Chasen Pender dominated from the post position as they both grabbed every loose ball that came their way. Midway through the first half the CAVS were dominating 19 – 3. Taj Regans and Brian Deveraux swarmed the court on defense which led to easy baskets by their teammates. At halftime, the CAVS led 29 – 2. In the second half, the CAVS continued to work on their set offense, trying to execute specific plays. Kihei Clark and Remy Martin came in off the bench to contribute in the second half. The CAVS went on to win 38 – 7.
The second game for the CAVS was against St. Mary’s of 
The tough team defense by the CAVS kept them in the game. DJ and Taj’s sharp shooting gave the CAVS the early lead. Midway through the first half the CAVS led 13 – 7. James, Chasen and Mike Irving continued to dominate in the post. At halftime, the CAVS held a comfortable lead 28 – 12. In the second half, the CAVS offense continued to fire on all cylinders. Remy, Kihei and DJ continued to hit open shots. Brian, Elijah and Taj drove to the basket at will. The CAVS went on to win 47 – 16.
The CAVS earned the first seed in their pool, and their semi-final game would match them up against the San Francisco Rebels. The Rebels had multiple post players with good size which would pose a problem for the CAVS early on. The Rebels forced some turnovers early in the game. Midway through the first half, the CAVS trailed 7 – 2. The CAVS offense could not find it
s rhythm most of the first half. With only a few minutes remaining until halftime, the CAVS still trailed 9 – 11. The CAVS players showed toughness by digging in on defense and fighting back to tie the game 11 – 11 at halftime. As the second half started, Coach Darryl rallied his players to get them ready. The CAVS brought their intensity to the court on defense. Kihei and DJ swarmed the Rebels guards on defense. In the post Remy, James and Chasen shut down the Rebels post players. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, the CAVS took their first lead 21 – 19. The CAVS offense slowly started to come alive as DJ and Brian both scored on open shots. The CAVS held a marginal lead 27 – 21 with only 2:30 remaining. The Rebels started getting desperate as they could not score from their set offense. The clock was winding down and the Rebels were forced to foul as the CAVS were run a spread offense to run time off the clock. DJ and James both hit free throws, and the CAVS were able to get a 33 – 27 victory.
The CAVS had earned their way to another championship game against Flight Elite. Flight Elite has been an elusive team for the CAVS, as they have multiple losses to this team. Flight Elite has a size advantage against the CAVS, and it is a challenge. Flight Elite took the early lead in the championship, but midway through the first half, the CAVS battled back to tie the game 8 – 8 behind some tough post play by James. The CAVS held on to a 12 – 8 lead as DJ’s sharp shooting kept the team in the game. 
Flight Elite did not give up and used their size advantage to score from offensive rebounds. At halftime, the CAVS trailed 16 – 17. As the second half started, Flight Elite started to build a lead. The CAVS had a difficult time generating offense. With only 8:26 left, the CAVS trailed 24 – 17. The two teams exchanged baskets, and the CAVS could not cut in to the lead. With only 2:30 left, the CAVS still trailed 30 – 24. The CAVS put together one last push to try and re-take the lead. Elijah came in to hit a big basket, and the CAVS cut the lead to 4 points with only 90 seconds left in the game. However, the CAVS would go scoreless the rest of the game. Flight Elite went on to win the game 30 -26. The CAVS were disappointed in not being able to defend their State Games championship. The team will get back to practice and be ready for the 