AAU Super Showcase: Day One

The last leg of the July evaluation period began with the AAU Super Showcase in Olando, Florida on Saturday. The 4-day event attracted a number of quality teams in both the U16 and U-17 divisions, including several Ohio-based teams. In opening day action, the U-17 All-Ohio Red started strong and notched an impressive win over a Jabari Hinds-led Westchester Hawks. The game was actually a rematch from and earlier game in Pittsburgh this year where the Hawks dominated Red. Not this time, as All-Ohio led most of the way before claiming a 63-51 victory. Although still suffering from a stress fracture in his right leg, Stevie Taylor dominated the game with a game-high 28 points. Right behind him in scoring was Trey Burke who finished with 10 points and an excellent defensive performance, and Geroge Fant who added 7 points. Jabari Hinds paced Westchester with 16 points while Chris Martin added 11 points.

In game two, All-Ohio raced to a lead against the Richmond Squires before going on to win 69-51. George Fant looked impressive on his way to a 16-point effort. Trey Burke backed him up with 10 points and Elijah Macon chimed in with 8 points of his own. All-Ohio Red will match up with Team Final on Sunday to determine who enters bracket play as #1 in pool play. Ed Lyshe's All-Ohio White squad put in work on Saturday on their way to a 2-0 start. Walnut Ridge's Dwayne Bazemore's post play has been the difference so far. Later on in the day, Westchester apparently recovered from their opening loss by defeating a very talented Team Final (with out Michael Gilchrist) 75-64. Matthew Townsend led Westchester 19 points followed by Jabari Hinds' 15 points. Team Final's Treavor Cooney hit 4 treys and scored 21 points in a loosing effort. The U-16 Super Showcase is close to rapping up with the championship game slated for 4:00 Sunday. Quintin Rogers' All-Ohio Red squad will be their after defeating BABC in the first semi-final game last night 47-42. Jake Kretzer led Red with 10 points while BABC's Georges Niang led his team with 16 points. To reach the final four, All-Red had to avenge and earlier loss from the Ohio State AAU Tournament, where they were dominated by All-Ohio Purple. This time around, Red came out on top and punched their ticket to the final four with a 77-68 win. All-Ohio will face Baltimore Elite in the championship game. To see pictures of the event visit the Buckeye Prep Racebook Fan Page.