Team Berea Takes Second Consecutive Champonship

With their second tournament championship in as many weeks, Team Berrea has to be considered as one of the hottest 8th grade squads in the state. Yesterday, Team Berea broke open a close game against Buckeye Prep to claim their 2nd tournament championship of the season. Team Berea was led by the outstanding play of 6'4 Esa Ahmed who dropped an impressive 30 points in the championship game.

This weekend was the second time I have seen Ahmed and I continue to be impressed with his game.  He excelled at the the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase in March, and he dominated this past weekend.  With good size, great footwork and the ability to finished around the cup, Ahmed has to be considered one of the top 2 post players in the class. I really want to see the match up between Nate Fowler and Ahmed; that could be really special.  Maybe we can get the two together in my September Elite Showcase! 

I have to give some props to my Buckeye Prep team, who finished 0-3 last week, but got back in the gym the following week and finished 5-1 and as runner-ups yesterday.  As they continue to play and practice, look for them to be a tough out by the end of the season.  Buckeye Prep was led by Tyrone Cherry who had a fantastic weekend.  Issac Anderson and Kevin Fisher gave great post support, while Xavier Holston-Simms helped run the point.  Also, Salvation Army looked really good with a trio of players as did the Buckeye Prep/Dayton Nets who made the final four.

All-Tournament Team

Esa Ahmed-MVP Team Berea
David Dowell-Team Berea
Andrew Dowell-Team Berea
Issac Anderson-Buckeye Prep
Tyrone Cherry-Buckeye Prep

Other Players to Watch

Kyle Arms 6'1 WG Versales
Kei Beckham 5’10 WG Trotwood
Demarko Cannon 5’10 PG Columbus
Kevin Fisher 6'6 C Groveport
Brice Hinton 6’3 WF Trotwood
Xavier Holston-Sims 5'6 PG Columbus
Montae Iiley 5'7 PG Saginaw, Michigan
Tyree Kinnel 5'10 WG Huber Heights
Alex McCall 5'7 PG Saginaw, Michigan
D'Mitric Trice 5'8 PG Huber Heights