Ohio Hoopsters Finish 10th at AAU Nationals

Ohio Hoopsters-10th Place AAU Nationals

Congratulations to the Ohio Hoopsters for taking 10th place at the 7th grade AAU Nationals in Memphis, TN on Sunday. After finishing 2-1 in pool play, with wins over the Puerto National Team (65-42) and the Atlanta Celtics, the Hoopsters defeated Team Penny 67-62 in the opening round of bracket play. In the second round, the Hoopsters were clipped by GTH Elite 2017 64-61, and were relegated to the second round consolation bracket.  The Hoosters shook off the disappointing loss, then went on a 4-game winning streak to claim 10th place.  On their trek through the consolation bracket, the Hoopsters knocked off the Virginia Panthers (56-55), Oakland Soldiers (76-40), Atlanta Knicks (55-44) and the Gainesville Kings (65-64). Cincinnati's Tyler Knetch is reported to having played well all week as did Tyrell Ajain.

Tyler Knethc-6'2 C Cincinnati

Devon Howard's All-Ohio Red (AOR) squad made the trip to Memphis, and after going 2-1 in pool play, AOR faced off against Indiana Elite South, but went down 31-43. In the first round consolation bracket, All-Ohio was defeated by QCAA Force Red (52-71).  It should be noted that Coach Devon Howard raved about the play of Jackson's Logan Hill (6'4 C) who averaged a double double (18 points & 11 rebounds) over the course of the week. "The game just comes easy to him," stated Coach Howard. Also, Jim Schmock's Murphy AC Knights team was in Memphis as well, but without his star player in  Jaylen Harris, the team went 1-2 in pool play, then lost their first game in the Classic bracket. Finally, Columbus' OIC Dynasty did not fair much better, after a 0-3 pool record and a short trip to the Classic Bracket. Congratulations to all of the players, parents, coaches and fans for making the trip to the nationals and representing the state of Ohio.