King James-2016 AAU Super Showcase Champs |
For
those of us who have watched the Ohio’s 2016 class play over the past several
years it comes as no surprise that the class continues to make an impact on the
national scene. Exhibit #1; a few days ago Ohio’s Team Work captured the championship
of Adidas Invitational Classic. Exhibit #2; last Saturday, Coach Quincy Simpson’s
King James squad won the championship of the prestigious AAU Super Showcase in
Orlando, Florida.
On
their trek to the championship King James defeated MC Warriors (75-33), Central
Florida Tar Heels (66-36) and Team Ontario (58-23) in pool play; then they ran
the table in bracket play with wins over Nike Team Florida (73-33), E1T1 Flash
(62-34), Southern Phenoms (59-34), Team Forrest (45-32) and YAAACE 47-38). Some
of the key players on that team includes: Xavier Simpson (Lima Senior Catholic),
Anthony Christian (Hoban), Seth Towns (Northland), Derek Funderburk Jr. (St.
Edwards) and Trey Cobbs (Lima Senior Catholic).
Recently,
OBC’s 2017 team capped off a great season with a championship at the Adidas
All-In Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio. For the season, OBC finished with an
overall record of 59-11, including 3 championships and 2 runner-up finishes.
Some of the key players on that squad include: Tommy Schmock, Tyrell Ajain,
Jaden Sayles, Antwon Smith Jr. Tyler Knetch, Dylan Dupler and Trey Pugh.
Buckeye Prep-7th Place D-II AAU Nationals |
While
I’m giving shout outs, my 4th grade Buckeye Prep team finished 7th
at the D-II AAU Nationals in Charlotte, NC last week. The roster includes:
Damian Davis, Mark Small, Daaron Brown, Makhale Massey, Deon Thorpe, Magnus
Entenmann, Termir Allen, Jaden Hawking-White, Will Miner and Davion Pirtle.
Congrats to Coach Aaron Brown and his team for a great run. Finally, All-Ohio
Red’s 4th graders finished 11th at the D-I AAU Nationals
in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to all of the coaches, players, parents
and fans for representing Ohio basketball!