DV45 Finishes Season with Championship

2022 DV45- 2018 Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic Champions

DV45 entered the Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic Tournament with a 62-8 overall record.  Their first game in pool play consisted of a 53-49 win vs Dallas Mustangs-Henderson, but a loss to Seattle Stars 53-46 slowed their momentum the following game.  After regrouping for day-2, DV45 beat YBA Elite 64-18 as Carson Sanders (15pts) found his range to pace the team to finish pool play in 2^nd place, which moved them on to the Platinum Premier Bracket. 

After meeting up with former Michigan State University All-American Denzel Valentine for dinner and a pep talk, on day-3, DV45 went on to beat Dallas Mustangs 70-58 behind strong performances from Jacob Wallace (24pts), Mike Williams (19pts), and timely 3-point shooting by Juwan Maxey (8pts).  In the Elite 8, DV45 defeated Team Buckner 58-41, putting them in the Final Four vs Seattle Rotary.  Behind a strong performance by Alex Waters (18pts), DV45 defeated Seattle Rotary 64-47 to find themselves in the championship game against #3 ranked Indiana Elite 2022, who defeated #1 ranked Drive Nation at the buzzer to advance to the championship game.   

In the championship game, DV45 found themselves down 13 before rallying to get the lead down to 4, trailing 25 to 29 with their aggressive defense and crafty shots by Mike Williams (8).  However, in the second half behind strong guard play by Jacob Wallace (16pts), Mason Docks (15pts), and Alex Watters (13pts), DV45 took the lead.  DV45 sealed the win with a huge 3-pointer by Ashton Atwater (4pts), timely stops, and clutch free throws down the stretch. 

Of note: DV45 picked up highly touted JJ Louden from Indianapolis for the Las Vegas Classic.  Their coach described his contribution to the team’s win as immeasurable.  Stating, “the kid is the perfect teammate, who made everyone better.  He is a high IQ player who can play multiple positions.  His defense is way beyond his years, and JJ possesses a rare quality of impacting the game without dominating the ball.  Truly had a Draymond Green effect for our team.” 

Coach Docks stated, "These young men were a special group and blessing to coach.  I'm hopeful lessons learned on the court will serve them well off the court and the bonds of brotherhood formed over the course of the season will last a lifetime.” You can catch most of DV45’s player in action at the September 8^th & 9^th Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase, as they will be suiting up for Team Michigan against team Ohio and Team Kentucky in the Inaugural “3-State Challenge.”  Congratulations to Coach Docks, his player and parents for a fantastic season!