8th Grade Black-February 5-6

The 8th grade black team team played in the very competitive Hadnott tourney and showed a lot of heart and desire against the toughest competition we've seen so far. In stretches, the young men showed how they are capable of performing.


YBA 39, MVP Flight Elite 55
YBA got off to a strong start against a very strong MVP team, which comes from one of the best programs in Northern California. We led 16-15 after one period and trailed by only 7 at halftime. However, the players never adjusted to MVP's strategy of taking away the first option which led to several silly turnovers and easy baskets at the other end. Nicholas Clough had 14 points and 6 assists, while Jackson Sterling and Bryce Crouch each pulled down 4 rebounds.

Offensive Player of the Game: Nicholas Clough
Defensive Player of the Game: Bryce Crouch
Best Hustle: Jackson Sterling
Best Attitude: Jared Flowers

YBA 36, D1 All Stars 47
The Dawgs rode good ball movement and shooting to a 25-22 halftime lead. D1 came back to take a 5 point lead going into the 4th quarter. We got several consecutive stops on defense but couldn't score to close the gap. The All Stars from Modesto finally broke through for a couple of buckets to take control, and they hit their free throws down the stretch for the final margin. Grady Collins led a balanced attack with 8 points and 3 assists, with Jackson and Mitchell Holt contributing 7 each and Bryce scoring 6. Mitch also grabbed 6 boards, and Jared Flowers contributed 2 assists and 3 rebounds off the bench.

Offensive Player of the Game: Grady Collins
Defensive Player of the Game: Jackson Sterling
Best Hustle: Nicholas Clough
Best Attitude: Grady Collins

YBA 38, MVP 50
On Sunday morning, our young men played their best ball of the season for 3 quarters against the tough Walnut Creek team. We again led at halftime and trailed by only 3 late in the 3rd quarter, but MVP scored an easy bucket and then a buzzer-beating 3 to lead by 8 starting the final quarter. The Dawgs kept competing in the fourth but committed far too many turnovers against pressure defense to close the gap. Mitch led another balanced team effort with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, Connor Milnes added 8 points and 4 boards, and Bret Lynch notched 7 points.

Offensive Player of the Game: Mitchell Holt
Defensive Player of the Game: Connor Milnes
Best Hustle: Mitch (for chasing down an opponent who tried to dunk on a fast break)
Best Attitude: Bret Lynch