JV Adam

This week we improved to 20-2 for the season with another tournament victory, this time in the Livermore Invitational in the bay area. We won all our games as a team by playing fast, aggressive, & unselfish. We were led in scoring by James, Kyle, David, & Luis. Our rebounding leaders were Andre & David. Leading the way in assists were Darrell, Nolan & Luis. Evan had a huge impact on the last 3 games including a step-back, dagger 3 pointer late in the 2nd game to squash a mini run late. Our press looked very good and we were clearly the highest tempo team there, despite the fact that we were not the most athletic team in our division. The average score this weekend was 65-47 including a 30 point Championship game win.


Game 1
YBA 73 Hurricanes 61
Summary: The toughest game of the weekend for us came early, as in our opening game on Saturday. We played a fast, athletic, veteran Tracy Hurricanes squad that did not want to lose. However despite their best efforts, we simply play at a faster speed than they are capable of playing with consistency. Our Defense was led by James with 7 steals and at least 15 deflections, overall the Defense was outstanding as 61 was the lowest point total of the weekend for them. James also led the way with 24 points, many on assists by Darrell who finished with 11. Kyle had a strong game with 17 including 3-5 behind the arc.

Defensive MVP: The whole team for committing to going 100% in our press
MVP: Big Game James

Game 2
YBA 64 Manteca 57
Summary: An absolute showcase of the momentum of the game of basketball. We started the game on a 10-0 run, led 19-4 and then endured a 19-5 run on us that brought it to 25-23 with 5 minutes left in the half. However a quick 6-0 run ended that stretch and put us in control and gave us momentum going into the half. Amazingly that is the closest we came to trailing all weekend! The game was a complete team effort as all 8 players contributed throughout the game, although none was bigger than Evan setting the pace within that 10- 0 start with 3 rebounds and 5 points.

Defensive MVP: Andre for his 13 rebounds
Team spirit: Luis

Game 3
YBA 48 Tracy 26
Summary: In a 9 AM yawner we came out flat and had to be woken up to get it going w/ a 12-4 run to give us the energy we needed. It was a game that was never in question as the other team was all freshmen. We played to prepare for the championship game which I think we did. Nolan, Luis, Kyle and David all had good games.

Defensive MVP: the 5 players on floor during the 25 second 10-0 run when they never got out of their back-court

Championship Game:
YBA 76 Hurricanes 44
Summary: Our best team game to date, everyone contributed and we rolled in a game that was over in the 1st 5 minutes. I couldn't have been more impressed with our effort and intensity level. Our intensity was fueled by Andre's grown man play down low and his 5(!) Steals (not bad for a 6'4 230 lb young man). He fired us up with his aggression and he yelled "Let's Go" and flexed coming to the sideline for a time out and scared at least ten people out of the gym! David was big with 15 points and aggressive full court Defense. Nolan had his best game of the season with great decision making, 2 big early 3s and a quality commitment to playing Defense. Luis had another big game playing well in all facets of the game. Kyle was lights out and was always in front of his man. Evan was in foul trouble but was by far the best half-court team defender when we was on the floor as he communicated excellently and battled two solid bigs to a stand still as they were non factors throughout, he also had the most box-outs (a stat that should be kept). Darrel was big as he almost had a double double with 9 points and 8 assists and his usual stat sheet stuffing. James was in his man's hip pocket all game and took command when we needed a bucket. I couldn't of been more pleased and gave my team their 1st day off all year, which is the 3rd day off I've given in 11 years of coaching. So they obviously earned it.

Defensive MVP: Evan
Tournament MVP: Andre, Darrell, David, Evan, James, Kyle, Luis, Nolan


Coach's Final Thoughts...
A weekend to remember as I got pistol whipped by Nolan during Lazer Tag, learned who snores, almost crashed twice in all YBA pile ups during Go Karts that left Evan backwards, and Darrell sideways before him (pretty interesting/scary since they both have licenses), and learned that we are a force to be reckoned with when we put the team ahead of our egos... I see progress every game and with all players. We are finally figuring out what I keep yelling about, that when we are 9 strong committed to winning and selfless we are unstoppable...

"Competitive Greatness: Being at your best when your best is required" whose quote is this? If my team knew who it was they would understand my madness I mean methods... Again 1st 3 players that answer will be glad. Till next week

Coach Adam