JV Blue

This weekend we played in Rocklin in the Hardwood palace tournament in the 16U A division. It was a hard fought weekend for us that saw us lose one and win two to bring our record for the year to 22-3. We played hard throughout and earned both wins. We struggled with turnovers throughout the weekend and it was our inability to keep the ball that cost us the game we lost. However that was our first game Saturday at 9 AM and we have struggled in the past with 9 AM games, having earned both of our losses in 9 AM games coming in.
DEFENSIVE MVP: Darrell

YBA 55 RED RAIDERS 63
SUMMARY: In a rematch of a 2point buzzer beating thriller we came out strong with a 24-15 lead that was paced by a Reggie Miller like 6 points in the last 6 seconds of the quarter on a 3pt fg by Ceron (welcome back!) and a steal and another 3 @ the buzzer by David. Unfortunately, it seemed like we decided we had it won after that and never put forth the intensity to actually win. They bounced back strong in the second quarter outscoring us 17-4 in the quarter to take a 32-28 lead into the half. After halftime we played better but never regained the momentum we had. We struggled with silly turnovers and unfinished fast breaks and also struggled shooting. We played a strong team game with everyone except one player scoring and James and David both had 4 steals, while Darrell again paced us in assists with 5, with James and Nolan each having 3 assists. It was a lesson learned.

YBA 56 E-TIME 50
SUMMARY: In a much better effort we led with defense and won a game that we felt we had to win. After a sluggish 9-1 start that looked like the end of the first game the bench came in and provided a spark led by David & Ceron whose intensity and effort on the defensive end payed off as we battled back to trail 13-12 after one quarter. After that we settled into our game and executed well enough to control throughout. The main reason it was as close as the final score is a rash of missed free throws at the end of the game. It was another complete team effort as all players contributed with at least 1 point. We were led in scoring by James who had 14, David had 7 rebounds to go with his 8 points. Darrell had a strong game with 8 points, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Kyle hit 2 3ptrs, while Luis & Evan had a 3ptr each. Again we struggled with turnovers commiting 18 for the game.
Defensive MVP: Ceron for playing 100% effort defense every second he played
Mr. All-Around: James 14 pts, 3 rebs, 2 assts, 2 steals.

YBA 43 BELIEVERS 36
SUMMARY: In a well played strong Defensive game we hung in and finished against a Believers squad that was well coached and fought for every point with only 5 players all game. With an intelligent slow the pace gameplan we were forced to play halfcourt Defense against a motion offense for up to 30 seconds a possesion before they got a shot attempt they liked. We played aggressively throughout and still forced them to make mistakes despite the fact that we played in their comfort zone (halfcourt offense) most of the game. We won with timely rebounds and by only turning over the ball 12 times. Compared to an average of 18.5 turnovers the first two games. David finished with 10 points to lead a balanced attack (DP3 4 pts, Ceron 6, James 8, Nolan 8, Evan 5, Luis 5). However it was the rebounding that showed the tight Defense as we had 5 players with at least 3 rebounds. Leading the way was Evan who had a season high 9 boards. David chipped in with 8 boards. Darrell (DP3) had 5 more assists to lower his season average but stay well above the level that is the average for 16s.
Defensive MVP: Evan for his strong rebounding and help Defense & David for shutting down their big man.
MVP: Entire team for coming together during adversity and finishing

Coaches Finshing Thoughts
We suffered a let down for a 3 1/2 quarter stretch but perservered and won our last two games and that shows strength of character, which is invaluable in life... We should know that we are talented but we absolutely MUST put forth twice the effort to be the team we aspire to be... With the big Reno tournament this weekend you should be expecting to put in 4 hours of HARD WORK because without the work we are only an average team... When we play 9 strong and all play with team spirit and no ego we are a force to be reckoned with... Arrive at practice with an enthusiasim unknown to man and push yourselves through the wall... then do it again this weekend, if we do these things we will have had a successful season no matter what our record is...