5th Grade Blue-CHAMPIONS

Everything our players have done since last Memorial Day Weekend 2009, all of the sweat and hard work was in preparation for Memorial Weekend 2010. After a few lopsided losses in the 2009 tourney, the boys made it a goal to come back and win it in 2010.

And win it they did.

The team was "laser beam" focused from the Friday before the games. Even with a tough schedule ahead of them - early games, and no knowledge of the opponents - they did not let that phase them.

Game 1
YBA 67 Next Play (Farifax, CA) 46
The 9:15AM start time, (and only game of the day) was not in our favor, as the adrenaline from the weekend was rushing through everyone the night before. A combination of a very well coached, "scrappy" opponent that passed the ball great, and our lack of help defense saw YBA leading at half by a mere four points.

YBA turned up the offense in the second half, and never looked back. Joshua Ohara led all scorers with 14 points (5-10 shooting), while Jashon Lewis (12 points), and Alex Martinez (12 points, 6-8 shooting) also made huge contributions. Bryson Zorich handed out 10 assists, and Joshua led the team with four steals.

Coach said "It was a good effort by all of our players, not our best effort, and our defense needed help, but they did what they had to do to win the game."

Game 2
YBA 66 N Your Court (Foster City, CA) 57
Playing their earliest game EVER (8:00AM), coach didn't know what to expect from the boys. But, their focus was the key. They all went to bed early, with the goal to win in mind, and put their basketball game and the team in front of the arcade. Also, a surprise visit by the teams assistant coach from a year ago, "Coach Jim" provided a little "spark".

The team from Foster City was a "hard nosed" team, playing YBA tough the whole way, Joshua Ohara again lead the team with 17 points, hitting three 3-pointers, Jashon Lewis and Bryson Zorich each had six assists, and Alex Martinez put forth a great effort with five steals and eight rebounds and 12 points (5-7 shooting). Ethan Wainwright was also a key player with nine boards and seven rebounds.

Coach said "it was another gritty effort by the team, but we're capable of playing better. Our on ball defense and help side defense must've been left at home, because we were lucky to win this game!"

Game 3
YBA 71 Humbolt Bengals (Humbolt, CA) 44
With a HUGE break in between games, the players had some down time. But when it was game time, it was all business. During the break between the games, the team found their defense (much to the coach's appreciation) and YBA jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead, with a smothering, trapping defense that caused quick turnovers that led to easy baskets. The team had a balanced offensive attack, with Bryson Zorich (15 points, 6-13 shooting) and Joshua Ohara (15 points (6-9 shooting) leading the effort. Blake Pifer also had an outstanding game with 10 points (4-8 shooting), and made great "in game" decisions. Rounding out the scoring effort was Jashon Lewis with 13 (6-10 shooting) and Ethan Wainwright with 12 (two 3-pointers).

Alex Schneider got busy on the boards with six, and made many "hustle plays" that kept the possession and led to easy baskets. Bryson lead all players with six assists, and Jashon Lewis led the team with nine steals.

Coach said "I am glad we found our defense, because our offense goes as our defense goes. I hope it stays with us for a few more games. Winning our pool is HUGE, and it doesn't get easier from here. This is the first game this tournament we ALL played as ONE UNIT, our team play was outstanding, and if we can keep together and focused, good things can happen."

Game 4
YBA Hoop Dreams (Meridian, ID)
YBA 75 Hoop Dreams 45
Playing against a VERY fundamentally sound and well coached team, YBA had to have their game faces on, and bring their "A" game, as this was now bracket play, and a "Win or Go Home" situation. The 915AM start time seemed normal after the last few days. The biggest concern was going to be the "energy level".

With the opposing team being from Idaho, you can imagine they had a couple of BIG boys.

Using a little strategy, the YBA DAWGS put the pressure on the guards to make the plays, and with our defense still with us, we were able to jump on them and force them into taking quick shots.

The offense was also clicking, as the team shot a scorching 54% from the field. Leading the scoring effort was Bryson Zorich with 22 points (four 3-pointers, 8-11 shooting). Alex Schneider found his "O", and contributed 11 points on (6-7 shooting, and his first 3-pointer of the year). Blake Pifer also chipped in 11 points off the bench (5-8 shooting).

A parent from the opposing team came up to us after the game and said "we have never played a team that can shoot so well! It was a fun game, and you guys are fun to watch!" Also, one of the refs made a comment "He is nice coming off the bench!", referencing Blake Pifer's energetic play.

The boys were now one game away from their initial goal: THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Championship
YBA 56 Roadruners (Palo Alta, Ca) 46
Facing a team they had lost to a year ago (at the same tournament) by 40+ points, the YBA DAWGS were confident that their hard work, and preparation for this game would give them a good chance to win. Playing in front of a very hostile crowd, and against a very talented, and athletic team, the boys were up to the challenge.

Down by as many as six in the first half, the game was neck and neck the whole way. With a three pointer by Joshua Ohara sparking the team and inspired play by Alex Martinez, they scraped and clawed their way back to within one point at half time.

Alex Martinez came up HUGE in this game with an "all out 100%" effort on both ends of the court and diving for any ball within the Reno area. Alex finished the game with 18 points (7-12 shooting) and 14 rebounds.

Jashon Lewis was the emotional leader on the court, encouraging the team to "go as he goes". He finished with 11 points, and a number of tipped passes, changed shots, and smothering defense. Ethan Wainwright (11 points, six rebounds) and Joshua Ohara (10 points, two 3-pointers, two steals) also gave great efforts to help the team win.

Blake Pifer and Alex Schneider both provided solid minutes, and played great all around games, with hustle at every minute. Bryson Zorich finished the game with nine assists, and played a solid point guard game in directing the team to victory.

Coach said "The boys worked hard and deserved this win! They played a great team, but we were focused the whole weekend! Nicknames are earned, and the boys definitely earned theirs this weekend, so here are some fun ones from RENO:

"The Playmaker" - Bryson Zorich
"Laser Beam" (for his laser beam focus all weekend)- Jashon Lewis
"The Junkyard DAWG" (Does the dirty work) - Alex Martinez
"The Glue" (without him, the team falls apart) - Alex Schneider
"The Microwave" (Can get hot in an instant) - Blake Pifer
"The Silent Giant"(Doesn't say much, but has a big impact) - Ethan Wainwright
"FedEx" (Delivers the BIG SHOT right on time) - Joshua Ohara"

Closing thoughts: This was a great end to a great season! As a team we shot 51% (122/240)and averaged 10 steals a game. The boys all worked hard on their individual games in the past year in preparation for this tournament, and it paid off. I am proud to be a part of a team with players that not only are very skilled players, but are also good kids. I am proud of their effort this past weekend (and past year), and happy for them that they were able to set a goal, and obtain it. Hard work makes the dream work!!!