We salute Coach Chris Jefferson and the 12u Boys for winning the 2014-15 IBL Rookie Division championship over the Sephardic Stallions!
Played at St Thomas Aquinas Gym, our boys used half court man to man pressure that put the game in a frenetic pace. The up and down action took away the play of Sephardic’s bigs. Led by Honor Huff’s play, the diminutive point guard registered a double double, his 3rd this season. Captain Isaiah Newsome was a force inside and outside, scoring 12 points. Eleven year old newcomer, Damon Bostick, scored on a lefty drive to the basket and foul to keep the Blue Devils ahead.
Our 10u Novice team did not fare as well, losing to the St Helen’s Hurricanes. The 3rd place boys put themselves in a 12-2 first quarter hole. The loss of two key starters and nervous energy didn’t help, as the St Helen press led to many turnovers. Marquis Black, as usual led the charge, but the amazing play of Jeremiah Adger, bought the boys back. Jeremiah shot 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and used his cat-like quickness to force several 2nd half turnovers. Coach Bob Byer, reminded his troops of how they needed to take the next step- building on personal tenacity to overcome team setbacks.
The Baby Blues (9u Gym Rat Division) did not fare well, recording a mere 3 victories this season. The boys- made up of 7-8 years olds, “Boogie”, Trent, Julani and Owen form a nucleus that will see success in the next few years. Team MVP Devin put the boys on his back all year long, keeping Coach Bob Byer happy in how the team progressed despite losing two key players during the season.