#HardWorkSzn Classic 15u Grind Bracket Championship
Both Iowa Elite and Lincoln Supreme National 1 lost their first game of the tournament, which placed them in the Grind Bracket. From there, both teams dominated competition, until they faced off against one another in the championship. Trovary Cavile…
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Continue ReadingBoth Iowa Elite and Lincoln Supreme National 1 lost their first game of the tournament, which placed them in the Grind Bracket. From there, both teams dominated competition, until they faced off against one another in the championship. Trovary Cavile hit some tough jumpers to give Iowa Elite the 30-28 lead going into half time. In the second half, Prince Jallah and Aiden Welch battled on the interior and Lincoln Supreme went on a run take a one point lead in the final minute. Iowa Elite tied the game with a free throw and Lincoln Supreme looked like they would have the privilege of taking the last shot and having a chance to break the tie. Jamison Patton had other plans. He swooped in for a steal and finished a transition layup to seal the victory for Iowa Elite 15u. Here is a look at the 7 standouts from the 15u Grind Bracket Championship.
Iowa Elite 15u
Trovary Cavil
Cavil is a class of 2024 guard and a skilled shooter that can create space for himself to score with good hesitations and shot fakes. In the first half, he scored from all three levels and made some highlight plays. He scored four quick points when drove in deep and finished after pump faking the shot blocker. The next possession, he pushed the ball up the floor, crossed up his defender, and hit a smooth fading mid range jumper. Later, he splashed in a high arching three at the top of the key after bursting through an elevator screen, a play they ran for him several times over the weekend. In the second half, Lincoln Supreme seemed to emphasize closing out on Cavil, but he was still able to make an impact as a ball handler and distributor.
Kaiden Ivory
Ivory is a 6’2 off ball guard from Waukee that made important plays in both halves. Early in the game, he drove hard on the baseline and finished through contact and converted on the and one. With only minutes remaining, Lincoln Supreme tied the game for the first time in the second half and momentum seemed to be swinging in their favor. Ivory came down seconds later and answer with a big three point shot to regain the lead for Iowa Elite.
Prince Jallah
Jallah was strong physical presence on both end of the floor. He is a forward that can bully and burry defenders under the basket for layups and rebounds. He puts defenders in a position where they have no choice but to let him score or foul and send him to the line. He showed off some touch with a mid range pull up jumper and hit a good portion of his free throws. He used his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Jallah leaped and extended for blocks and steals in the passing lanes.
Jamison Patton
Patton is wing/forward that play with energy and distributed the ball well. He beat defenders off the dribble and looked to kick to shooters or cutters when help rotated. He created some good shots for himself off the dribble and looked to exploit smaller matchups on the interior. With seconds left and the game tied, Patton came up with a steal and euro stepped his way to the basket for the go ahead score that sealed the championship for Iowa Elite.
Lincoln Supreme National 1 – 15u
Aiden Welch
Welch is a long post player listed at 6’5 that battles and rebounds on both ends. Welch was playing up from the National 2 team this weekend, but he looked like Lincoln Supreme’s best player during stretches. He set tough screens, rolled hard to the basket, scored off post ups, and lived at the free throw line. He even stepped outside and hit a three point shot on the wing. Welch blocked shots all game and gave Iowa Elite problems with his size.
River Johnston River Johnston 6'1" | PG North Platte | 2023 State NE
Johnston is a smooth do it all combo guard that makes plays in transition. He has quick feet and some length that gives guards issues defensively. Iowa Elite played fast, trapped, and pressured ball handlers, but Johnston took care of the ball, kept his head up, got to the rim, and made plays for others. He also plays and moves well off the ball. Johnston was aggressive in the second half and a big reason Lincoln Supreme was able to take a last minute lead.
Jeron Gager
Gager is 5’9 guard from Ogallala who was also playing up this weekend for the short handed National 1 team, and they were glad to have him on Sunday. He made two clutch baskets for Lincoln Supreme in their championship comeback attempt. With under three minutes remaining, he crossed a defender over in transition and finished at the rim to tie the game for first time in the second half. Iowa Elite quickly took back over, until Gager drilled a spot up three to put Lincoln Supreme ahead for the first time in the game with 30 seconds remaining.