AAU Recap: River City Reign Team Iverson 17U

<p>From humble beginnings, River City Reign has built themselves into one of the most formidable programs in the state over the past two years. What started as a small organization to keep Richmond kids out of trouble, Reign is now a group of teams that competes at the highest level across the country, and their top programs are sponsored by Allen Iverson. While they still aren’t on a shoe circuit, many people across the basketball landscape referred to them as one of the best non-shoe company teams in the country, and they have been the winningest program in VA the last two seasons. Here’s a look back at the summer their 17U group had.</p> <p>All quotes are from Head Coach Chris Herron.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Overall Record:</strong> 45-12</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Top Tournament Finishes:</strong> Hoop Group Spring Jam Fest champions, David Rose MDC runner-up, Under Armour Finals final four, Bob Gibbons final four, Pitt Jam Fest elite eight, Rumble in the Bronx elite eight.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Notable Wins:</strong> Team Loaded NC, Team Felton, Houston Defenders, Southern Stampede, SE Elite, Young Legends, Florida Elite, Team Loaded 757</p> <p><strong>MVP:</strong> “Maliek White and JJ Matthews have been our team’s MVPs the last two seasons. They have led us from day one this AAU season. Both guys have made it a priority to prove that River City Reign can compete with anyone in the country.”</p><p><strong>Defensive MVP:</strong> “DaMontez Oliver has solidified himself as a legitimate division one prospect. He plays with a high motor on both sides of the ball, he can guard multiple positions, and offensively he shot it at a very high rate all summer.”</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Biggest Surprises:</strong> “Richard Sanders has just begun to realize his potential this summer. He can play all five positions on the floor and is very competitive. Being that he is still 16 years old, Richard will have an opportunity to play ball at a very high level.”</p> <p>“Azariah Sykes gave our program a boost in the post when he joined us. He’s a high motor big man that gives full effort on both ends. He’s a top five rebounder in the state of Virginia.”</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Coach’s Take</strong>: “As a team, River City Reign did everything that was asked of them this summer. The kids constantly put the team first and played for one another. Everyone had to sacrifice for the better of the team and our program and our players really took pride in representing the RVA on a national stage.”</p>