AAU Recap: Team Loaded 757 16U

<div>The Team Loaded 757 organization as a whole had a terrific summer, and their best group may have been their 16U team. They simply found ways to win games consistently, competing with both the top programs in the state and on a national scale beating multiple shoe company teams. They were especially good in the July live periods, going 18-4 including two tournament championships. They were a disciplined and balanced team that all played unselfish and passionate basketball. Here’s a recap of their summer.</div> <div> </div> <div>All quotes courtesy of Head Coach Tim Sparks.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Overall Record:</strong> 38-11</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Top Tournament Finishes:</strong> Big Shots Myrtle Beach Silver champions; Big Shots Richmond champions; Phenom Hoops Summer Havoc runner up; Pittsburgh Jam Fest final four; Southern Jam Fest final four</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Notable Wins:</strong> Martin Brothers, NY Rens, Uncommon Bulls, South Jersey Jazz, River City Reign Team Iverson, Teach The Game, Team Loaded NC, Team Charlotte, Team United</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>MVP: Jalen Ray.</strong> “Jalen was our leading scorer in every tournament in July. He’s able to score the basketball in many different ways. His strength is obviously shooting the three ball, but he’s not just a one dimensional shooter. He can shoot it off the dribble, can spot up and shoot it, and he’s more athletic than most people realize. He’s a very confident kid on the court, and he really understands the game. He’s a yes-sir no-sir kind of kid, and he’s a lot of fun to coach."</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Defensive MVP:</strong> Brandon Mitchell. “Brandon altered and blocked a lot of shots for us, and he was by far our best rebounder. His offensive game also blossomed over the summer, and with his energy it was fun to watch him get better. He has a lot of potential."</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Biggest Surprise:</strong> James Smith. “James was able to use his speed and aggressiveness on the defensive end to force a lot of turnover for us. He surprised me with his ability to finish above the rim for his size. His on ball defense and anticipation off the ball led to a lot of easy fast break points for us. As the season came along in July he really started shooting the ball well for us too.”</div> <h2>Coach's Take</h2><p><span style="font-family:-apple-system-font; font-size:12px">“I really enjoyed coaching this group. It was fun to see the team chemistry come together over the summer. After the first couple weekends, we made it to the final four of our first two tournaments and I continued to challenge the kids. Our entire coaching staff had their own role on the team and on the bench, and they all helped in a big way. It came together in July, when we won the Myrtle Beach Big Shots Silver. Our kids were really smart, and could run a new play on the fly when I drew it up in a timeout, and that’s the type of thing you love to see as a coach. It was really fun seeing the kids execute and listen, and that’s what made coaching them so great."</span></p>