Virginia Grassroots MidSeason Report: NOVA Cavaliers 17U Corish
Editor’s note: From now through the end of June, we will be providing a mid-season update on Virginia’s grassroots programs, taking a close look at their 15U through 17U teams. We will first be looking at a club’s top teams in those…
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Continue ReadingEditor’s note: From now through the end of June, we will be providing a mid-season update on Virginia’s grassroots programs, taking a close look at their 15U through 17U teams. We will first be looking at a club’s top teams in those given age groups and will then circle back to their other teams. Today: NOVA Cavaliers 17U Corish
As the NOVA Cavaliers enter their 11th season, their growing reputation as one of the state’s most recognized programs has created a strong interest among players in joining a club that prides itself on player development, team chemistry, player/team improvement, and learning experiences.
Organized by Program Director Jerry Lin, the NOVA Cavaliers have 10 teams in their program, including two at the respective 15U and 17U age groups. Below is a midseason report on the 17U team coached by Joe Corish.
Record this Summer: 15-8
Tournaments Won/Best Finishes:
Won – Maryland Flames Fast Break Shootout
Finalist – Capital Area Tournament of Champs and Big Shots VIT (Virginia Paul VI)
Key Wins:
Pro Look (both squads); CEBA (NC)
Losses (for the record):
Uncommon Bulls (by 2 in final of Battle of NOVA); Higher Level Premier; Bump N Run
Standout Contributors:
Johnny Corish
(Point Guard – leader in scoring and assists, second in rebounding)
Khalil Williams-Diggins
(Point Guard/Shooting Guard – second in scoring and assists)
Idaresit Ekpuk
(Forward – leader in rebounding)
Goals for July:
Team is really hitting its stride right now with great performance in recent contest against Uncommon Bulls. In July, the team will be playing in Big Shots Tourney (DC Certified), Spooky Nook Jam Fest (Hoop Group in PA) and Neptune Jam Fest (Hoop Group In NJ). Our goal is to place well in all three tourneys, showing the players aggressive defense, team rebounding and unselfish sharing of the ball to obtain quality shots. Additionally, we are looking for each player to grow and improve against some of the top competition on the East Coast. We have some terrific players flying somewhat under the radar screen because of key injuries in prior tourneys and as a result of this being for the most part a newly formed team; so a third goal is to have those players really show their stuff in the upcoming big tourneys.
Additional Thoughts/Notes:
This is a team of terrific, team oriented, intelligent and hard working young men from seven different schools, the majority of which came together this year for their first year together. We have only 5 returning players on the squad, only 1 of which has been a consistent starter. We are playing teams that have been together for 3 years or more. As a result, it took a few tourneys for our guys to learn how to play with one another, learn the systems, etc… They have had some success recently and are picking up on the strengths of their teammates. The ceiling for this team is very high, which makes its prospects in July very exciting.