Texas Mel Elite Takes Home The Las Vegas Live Title

<p>Las Vegas, Nevada - In a high level game that featured several quality prospects, Texas Mel Elite survived to win the Las Vegas Live 17U Platinum Bracket. The first half was a back and forth affair played at a frenetic pace, as both teams wrestled for control. Neither team could separate as the largest lead was 5 points. Colorado took control early in the 2^nd half led by the shooting of Pete Boyle (<em>Boulder H.S, Boulder, CO) </em>and the dynamic play of Owen Koonce (PHC #31 <em>Centaurus H.S, Lafayette, CO</em>). After a 3 by Boyle, pushed the lead to 8, TME responded with a quick 10-0 run led by Kaleb Cheers (<em>Fort Bend Elkins H.S, Missouri City, TX),</em> whose rebounding and low post scoring was huge all game. The Titans quickly regained the lead on a spectacular lob dunk by Trey Ward (<em>Mead H.S, Longmont, CO</em>). With a minute to go a clutch steal and layup by Melvin Holloway IV (<em>St Thomas Episcopal H.S, Houston, TX</em>) put TME up by 1. Two more free throws by Holloway extended the lead to 5, and a Jalen Paige (<em>PHC #11 Fairview, H.S, Boulder, CO</em>) layup cut it to 3. TME had a chance to ice the game, however a curious lane violation call gave Colorado one more opportunity. Caden Gigstad’s (<em>Ralston Valley H.S, Arvada, CO</em>) last second three point attempt went wide as time expired and Texas Mel Elite was crowned Champion. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7t7QrTXiDo">After the game I was able to catch up with TME's Melvin Holloway to talk about the victory. </a></p>