Compton Captures 1st Fantastic 40 Title!
Las Vegas, NV – After a long hot summer, the final game of the grassroots season took place at the Fantastic 40. It featured Addidas sponsored Compton Magic, vs Nike EYBL Seattle Rotary. The game included several future college stars…
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Continue ReadingLas Vegas, NV – After a long hot summer, the final game of the grassroots season took place at the Fantastic 40. It featured Addidas sponsored Compton Magic, vs Nike EYBL Seattle Rotary. The game included several future college stars and prospects. There was no easing into this heavyweight fight, as Majon Beauchamp (PH #27 Dream City Christian H.S Seattle, Wa) came out firing, scoring a quick 11 points. The Magic stayed right with them thanks to the shooting of Malik Harris (Damien H.S La Verne, CA) and DJ Davis (Centennial H.S Corona, CA) Seattle extended the lead to as much as 8, but thanks to the determination of Jaylen Clark, (PH# Centennial H.S Corona,CA ) they were unable to increase it.
The first half bogged down into a grinding slug fest as both teams struggled for control. That was until Otis Frazier (Mt Zion Christian Academy, Buckeye H.S ) decided to put his stamp on the game. The 6’5 Wing did everything required for Champions to hold trophies. He finished, he rebounded, he defended and provided a level of energy that no one on either side could match. Behind his efforts the Magic clawed back to cut the lead to 1 at halftime.
Compton raced out to a quick second half lead behind the shooting of Davis, and play making of Dalen Terry. (Hillcrest Prep H.S Phoenix, AZ) That’s when Nolan Hickman ( PHW #5 C/O 2021 Eastside Catholic Sammamish, Wa) went in his bag. The 6’1 rising guard put on a P&R clinic, leaving several Compton defenders grasping at air. He used ball screens, and refused ball screens. When they went under he buried jumpers, when they went over he screamed downhill, using his spin move as his preferred method of execution. He practically willed Seattle to a 3 point lead.
Over the last 10 years the Compton Magic have been arguably the most dominant grassroots program. They’ve won tournaments all over the country and sent numerous players on to play high major Basketball. Down by 3 with about 6 minutes to go, they showed everyone what it means to be part of their tradition.
With Arizona Commit Terry on the bench cheering his teammates on, the Magic ended the game on a 19 to 4 run. They sacrificed on D, and played unselfishly on offense. Whether it was Malik Thomas hitting 3’s, Jaylen Clark making clutch baskets, or Andre Harris grabbing traffic rebounds, everyone in a Compton Magic jersey contributed. It showed that not only do they have great players, but they also have created a culture, where anything less than giving your all for the man next to you won’t be tolerated. They hold each other accountable and expect to hold trophies. Congratulations to the 2019 Fantastic 40 17U Champions….. The Compton Magic.