DTermine Your Destiny Puts West Coast Talent On Display

Spencer Pulliam February 26, 2024 @ 11:56 AM

Phoenix, AZ. — The 9th annual DTermine Your Destiny event unfolded this past weekend at the renowned Arizona Athletic Grounds, previously known as Legacy Sports Park. As anticipated, the occasion assembled a formidable array of premier teams hailing from the western coast, converging under one roof for the thrilling two-day affair. Amidst the electrifying atmosphere and intense competition, several key takeaways emerged that we will unfold below…

Uptempo Athletics Brings Out The Best From Hawaii

Uptempo Athletics, representing Hawaii, clinched the 5th-grade premier championship in a riveting showdown against the AZ Gremlins, triumphing with a final score of 50-43. Uptempo's remarkable feat was underscored by their flawless performance throughout the tournament, emerging undefeated amidst fierce competition. Notably, Kendrick Saycon showcased an impressive display of skill, solidifying his status as one of Hawaii's standout players in his class. Additionally, the formidable contributions of JJ Chandler and Jaezyn Saycon underscored Uptempo's cohesive and formidable gameplay, ultimately propelling them to a well-deserved victory.

Decatur Blazers Makes Cross Country Trip Worthwhile

The Decatur Blazers asserted their dominance over the course of the two-day event, culminating in a resounding victory in the 6th-grade Invitational Bracket. In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, they secured the championship by defeating Dubs Elite with an impressive 20-point win in the title game. Josiah Dempsey emerged as a formidable force on the court, proving to be a relentless challenge for opposing defenders with his exceptional skills and versatility. Meanwhile, Kei- Sean Roberts Sean Roberts 5'6" | C GA exhibited exemplary leadership and playmaking abilities from the point guard position, effectively steering the Blazers to victory with his strategic court vision and command of the game.

Hoop Code Dominates In 7th Grade Championship

Hoop Code emerged victorious in the 7th-grade Invitational Championship, securing a hard-fought win against Team Inland in the title showdown. Spearheading their defensive efforts was Cruz Kazmierski, whose tenacity and defensive prowess proved instrumental in thwarting opponents' scoring attempts and anchoring Hoop Code's defensive strategy. On the offensive end, showcased exceptional ball-handling skills, adeptly maneuvering through defenses and facilitating the team's offensive plays with precision and finesse. Together, their collective efforts propelled Hoop Code to claim the championship title in dominant fashion.

Hoop Code Doubles Up By Taking Home 8th Grade Crown

In a mirror of their 7th-grade counterparts' success, the 8th-grade Hoop Code team clinched the Invitational Championship in a thrilling contest, securing a hard-fought two-point victory over Team DTermined Select with a final score of 38-36. Throughout the weekend, Carter Bagley demonstrated remarkable athleticism, proving to be a dynamic presence on both ends of the court and showcasing his versatility as a potent two-way player. Nasir Hailey Nasir Hailey 6'1" | PG Saguaro | 2028 State AZ emerged as a defensive stalwart for Hoop Code, consistently disrupting opponents' offensive schemes and making pivotal stops when it mattered most. Additionally, Maurice Carter exhibited a superior ball-handling skill set, navigating through defenses with precision and poise, thereby contributing significantly to Hoop Code's offensive prowess.

Weekend Well Spent Out West

Once again, this year's DTermine Your Destiny served as a premiere national tournament, uniting some of the finest teams from the West Coast and a few from other parts of the country. The event provided a valuable opportunity to witness the prowess and potential of these teams firsthand, offering a sneak peek into what promises to be a competitive spring season ahead. Expect to learn more about some of the individual success from the tournament in the coming days as we will be handing out superlatives for 5th-8th grade.

Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!