New York Knockout: Teddy’s Saturday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2OT Matchup Between [program_tooltip program_id='2078612' first='NY' last='Finest'] NY Select 17u</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was another exciting match between a pair of 17u A-Pool teams. I caught a glimpse of the end of NY's Finest game yesterday, so this was the first time I watched a full game. In the early going, they moved the ball really well and forced numerous turnovers. I was particularly impressed with how Jacier Ballard moved up and down the floor in addition to solid 3-and-d play from Nicholas Hughes. But despite all that, this [program_tooltip program_id='3581271' first='Queens' last='Defenders'] also showed they can go on a run of their own. They forced tough shots and created quick buckets in transition to keep it close in the opening frame. Eventually taking the lead in the games later stages led by unsigned senior [player_tooltip player_id='2706535' first='Myles' last='Miller'], who showcased a variety of skills in this matchup. The game remained close. eventually, Nicholas Hughes hit another contested 3-pointer to force overtime. then in in OT, it was NY select's turn to make a key play when a big man (#31, no name given) slammed home a big dunk to force double overtime! They eventually won the game 85-81</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='3581271' first='Queens' last='Defenders'] vs Team Ice 16u</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I closed out the morning covering [program_tooltip program_id='3581271' first='Queens' last='Defenders'] Dwayne and Team Ice 16u. It was a super defensive contest in the first half that saw Team Ice take an early advantage. Much of that thanks to the elite physicality and rebounding from 6'7" PF [player_tooltip player_id='3562515' first='Jaisier' last='Gray']. Who probably snagged at least twelve boards in the opening frame. This led them to a double-digit advantage in the first half. But [program_tooltip program_id='3581271' first='Queens' last='Defenders'] did not go away. 6'0" G [player_tooltip player_id='3592299' first='Declan' last='Loeser'] got things going with a floater. Followed by Alexander Omorjan burying a contested corner 3. The full-court trap proving to be very beneficial during this stage. Loeser later added a put-back finish to make it a five point contest. But a pair of late free throws from Team Ice secured a 37-34 victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lightning 15u Nudge Dominates</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the early afternoon I covered [program_tooltip program_id='3581271' first='Queens' last='Defenders'] 15u Kyle facing Lightning 15u. Lightning had the lightning start early on and didn't look as they completely frustrated Queens with their on-ball defense. Probably facing six turnovers in the first few minutes and creating tons of buckets on the other end. They have a crew of quick guards that are very confident shooters and can get out and runoff the open floor. This helped them get off to a 22-2 start. I did not have rosters for this squad. But the biggest standout was #34. He was a quick, crafty guard that loved to create his own shot. He really got out fast in transition which led to B2B and-one conversions later in this contest. [program_tooltip program_id='3581271' first='Queens' last='Defenders'] went on a little run to begin the second half led by a couple 3-pointers from [player_tooltip player_id='3594288' first='William' last='Barberan'], but it wouldn't be enough to make it a competitive contest late. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A Look at Syosset Braves 14u</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Syosset Braves 14u was a team I got to watch closely Saturday afternoon. While they've yet to play at the high school stage, they did show plenty of promise. 5'6" G Levi Proctor is lengthy and can grow quite a bit more. He facilitated several key buckets in the early going and made great reads defensively. Also showing excellent hustle. Later in the contest, he had a really strong chase down block. Antonio Castagna also showed great physicality as a forward with good footwork and body control. Utilized the pump-fake really well at times while being a highly effective rebounder. Jake Belkin was an excellent on-ball defender that helped force numerous turnovers in this matchup and a handful of fast-break points. Everyone was involved and it was really exciting to watch them this afternoon in what was a dominant win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->