EVENT UPDATES

USJN - Gateway Challange - St. Louis, MO This tournament was a good introduction to summer basketball going 2 and 2. Our first game ended with our first win against MBBC Storm who had a very athletic post and some quick guards. The second game against MO Valley Eclipse showed us just how much more we had to work on defensively in order to compete at this level. Our third game against a familiar Swish Blue gave us a close win against a team that never gives up. Making it to the semi-finals against the Swish Orange, we struggled against their spread offense and tight defense and knew we had work to do.

USJN - Mid America Challange - Bloomington, IL Facing some tough competition we started off strong but couldn't manage to get a win. Against the Xcitement we tried new options defensively and had some good leads but ended up losing in overtime. The Wolverines were a good match up for us but hit some 3's to take and maintain the lead. ISSA Lady Elite and the Evolution were both very good and deep teams that proved once again that we needed to work on our defense.

AYBT - Bloomington #2 - Bloomington, IL This event gave us some experience working on our plays and defenses against some local competitive teams. Playing shorthanded against Check Game we out lasted them and stuck to our game plan to get a satisfying win. A younger Xplosion team gave us some trouble early but using our size we were able to post another solid win. Offensively we struggled against the Inferno with turnovers and shooting along with foul trouble on defense. Our shooting problems continued against PGSL ending with another loss but disappeared against a younger McLean Co Cougars team for a win.

USJN - Premier Invitational Midwest - Cincinnati, OH Playing in the U13/14 division at this tough tournament proved to be quite challenging but great learning experience. Initially beating the Toledo Elite in very close game gave us some positive momentum for the next two days. Playing a very well rounded East TN Pride team we were able to hang with them most of the game but were eventually out muscled. There were very few bright spots playing against an athletic and well coached WI Playground team. The IL Hustle also outpaced us early in the game and we struggled to keep it close. Our last game was against the OH MBA where our defense was able to keep it within reach until their press became to much to handle.

AYBT - Nationals - Bloomington, IL The initial three days we decided to play up an age group hoping to play better competition. Our first game against Lee's Sports found us struggling to score again but we came through against Check Game again and soundly defeating them. The next day was a rematch against the Clinton Inferno and this time teamwork and ball movement payed off with a win. Using our momentum we outplayed a 10th grade Chicago Style game with solid zone defense and patient offense. Another rematch against the Xplosion gave us another win going into the bracketing only to lose against the PGSL again and going home empty handed.

Wildcat National Summer Classic - Rockford, IL This tournament found us playing against some unknown teams from north. The first of five pool games brought us GSBS and quick win. Our next opponent the War Hawks came down to the wire and us losing by some free throws. The following day matched us up with the eventual 2nd place team the Purple Aces who were quick up and down the court and never relinquished the early lead. Some needed outside scoring helped us beat the Rockford Wildcats next followed by a tight game against the Livingston Sting with us coming out on top to secure our spot in the Division 1 bracket. Playing an excellent outside shooting team the Sparks first found us scoring more than normal but trailing slightly until the very end beating them by one free throw. Up next was an extremely quick trapping team Old Gold but we were able to withstand the pressure and use our size and zone defense to move on to the final four. The ABC Knights stopped us from moving on by utilizing an effective trap press and other weapons. Playing for 3rd place we faced a balanced Lady Shooters team and after a long hard weekend the girls earned a trophy for their work. Overall we ended with 16 wins and 17 losses but a lot of experience was gained playing some great teams from across the mid-west. Great season team and good luck in high school!