DC Pro Am Championship Day Recap
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Leroy F. Horn Championship Game
NJ Playaz 82 MD Madness 78
The NJ Playaz, coached by the young and talented Mark Wright, jumped out to a 17 point first quarter lead, which he felt was “very important, as it gave us some type of stability”. Fueling the Playaz' desire for victory was an earlier loss to Maryland Madness. “I have to give credit to the team (Playaz), because we loss to this team in the Southern (Invitational). So we had a chip on our soldier…I didn’t have to say much before the game”.
By the 7:03 mark of the third period, Madness trimmed their deficit to six, in large part due to the exploits of Evan Baker (18 points), Jeremiah Bowman (17 points), and Jerai Grant (14 points). Grant, who arrived at the start of the second quarter (the young man had just completed the grueling NBA Players Association camp in Richmond, VA Saturday), provided interior offense and defense. Both Baker and Bowman pushed the ball in the open court while also attacking the Playaz’ packed-in 2-3 zone by penetrating and passing to open teammates in the middle, who would at times hit an open teammate in the short corner.
With the score standing as a 46-40 Playaz advantage, Chris Smith (22 points) took over. Over the next three minutes of the third period, this longtime Playaz performer scored 12 of his team’s 17 points, which included lay ups, free throws, and a three ball. His coach, Wright, when asked about Smith’s contribution, simply stated “That’s what he usually does”.
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Chris Smith (left)and Rashad Bishop (right) distinguished themselves during the championship game
Not to be undone, Madness’ Garvey Young (15 points) scored seven quick points, and even helped bring his team to within one early in the fourth quarter with a three pointer. The Playaz’ Rashad Bishop (17 points) answered with an alley-oop and layup, which in part allowed his team to hold on for the victory.
Wright conceded after the contest “They kept coming back, and set up in a zone which really slowed us down”. Nonetheless, he was confident in his team’s ability to “come down and get a basket”. Wright also cited his squad’s rebounding focus, as a key to victory.
Buck Williams, Madness’ coach, offered some self-criticism, and praised his opponents. At times he had four non-starters in the game as he “was trying to get other guys in, to make people a little hungry by sitting them down for a minute”. Additionally, he opined “It’s unfortunate we didn’t get off to a better start”.
Buck Williams, after receiving the BET Pro-Am's 2nd place trophy.
“We almost pulled it off” Williams said. “That was a good team we were playing, and they played hard. The pretty much shot the ball real well today…They really came to play today”.
Williams was pleased with his team’s effort, stating “I know my squad. They are always going to battle”.
And battle they did. For the summer, that’s Playaz 1, Maryland Madness 1. Hopefully, the rubber-match will occur in the near future.
Notes:
The championship game was dedicated to Leroy Horn, a long time Grumman employee who was instrumental in the Pro-Am securing funding since the event’s inception, from his employer. Mr. Horne recently passed away from terminal cancer. His wife, a Los Angeles, CA resident, was present (and is above), and participated in trophy dispensation.
Participant Team’s Geographic bases-
BABC (Boston Amateur Basketball Club) – Boston
Baltimore Select – Baltimore
Boo Williams – Tidewater, VA
Cecil Kirk –Baltimore, MD
DC Assault – DC area
GC Ballers – Buffalo/Western New York
Maryland Madness – DC area
New Jersey Playaz – New Jersey
All Tourney Team-
Jamar Young, Jeremiah Bowman, Evan Baker, Mrs. Leroy Horn (presenter), Chris Smith, and Jordan Costner