Triple Threat Triple S Final Results
Ron Bailey, Publisher
April 1, 2008 – Sunday brought closure to the first Triple Threat Triple S Super Spring Showcase, a boy’s grassroots basketball event held at Chantilly, VA’s Hoop Magic Sports Academy last weekend. Though Division I college coaches were barred from attending by NCAA guidelines, Division II and III program leaders were present in abundance, as were hoops heads from all perspectives.
DC Triple Threat’s founder and director, Keith Stevens, was pleased his organization partnered with Hoop Magic in holding the event, as afterward he noted “I think it was good for the first year”. From a competitive standpoint, DC Triple Threat did quite well, prevailing in two of the three Sunday finales.
Arize Ifejika, Hoop Magic’s Youth Events Director was pleased with the Triple Threat Triple S, stating “I felt it sent a message in the direction we are headed in. It was a nice mix of good competition and great exposure opportunities, not just of talent and skill but our building and ability to run high level events.
Following are recaps of the 15, 16, and 17 under championship games. For All-Star teams click here.
NCA, 17 under champs!
17 and Under Final
National Christian 71 Triple Threat 69
Immediately starting the second stanza, NCA’s junior frontcourt man, Dante Taylor (23 points) went to work, punishing the rims, getting to the foul line, and starting his team’s fast break with deft outlet passes. Keeping Triple Threat’s lead somewhat comfortable 55-48 margin were senior forward Dwayne Jackson (15 points) and junior guard Mo Creek (22 points), both of whom completed and-one plays.
"It's just we run alot of different defenses, because we don't scout teams. So we are used to making adjustments" said Brown (black) of his ability to make in-game changes, but also his player's ability to implement them.
At this point, the coaches stepped up. NCA’s Trevor Brown switched his defense to a 2-3 zone which upon his command morphed into a scramble trap designed to speed up the game, while Triple Threat’s Stevens countered the next time down by instructing his team to hold the ball near half court, thereby exposing what scheme Brown et al would employ. Nevertheless, with seven minutes to play, National was only down 57-53.
After a minute of spirited play, NCA enjoyed two long three pointers by Trevor Brown, Jr. (15 points) sandwiched around a Will Barton (18 points) stick back, knotting the score at 65.
Triple Threat immediately again held the ball, prompting NCA’s coach to good naturedly query whether his foes desired to play: Both he and Stevens go back years, having competed against one another not only on the grassroots circuit, but also when the latter coached at the Newport School (MD).
“I think they did a good job, he made some good adjustments” said Stevens of Brown, while NCA’s coach noted “We always go like that” of their chess match. “It’s always a good game. He’s built a pretty good program”.
Keith Stevens (center) on playing such an intense game against a good team early: "It was a really good game...That helps us out in the future".
That X’s and O’s contest continued after the three ball NCA’s Barton sank via Brown’s requested drive and quick attack, and Triple Threat’s similar shot executed by Creek, who due to Steven’s continuous coaching, recognized NCA’s change to a zone defense.
Tied at 65 with 3:15 to play, Brown again went to his bag of tricks, holding the ball for a minute and 38 seconds in an effort to pry Triple Threat from their successful zone defense; after play resumed, Taylor once again converted an and-one play, this time by a put back – further cementing his status as game MVP.
After once again switching defensive alignments, this time choosing a 3-2 zone, NCA was able to cause Triple Threat to adjust, thereby expending precious time off the clock. Junior guard Lasan Kromah (9 points) did get fouled with 9.5 seconds to go, hitting one of the charity stripe shots and trimming Triple Threat’s deficit to 71-69.
No points would be scored to close the game, as both teams were under the 10 foul, shooting minimum, though Triple Threat did get a long distance heave at the buzzer.
Who said coaching doesn’t exist in grassroots hoops?