Triple Threat Triple S Final Results
Ron Bailey, Publisher
(Page 2)
16 and Under Final
DC Triple Threat 57 BRYC Tarheels (VA) 40
“Our whole planned goal was to establish an identity, to create a family atmosphere” said DC Triple Threat’s 16 and under coach, Kenny Johnson after his team’s convincing win over the BRYC Tarheels (VA). That modus operandi looks to be solid team play, an up and down style, and relentlessness.
Leading 29-26 at halftime via a late three pointer by sophomore guard Tim Snyder (10 points) – one made possible by a time clock snafu – Triple Threat went on an impressive 19-7 run to start the stanza, ending with sophomore guard Vic Olidipo’s (9 points), incredible one step dunk that left on-lookers shocked.
Kenny Johnson (second from left, back row) on preparing for this event and the upcoming season: "We had training camp the prvious week - five practices in three days. We stayed in a hotel and really bonded".
Olidipo, who was named the game’s MVP had turned heads all tourney long, commented “I just wanted to finish as aggressively as I could, to show my skills” when asked about that particular play. On being named MVP, the mature-acting Olidipo didn’t think individually, noting “I just thank my teammates because without them I wouldn’t have done it”.
Johnson was not surprised. “He’s one of our most talented players” said the coach, who actually goes against Vic during the WCAC’s high school season (he coaches for Paul VI while Olidipo attends DeMatha). “He always works hard, and is very coachable…I’d put him up against anybody”.
The Tarheels got 16 points from sophomore Max Lenox
– a player that seemingly can get to the cup on anyone – and
15 from sweet shooting sophomore Collin Frazer. Both
were deserving of all-tournament honors.
15 and Under Final
Triple Threat 52 Hoop Magic 43
Hoop Magic battled until the end, though ultimately couldn’t compensate for the exploits of sophomore guard/forward Hugh Robert (25 points), who functioned as his Triple Threat’s primary scorer and ball handler, particularly down the stretch.
“I feel like I played pretty well” said the soft-spoken, multi-skilled performer. “The team came back from a lot of deficits (over the weekend)”.
Triple Threat's champion 15 and under squad. .
“He’s a special package” said the team’s coach, Artie Jones, of Robert. “He’s the kind of guy that can do everything…In a one-on-one situation, I like my chances with Hugh”.
Leading Hoop Magic was pivot man John Manning and guard Nik Brown, both of whom dropped 10 points. Adding to the team’s performance, which was marked by a never say die attitude, was swingman John Schoof’s (8 points) all around play, and guard Devin Ballam (7 points), who penetrated, passed and defended. All of these players are freshman.
Jones likes what he witnessed in Triple Threat, but sees room for improvement: “Being its our first tournament together, I’m satisfied with the effort. But we have to shoot better free throws (the team missed double digit charity stripe attempts in both the semifinal and final rounds)”.
Rest assured, the organization will address that going forward.
Cahli Thomas (5 points) a playmaking scorer, must also be noted, as he made a number of non-scoring plays down the stretch for Triple Threat.