In the most thrilling game of the early boys basketball season, the 7th grade boys forced overtime against a team that won the championship last year, but fell short 45-39 in overtime in the final round of the CYO Preseason Tournament.
The team got an unexpected shot in the arm from rookie Christian, a 7th grader from DeMarillac, who tied for the game high with 12 points.
Having never played a game before last Sunday, Christian has slowly acclimated himself to the game of basketball and his breakout game came in the 7th grade's latest game.
He was able to utilize his best two strengths, size and speed, which helped him lead a furious second half comeback.
On the boards, he was able to pick up points by the basket, and his long arms were able to get him several steals that led to fast breaks.
With the 7th grade trailing 29-27 early in the fourth, Christian was able to chase down a rebound with his long arms, and take it coast to coast to tie the game with a lay-up.
Then again, with less than 30 seconds left in the game and the 7th grade down 36-34, Justin found Christian in the paint who then turned around and scooped a shot into the basket. That shot tied the game once again and forced overtime.
The game might not have even gone to overtime if the 7th grade would've shot better from the free throw line. They missed their first 13 chances from the line and went an atrocious 20% (4-for-20) for the game.
There was also a lane violation early in the game that cost the boys a point.
Daniel actually got to a rebound with about five seconds to go in the game, threw an outlet down court to Christian, whose desperate heave from just inside the three-point arc fell short.
In the extra quarter, the other team took advantage of a tired squad, that did everything they could to get back into the game, and closed out the 7th grade boys.
It was a bad start for the team, as they were a step slow on defense. They dug themselves an early hole and trailed by as much as 12 before halftime.
The comeback came in the second half as they were able to get some good secondary scoring from the Brandons. Brandon Khuu had two nice mid-range jump shots in the third and Brandon Tom, who was celebrating his 12th birthday, chipped in with 5 points.
It's going to take a team effort for the 7th grade to get back to the playoffs for a third straight year this season, as they will have a healthy 8 players to start the season.
Both Justin and Daniel have developed their games, as they both now not only have the ability to score, but they both have been really good passing the ball to open teammates. The last two games of the tournament were prime examples of that.
Despite only scoring 6 points, Daniel was able to set up many good looks for his teammates.
This game was a definite positive going into the season as they were able to go toe to toe with a really solid team. Barring some missed lay-ups and the aforementioned mistakes, they could've pulled off an upset.
It's going to be some fun basketball to watch this year as the 7th graders have shown their ability to score. They averaged 42.5 points in their last two games.
8th grade salvages final game
Both 8th grade teams combined to play in the final game of the tournament, and they were able to come away with a win.
The St. Mary's 8th grade team was able to keep pace in the first two quarters and trailed only 6-4 at halftime.
From there the DeMarillac 8th graders, representing St. Mary's took charge, and ran away with the game.
In the end, it was a 29-8 win.
Moises, a 7th grader playing with the 8th grade St. Mary's team scored 4 points in the first half, including a buzzer beating shot late in the first quarter.
Kenny, a new player for St. Mary's made his debut and was able to get some tough rebounds by the basket. Unfortunately, he was unable to put them back in for points.
On the DeMarillac side, Julio and Pablo led the way. Their athleticism helped them on many fast breaks and they were both able to cash in on the easy lay-ups in the second half. Pablo had a game high 10 points, Julio had 8 points.
John Jett scored 4 points and Anthony added 3 for the 8th grade DM team.
6th grade drops last two tourney games
After a blazing start in game one of the tournament, the defending champion 6th grade boys have lost their last two games.
Today's contest was much closer than their game Wednesday night but they both yielded the same result.
Raymond's team high 9 points was not enough as the 6th graders fell 18-13 in a hard fought and physical game.
Many of the players on the team came away bruised and battered against a very rough and rugged team. Several of the players left the game battered and bruised, but none of the bumps and scrapes appear to be serious.
Sometimes a game like this could toughen up a team like the 6th grade who are going to face some stiff competition this season.
Being able to endure games against teams who may be a little more physical than others will help them out as the season progresses.
Jason Ng and Joseph both scored two points in the loss. They had several good looks by the basket but their coach Justin Khuu said that they were unable to convert on them.
Rebounds lacking for the 5th grade
The 5th grade is going to be able to put up points, but are they going to be able to stop them.
In today's 28-23 loss, they were outrebounded decisively for the second straight game. For them to bring their game to the next level, they are going to have to play tougher inside.
The other team jumped on all the loose balls by the basket, and the lack of boxing out by the 5th grade. Their second chance points were the story of the game. For whatever reason, the 5th grade has trouble getting rebounds.
They are not that small of a team as Jason H. and newcomer Jason L. both are good sized 5th graders. But rebounding is not all about size, as a lot of it is having inside position. Today, they didn't.
Offensively, Ryan scored his first two points of the year on a jumper in the fourth quarter and Jason L. scored his first points of the year with an And-1 in the fourth.
3rd grade concludes tourney with a 3 spot
The 3rd grade wrapped up the first three games in their career with a 10-3 loss Saturday morning.
Brendan scored 2 points and Nathan had a point in the loss.
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