13U Loudoun Xpress Spring League Champion
Semi-Finals vs. Loudoun Express
After a delay to the start time, the Cavs came in anxious to play. They had to be ready to play because they faced intense full-court pressure from the opening tip amid a frantic pace. Joseph Lampman hit a couple big threes early to keep the score even and Alex Barakat persisted through a lack of foul calls and provided his usual scoring to pull the Cavs within 2 at the break.
Loudoun Express, with the help of the twin towers and good shooting by their guards fueled Express to take an early lead in the second half. The Cavs slowly learned how to beat the press and got some big inside buckets by Jason Gerber to bring the game even and a sweet assist by Aria to Bobby for a big bucket. Anish provided some great defense to help the Cavs keep pace. Graham Bell had his best game of the spring league with a couple huge 3s from the corner and some aggressive drives that were finished off with free throws. Clutch free throws from Tommy, Graham, Bobby and Alex turned out to be the difference in the game for the Cavs, earning a hard fought 5 point win.
Championship vs. D1Spartans
The Cavs came into the game with their 35 point loss to the Spartans early in the season still fresh in their memory. Despite their eagerness to avenge that loss they were worn out from their semifinal game and stumbled into halftime down 11-14. The Cavs began the second half with the same lack of energy and looked lost on offense allowing the Spartans to take control with a 13 point lead with 8 minutes to go. However, when all seems lost the Nova Cavs have proven all season long that they never give up and always believe in themselves.
NOVA went to a diamond press which forced some turnovers and some big inside buckets by Alex to get the momentum going. Bobby then hit a huge 3 at the top of the key, Sean hit a huge left hand runner, Tommy came up with an athletic steal at half court and a huge And 1 layup to help bring the Cavs back. Joseph Lampman hit a clutch 3 as he’s done all season to give the Cavs a 1 point lead and their first lead of the game. Alex finished off the game with multiple layups to bring the championship home to the Nova Cavaliers.
The Nova Cavs couldn’t have ended the Spring League season on a better note: Avenging their early-season 35 point loss against the D1Spartans with their best in-game run of the season in a dramatic come from behind victory. The Cavs completely embraced Coach’s mantra of “Get Better Everyday” and consistently proved they have the heart and determination to consistently improve and win close games.