Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest Recap
17U NOVA Cavs-Lin Team Picture after finishing 3-1 at the Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest at Spooky Nook Complex in Manheim, PA
Manheim, PA – Four of the NOVA Cavs were in action this past weekend at Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest at Spooky Nook Complex in Pennsylvania – a record for the most Cavalier teams participating in a Summer Jam Fest event. The 13U, 16U-Corish, 17U-O’Donnell and 17U-Lin all participated in the biggest AAU event in the east coast for the July weekend. Overall, it was a strong showing for the entire Cavaliers organization.
The 13U/7th Cavaliers, led by the dynamic trio of Drew Rowson, Simon Weeren and Clyde Volker, competed hard throughout the weekend and went 1-2 in the Jam Fest. In the opening game of pool-play, NOVA dropped a tough decision to Team Vaughn from Canada despite taking an initial 10-7 lead at the start. This talented team ended up winning the entire event in a 10 teams field. Cavaliers then lost to Pitt Caveman in a physical battle, before winning their last game of the season against Philly Edge in an entertaining game. 13U Cavs finished the season 27-12 in 11 tournaments, which is incredible for an team with only 6 players in the entire roster. Congratulation on a fabulous 2015 season 13U Cavs!
For the 16U-Corish NOVA Cavs team, the injuries took it’s toll on as they were left with only seven players available for the Spooky Nook event. Coach Corish’s team though fought valiantly the entire weekend, losing three contests by the average margin of less than 6 points per game. 16U-Corish still finished the season as one of the most impressive teams in the entire organization, with four tournament titles in the entire season, which leads all Cavalier teams.
17U-O’Donnell went 1-2 on the weekend with opening round loss to HC Elite-White, then a come-from-behind victory over Cats AAU (PA), before bowing out in a narrowing 2 points loss to Radiant Suns (NJ). Jelani Murray and Mikey Briody provided solid performances all weekend long, while Chase Barrand and Eric Mintz shot lights out from the 3pt line. O’Donnell’s group finished the season on a good note, as they competed hard throughout the entire July live period without anyone above 6’2. This feisty bunch represented the program well and we wish all the rising seniors the best in their HS season!
Images from 17U-Lin NOVA Cavs game vs. Jersey Shore Warriors Gold at Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest
NOVA Cavs 17U-Lin had another strong weekend with a combined 3-1 record at the Jam Fest. Cavaliers faced Mid-County Basketball Club again in a rematch during their first round of bracket play. Despite trailing 14-4 at the start and most of the way throughout the entire second half, the Cavs prevailed with a 54-51 win behind Jamel Howard’s (Tuscarora HS) 13 points and Seamus Maloney (WT Woodson HS) with 10 points. Danny Krug (Robinson SS) made the game-winning basket with under a minute left over a out-stretched 6’4 forward to help secure the victory for the Cavs.
In the second round of bracket play, the Cavs faced Jersey Shore Warriors Gold from Pennsylvania, which had seven players with plethora of Division I offers on the roster. With more than 40 college coaches in the stand, NOVA played hard but was out-classed by the talented team. Langley’s Nate Shafer had a strong outing and demonstrated his shot-blocking prowess. The Cavs eventually succumb to the Warrios by the final score 60-42.
Cavaliers then faced SMD All-Stars in a rematch from 2 months ago, where they lost by over 20 points in a blowout defeat to the Southern Maryland team. NOVA won 56-41 in a convincing manner behind Maloney and Tavon Tarpley (Langley HS) with 12 points each. In the tournament finale, the Cavs defeated Philly Ballhawks 51-48 to complete the Jam Fest 3-1. 17U-Lin’s group is now 8-1 in the July live period and will be seeking their 100th victory as a group in Las Vegas FAB 48 event this upcoming weekend.
Go Cavs!