In an absolute thriller, with some serious, serious talent on the Rancho High floor, the Mass Rivals 17s dropped their championship round opener, 88-86.
The teams flew up and down the floor with both point guards shining. Jordan LaGuerre of the Rivals tackled NJ Playaz Isaiah Epps, who is the real deal folks, and it was an up and down war. Both teams were in the 50s at halftime, and only some stall tactics by the Jersey boys in the final five minutes kept these clubs in double digits.
Danny Manning, Jim Boeheim and a host of others watched closely as Carson Desrosiers did his work.
Carson had about 17, with probably 10 rebounds, 5 assists and three or four blocks. The kid was the only Rival able to dissect an absolutely sizzling Playaz press. Great stuff, even in the loss.
Good news for the Granite State Jayhawks 17s, who beat the HP elite of Shreveport, Indiana by about 10.
Ben Bartoldus had easily his best game of the tourney, with 24 at halftime and well over 30 for the night.
Big Ben Proulx provided some serious muscle off the bench.
The Jayhawks 16s also earned their first win, by 10.
Both Jayhawks teams, now done with pool play, head to single-elimination on Saturday.
I’ll try to update the Rivals two younger teams, but for now, it’s off to dinner.
