Monday, December 7, 2009

Grand Finale 12U Championship Recap: F.A.C.E.S. Raise The Banner!

F.A.C.E.S. Win Grand Finale Title

Christian Ford and Ray Montilous scored 15 points apiece as F.A.C.E.S. defeated the Gauchos 57-54 in overtime to win the Basketball Spotlight Grand Finale 12U Championship. Shamorie Pond and Jared Rivers both dropped 18 points in the loss for the Gauchos.

Spotlight Players


RJ Cole Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Cole brought his game to the Grand Finale. In the finals he drained 3 treys including a near half court buzzer beater at intermission. This weekend he had his game clicking on all cylinders. The lefty has the knack of finishing off plays on the break.

Christian Ford Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ford had a tough time finishing in the beginning of the contest but he made up for it by hitting the glass and making some tough free throws down the stretch. In overtime his 3 point play the old fashioned way was huge.

Ray Montilous Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Ray attacked on the baseline and even pushed the rock the length of the floor on several occasions. His body control and ability to finish off plays was on full display. He’s developing his guard skills which will be important as he gets older.

Azzur Taylor Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Taylor gave the squad huge minutes with his hustle and aggressiveness on defense. He played the passing lanes and had cause a lot of havoc on the press.


Sa’eed Nelson Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- His shot wasn’t falling so Nelson made up for it by getting steals and pushing the rock in transition. He dropped off several assist to teammates cutting to the cup.


Jared Rivers Guard (Gauchos)- Rivers was a warrior all weekend. The strong guard used his ball handling and strength to get to the cup. He has an array of moves and the ability to score well in traffic. Jared had a huge weekend.

Shamorie Ponds Guard (Gauchos)- Ponds started out quiet in the finals then nailed several treys to put The Choz back into the game. You know his stroke is pure and once the rock is in his hands his first step is quick as lightning.

Khalid Muhammad Guard (Gauchos)- This point guard caught my eye this weekend. He isn’t flashy but he has a nice floater and knows how to get teammates involved. We will watch his progress.


Jeff Hayden Forward (Gauchos)- I like this kid’s soft touch around the basket and he even will step out for a short set shot. The Gauchos will need Hayden to contribute more if they want to continue their success this weekend.

Stay Tune Inside The Grand Finale 12 and Under Including the All Tournament Team.