The Phoenix 5th grade boys basketball team, in a must-win semi-final game, held off Premier Hoops Development in overtime to advance to the Championship Final of the "Hoops Madness" tournament held at Insports in Trumbull and the Newtown Youth Academy over the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd.
Phoenix played nearly flawless basketball in the first half, committing only two turnovers and outscoring PHD by a score of 19-13.
The second half was a bit messy. Phoenix turned-over the ball 10 times which allowed PHD to outscore Phoenix 26-20 and send the game into overtime with a score of 39-39.
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Phoenix only managed one field goal in the overtime, but it was enough. Tristan Joseph got an inbounds pass and drove between defenders along the baseline for a twisting, turning, gyrating, reverse layup that banked high off the glass.
(Video of the winning shot -- http://youtu.be/30FafIexBgU)
PHD had a chance to tie it up with a trip to the free throw line, but was only able to connect for one point.
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It was Phoenix's best effort of the season and avenged a loss to PHD earlier in the fall season.
Tristan Joseph led Phoenix with 19 points, including a 3-pointer. He also had 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and a blocked shot.
Derric Andrews scored 12 points along with 3 rebounds, 2 steals, an assist and tipped a couple of balls that led to Phoenix possessions.
(Video of Derric scoring -- http://youtu.be/r4VWLnaJVqg)
Callum McNear, leading candidate for rookie of the year, scored 4 points, had an assist and 2 steals.
Zarek Swetye put up 4 points along with a rebound.
Logan Troeger helped Phoenix with 2 points, 5 rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Jack Buckner was a "hot-off-the-bench" 6th man and fired up his team 3 quick steals, one of which resulted in him burying a field goal on a turnaround jump shot.
(video of the turnaround jumper -- http://youtu.be/VpiaMFPiSiI)
Ryan Howard handled the ball very well and put up 2 points.
Evan DeVita grabbed 3 defensive rebounds and got a steal.
Gavin Connolly, an outstanding 4th grade player, helped by grabbing 2 rebounds and a steal. He also deflected a PHD pass which resulted in a Phoenix possession.
Phoenix would get a few hours rest and then play in the Championship Final against CT Elite.
To be continued....
