Phoenix 5th Grade Boys, a team of all-star players from lower Fairfield County communities, played in their first tournament of the basketball season, "The Battle on the Hardwood", over the course of the weekend in Trumbull at Insports .
Phoenix played very well -- despite losing two games on Sunday by a combined 3 points. This was an outstanding effort given that half the players on the roster are new to Phoenix. Phoenix went into the tournament without the benefit of even one team practice, unlike the teams they faced who practice year-round. Phoenix learned their offense and defense by email correspondence!
The first game on Sunday was a nail-biter. Phoenix ended up on the short end of a 33 to 31 effort against the eventual tournament runner-up -- Premier Hoops Development.
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Evan DeVita of Darien was impressive. He led Phoenix with 9 points and 12 rebounds.
Gavin Bramwitt of New Canaan connected on 3 field goals for 6 points and a couple of assists.
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Logan Troeger of Darien contributed 4 points, 5 rebounds and a steal.
Casey Whittaker of New Canaan added 4 points, 3 rebounds, a steal and an assist.
Derric Andrews of Stamford made a spectacular drive late in the game for 2 points and was 3 for 4 from the charity stripe. He also had 4 rebounds and a steal.
Zander Colman, power forward from Weston, made a big move late in the game to connect on a field goal. He also blocked 3 shots, pulled in 3 rebounds and had a steal.
Zarek Swetye of Darien added a foul shot, 4 rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Blake Whittaker of New Canaan hauled in 3 rebounds, had an assist and 2 steals.
Gavin Connolly of Darien played up a division, but handled himself well and proved he can play at the higher level. He had a steal and tipped a PHD pass while on defense which helped give Phoenix a possession.
Ryan Howard of Darien pulled in 5 rebounds in his seasonal debut. His height, speed and athleticism helped him force PHD to make several turnovers.
Dougie Brown of Darien grabbed 3 key offensive rebounds and blocked a shot. He was fearless and immovable under the hoop.
Phoenix lost their second game on Sunday to Connecticut Elite - Tyson by just one point!
Tristan Joseph of Norwalk contributed several field goals, rebounds and steals and handled the ball exceptionally well against a tough CT Elite team.
Teddy Brennan, Ben Secor, Sam Hadlow and Ethan Fox played in the first game on Saturday against the eventual tourney champs, CT Elite-Morris.
Phoenix's next tournament is November 2-3 in Trumbull -- the "Hoops Dreams Invitational 2013".
