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Texas D-1 Ambassadors 75 Houston Franchize-The Life 73 (Desert Duel Exhibition)
Losing close games can be a real frustration, but winning close ones runs the other end of the emotional scale. Down 73-70 with 12 seconds remaining, 2011 W Jalen Washington of Pflugerville Hendrickson hit a driving layup to cut the score to one. Timeout was called and with 2 seconds on the clock, the inbounds pass was stolen at center court by 2011 PG Josiah Monroe of Bastrop. Monroe, who defends as hard as anybody launched his three pointer from 45 feet and found nothing but net as the buzzer sounded.
2011 WG Jonathan Perry had perhaps his best game of the summer as he scored 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 assists. He threw in a couple of blocks for good measure and countless hustle plays that just don't show up in the box scores. 2011 Max Yon of San Antonio Reagan brought his boundless energy to the gym as always and today his shots fell as he had 13 points, impressing SMU Head Coach Matt Doherty as he watched.
2011 W Jalen Washington has turned it up a notch in this event as once again his work on the boards was instrumental in the win. He also chipped in with 10 points. 2011 combo guard Dylan Cox of Cedar Park tossed in 9.
2011 WG Joanathan Perry (left) and 2011 W Jalen Washington both had strong summers.
Illinois Wolves 65 Texas D-1 Ambassadors 60 (Desert Duel)
Any time you face one of Mike Mullin's Illinois Wolves teams you knwo you're in for a battle as he typically has a roster of the Chicago area's best suburban players. This one was back and forth all the way & wasn;t decided until with 10 seconds left, the Wolves iced it with free throws.
2011 WG Jonathan Perry of Kerrville Tivy/Fork Union (VA) led the way with 13 points & Jalen Washington continued his inspired play by adding 7 points and a game high 10 boards.
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Texas D-1 Ambassadors 78 San Diego Magic 71 (Desert Invitational Semi Final)
The San Diego Magic came out slinging three pointers in the first half, for a double digit early lead but when the smoke cleared the Texas D-1 Ambassadors had earned a hard fought 78-71 win. 2011 W Adam Whitlock dropped threes of his own to finish with 18 points, but the 2nd half comeback was keyed by 2012 G Paul Baxter of Austin Bowie as his inspired defense and aggressive moves to the basket were too much for the Magic players. Baxter finished with a game leading 20 points and 5 rebounds.
2011 P Ansley Benjamin had 8 points and 8 rebounds as he controlled the boards when he was in the game with his strength and work ethic.
2012 Paul Baxter (left) & 2011 Ansley Benjamin were a powerful duo
Minnesota Net Gain Sports (MN) 77 Texas D-1 Ambassadors 76 (Desert Duel)
In a game where neither team held more than a 5 point lead the Texas D-1 Ambassadors fell just short on a buzzer beating layup in overtime, falling 77-76 to Net Gain Sports (MN). 2011 PG Josiah Monroe played hard right to the final buzzer of the last "live" event in his summer career, tallying a team leading 17 points. Jake Kocher also had 13 points, Max Yon scored 11, and potent guard Deon Mitchell had 10.
2011 PG Josiah Monroe will be a great addition to a college team as he can score from the perimeter, fearlessly goes to the rack and defends with the best of them.
2011 PG Deon Mitchell of Pflugerville picked up an offer from Elite 8, Northern Iowa.
Texas D-1 Ambassadors 71 Compton Magic 63 (Desert Invitational Gold Championship)
After losing their first game of the tournament, the Texas D-1 Ambassadors ran the table and won the Gold Championship at the Desert Invitational. They downed the Compton Magic 71-63. Sharp shooting wing Adam Whitlock led all scorers with 14 points & 5 rebounds. 2011 P Ansley Benjamin of San Antonio Clark continued his hard work on the boards as he finished with 8 points and 12 rebounds, while 2013 Travon Landry scored 8 points and dished out 5 assists.
It's hard to believe that the 2010 NCAA "live" period has now come to a close for these players.
Adam Whitlock (left) should have an outstanding senior year at Austin St. Michael's while talented 2013 PG Travon Landry (right) will make his new home in Bryan forming a potent underclass backcourt with 2012 J. Mychal Reese.
