Injuries are part of any athletic competition but it's a further testament to the NCAA's mindless cramming of events into period in July where prospects can play as many as 25-30 high level games in the stretch of only 15 days. It takes a tremendous toll on these kids bodies. There is no question that this one of MANY reasons that the NCAA seriously needs to reconsider having two live weekends in April, followed by events that would be spread out a little more come summer time. I need to take the time to editorialize further about this after July ends.
The updates and recuriting tidbits from the GASO are as follows:
Texas D1 Ambassadors-San Antonio 68 Latino Select 56 (TX)
After going 2-1 in a super pool with lopsided wins over the Dallas Mustangs-Booker and the Oregon 1 Ambassadors, the San Antonio squad ran into a first round buzz saw in the Latino Select a group of kids from the El Paso area, most of which are Mexican Nationals. They were a tough opponent who had quickness, size and savvy. The first half was all Latino Select as they jumpd to a 40-25 half time lead. Their shots were falling and they were getting to the basket. The second half was a different story as Texas D1 tightened the screws defensively and put on a complete basketball show. Outscoring their opponents by 43-16 in the second half, they cruised to the win.
Texas D1 had four players in double figures; 2012 G Uche Ofoegbu (18), 2012 F Connor Lammert (13), 2012 W Jeffrey Rodewald (13) and 2012 G Matt Gramling (11). 2012 G Carter Josephs took care of the basketball and dropped 5 dimes.
Texas D1 Ambassadors 50 Fort Worth FIRM 45
Texas D1 led comfortably all game but could not shake a determined FIRM squad until the last couple of minutes. Once again, scoring was balanced as Gramling had 14, Ofoegbu had 11, Lammert had 10 and Rodewald added 8.
2012 G Matt Gramling is seeing his recruiting stock soar. An unfortunate groin injury may keep him out until Las Vegas on July 22nd
With the score 44-43 midway though the second half, Texas D1 wilted as they had no depth left and only 6 healthy players. They lost to a deeper team. All respect goes to the Texas Assault who went on to a championship later in the day. Connor Lammert and Uche Ofoegbu had 15 a piece while Jeffrey Rodewald added 13 in the loss.
Texas D1 Ambassadors-Austin 57 Full Court Athletes Texas Eagles 47
The Austin edition of the D1 Ambassadors is not as deep as past seasons but the 7 players on the roster get after it everytime out. Their only loss in pool play was a nail biter. Bracket play began with a win over Full Court Athletes Texas Eagles 57-47. 2012 W 6'6" Allex Austin dropped 22 in the victory.
2012 G Michael Hardge of Georgetown sliced and diced his way to a game high 25 points
The D1 Ambassadors bowed out in the second round of bracket play as a nip and tuck one point game was decided by 4 successive DEEP three pointers by 2012 G Jelon Hornbeak in the first 5 minutes of the second half were the key factor. 2012 G Michael Hardge of Georgetown had 25 points (18 of them in the first half) to keep the contest close.
Danny Granger Hurricane (NM) 57 Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston 55
The most disappointing loss of the tournament for the D1 Nation occurred in bracket play as the first place team out of one pool played the 4th plce team out of the other. The New Mexico kids played harder and were more disciplined in snagging the win over the talented Houston bunch which has 10 future Division One players on it's roster. Danny Granger was led by 2013 G Cullen Neal who had 23 points in the victory. Neal, the son of former Toronto Raptors Coach and current New Mexico Assistant is going to be a heck of a player. He's got great court vision and loves to take (and make) the clutch shot. 2012 Aly Mohamed of Houston Trent International had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the loss for Texas D1.
2012 6'9" Aly Mohamed shows toughness and skillful passing for a big man
So many college coaches wanted to see more of the Texas D1-Houston team that an exhibition game was arranged between Dallas Showtyme Elite and the Ambassadors. Showtyme made a late push in regulation to tie the score then got the best of it in overtime. 2012 G Chase Brogna of Houston St. Thomas had a hge game with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
2012 Chase Brogna had a huge game vs Dallas Showtyme Elite with 20, 6 assists and 6 boards
