The country's classiest event, the Desert Duel Memorial kicked off today in Gilbert, AZ. The Texas D1 Ambassadors have been fortunate to have been invite all four years to take part in this 32 team event which is hosted as a charitable event to the memory of Tom Crawford. This year the Houston squad is representing the D1 Nation, amongst the country's best teams.
Seattle Rotary Select (WA) 65 Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston 57
After fatiguing 5 days events in Las Vegas and Orlando there isn't a player in the country who isn't plumb tired in the latter part of July. Seattle Rotary kept a 3-10 point lead for the majority of the game winning by 8. 2012 Aly Mohamed of Houston Trent International is one of the few guys left with a lot of gas in his tank. He pounded the boards and bullied his way to the free throw line as he led all scorers with 17 points. 2012 Devon Turk had 11 points in support.
2012 Aly Mohamed is a workhorse on the boards and possesses great moves down low
Texas D1 Ambassadors 70 Team Loaded (VA) 67 Overtime
The third time was the charm for Texas D1 as they got the best of Team Loaded (VA) in overtime. Their two previous encounters (Myrtle Beach, SC and Las Vegas Fab 48) ended with North Carolina State commit Tyler Lewis leaving his team to the wins. Tonight was different as Texas D1 fought back from 11 down with 4 minutes left to send it into overtime where they got clutch free throw shooting and a big bucket from 2013 W Parker Callender of Houston Clear Creek. Callender has been offered by Colorado State and is now piquing the interet of Depaul. He finished with 15 points in the win.
2013 Parker Callender came up big in overtime
2012 Aly Mohamed gave another excellent effort, finishing with 14 and 7 rebounds. It was 2012 Alex Caruso's energy and leadership that led the way in the second half as there were times he took the game over, finishing with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. 2012 Maurice Letcher-Ellis of Houston Yates had 6 points and 11 rebounds.
2012 Alex Caruso had his bes game in July by far as he comes off a severe ankle injury
