MN Select DeKok vs DC Triple Threat in Vegas

In Las Vegas, MN Select DeKok with a nice showing at 4-0. Now they meet up with a very good DC Triple Threat team. This DC team has the 2nd leading scorer in the tournament, shooting guard Maurice Creek (#97 Scout, committed to Indiana) and big guy Chris Braswell (#84 Rivals) along with Virginia Tech recruit Erick Green. Roy Williams and John Thompson III on hand to watch. MN Select DeKok was the #8 seed at the state AAU tournament. Total mismatch on paper.

Nice move by Select to go with a 2-3 zone as they were clearly out-manned talent wise. They did a great job of hustling in the 1st half along with sloppy play by DC. Top it off with a Chris Neumann 3 and a Justin Segal FT and its 27-18 Select inside of 7 minutes. Braswell has been sitting but now he comes into the game and it all changes. DC goes to a trap and Braswell and company are all over the glass taking advantage of their size. Creek has a steal for a dunk to end a 18-5 DC run that gives them a 36-32 lead with 2:48 to play in the half. But Select stays tough and Neumann gets a late bucket to send the game to the break all square at 43. Creek with 4 triples and the dunk for 14 1st half points. Neumann with 14 for Select.

Select gets the 1st bucket of the half, but turnovers lead to quick transition points for DC and they use that to lead 51-45 with 14 minutes left. But fouls take a toll on DC and Select is in the bonus just inside of 10 minutes. Select claws back and uses a Ben Gervais 3 to take a 56-55 lead and then a David Leafblad 3 puts them up 60-59 with 7:20 to play. Down 2, Select turns the ball over and Creek goes over the top for a offensive rebound to a 2 hand dunk to make it 68-64 DC. That one hurt in terms of momentum. Braswell has been out and doesn't return. Leafblad makes another 3 to make it 68-67 DC with 4:30 to play. At 71-68 ahead, DC tries to spread the floor to pull Select out of their 2-3. Creek takes a bad shot and Select has the ball back with 3 minutes left. But they can't convert 2 chances. DC hits their FTs down the stretch for a tough 77-69 victory.

Creek with 27 and was the zone buster. Select only gave him 1 3 in the 2nd half, but his defense was a factor. Braswell with 7 but in limited minutes. No answers for him when he was in there. Neumann with 17, but a quiet 2nd half for MN Select. Great effort here by Select. While they did get hurt on the glass, they wanted it more and kept it from being much worse. Select finishes 4-1 in Vegas. Very impressive tournament for them.

If you want to watch the game, go to Wazoo Sports.