The seventh annual Playaz blowup tournament was as good as the hype. It especially worked out for the Playaz 13 and 14 year old teams. Each pulled out a championship as the 14’s beat a very strong Team Philly squad that was impressive all weekend and the 13’s got a measure of revenge against the powerful D.C.Assault team that just recently beat them in Washington D.C. a couple weeks ago. The 12 year old chip was won by the N.Y.C. Gauchos, who’s team looks like they will be competing for a national title. They beat the N.J. Pirates of Carteret with outstanding full court pressure and impressive offensive performances from Sean Jones (24pts)and m.v.p. Malichi Richardson(18pts), who drained five triples. The Playaz 13’s was a display of teamwork and balance led by m.v.p. Matt Johnson(10pts,6asts.) ,who showed floor leadership all weekend. He got alot of help from all tournament performers Reggie Cameron(16pts), Josh Marquez and Kavon Stewart plus moments of shine from Chris Regus and Najee Ricks.D.C. Assault got strong play from guard Melo Trumbull, E.J. Levenberg and Tre Bourne.The 14 year old game was filled with moments from both teams as the momentum constantly changed from team to team.Team Philly showcased their two tremendous players in Amil Jefferson and Andre Horne, as well as point guard Leron Davis. The Playaz team was led by Kyle Anderson, Miles Davis and Montana Mayfield(mvp). They got plenty of help from Nafee Lighty, Dallas Anglin and Davon Williams. All of these kids showed signs of being elite players eventually, if they continue to work hard on their games. Once again, the Playaz Blowup lived up to expectations and more!

The seventh annual Playaz Blowup A.A.U. basketball tournament takes the stage this weekend in Paterson,N.J. The tournament consists of some of the best 12 year olds, 13 year olds, and 14 year olds around ,as well as some of the most prestigious a.a.u. programs in the tri-state area , such as the New York Gauchos, Metro Hawks, New Heights, Linden Ballers, D.C. Assault of Washington D.C. and of course the Jimmy Salmon run Playaz club. The games will be played in gyms throughout the city all weekend. The venues are Kennedy Highschool, Roberto Clemente Public School and M.L.K Public School. Games begin Friday night at these three locations beginning at 7:00pm. Pool play continues saturday from 9:00am until 4:00pm. The playoffs will be played for all age groups at Kennedy H.S. starting at 6:00pm. Sunday will finish up with the championship in all age groups starting at 11:00 am. Hoops Journal will give updates on the tournament throughout the weekend. Without a doubt, their will be future household names and a lot of bright up and coming ballers in what is considered one of the best tournaments around.

The AAU season is never truly in effect until the Playaz Club of Paterson run by Jimmy Salmon has their annual spring fling tournament. The 10th annual event went on this weekend at various facilities in northern New Jersey. The age groups consisted of 12u,14u and 16u teams. The Playaz had their 13 year old squad play up in the 14u group and their 15 year old team play in the 16u group. Each of those teams held their own this weekend,particularly the 15 year old team who made the final four of the 16u bracket and lost to the eventual champs, D.C. Assault. The 13’s finished 2 and 1 in their games, also losing to the eventual champs( the D.C. Assault 14’s). This weekend actually was phase one of the spring fling as the 13’s,15’s,and 17’s begin their quest for some chips. The Playaz will probably have their younger teams play up in these games also as they prepare for the upcoming A.A.U. season.                

                                                             Results of Finals for 12’s, 14’s,and 16’s

                      12u’s championship:   Delaware Hawks 52     N.Y. Gauchos 41

                                                      all-tournament team:  Dakari Johnson(Gauchos)  Tyquan Givens(Gauchos) Austin Tilghman(Del.Hawks) Jorge Rodriquez(Del. Hawks)  Wa’mere Murphy(Del. Hawks) M.V.P.

                        14u’s championship:   D.C.Assault 46     Rich Soil (N.Y.) 26 

                                             all-tournament team: Javon Thomas(Rich Soil)  Omar Calhoun(Rich Soil) Kris Jenkins(DC Assault) Jamal Lewis (DC Assault) Damonte McNeil (DC Assault) M.V.P.

                            16u’s championship:   D.C. Assault 68      N.Y. Gauchos 57

                                              all-tournament:  Halil Kanacevic(Gauchos)  Daron Lamb(Gauchos)  Eric Atkins(DC Assault)           Tyler Thornton(DC Assault)  Joshua Hairston(DC Assault) M.V.P.