Prep Repeat as National Champions

Varsity Wins Consolation Game

In what many people thought would be the NIT championship game, the #1 ranked Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks Varsity Team met the #2 ranked Phoenix Banner Wheelchair Suns (AZ) in the consolation game for 3rd/4th place.  The game was a classic battle of two good teams. At no point did either team enjoy more that a 4 point lead. The Suns had the slight 17-16 lead at the half behind a strong performance of Joseph Underwood who had 14 of the teams 17 points. Brent O’Grady (Kennesaw) and Treyvon Smith (Athens) kept the Hawks close with 6 and 4 points respectively. 

The second half was more of the same see-saw battle with the lead change hands more than 8 times. Josh Joines (Kennesaw) finally got the lid of the basket after shooting 1 for 9 in the first and shot 70% to lead the Hawks with 14 second half points. Brent O’Grady finished with 10, Treyvon Smith had 6, Bryan Powell (Marietta) added 4 while Curran Brown (Johns Creek) and Luke Hutchinson (Marietta) each scoring 2 points. Hawks win a close game 40-38 to place third in the NIT. Josh Joines led the Hawks in scoring with 79 points in four games and was named to the Second All-tournament team.

The Junior Wheelchair Hawks Prep team met the #2 seed Courage Rolling Rowdies (MN) who won the second semi-final game against the Turnstone Flyers (IN) 20-18. The Hawks earned their way into the Championship Game with 34-17 win over the #5 ranked Chicago Skyhawks. The Hawks entered the game undefeated and defending 2012 National Champions. 

The key to the Hawks success all season has been their defense. Today would be no different. The Hawks held the Rowdies to 3 first half points behind the dynamic duo of Collin Lancaster (Bethlehem) and Cameron Elzey (Cumming). On the offensive side of the ball Samuel Armas (Vila Rica) scored 10, Chance Boyd (Atlanta) 6 and Kalen Reese (Powder Springs) 4 and the Hawks led at the half 20-3. The second half represented a transition for the Hawks with three players playing their last Prep game before graduating up to the Varsity squad next season.  The five remain players affectionately know as the “short stacks” represent the future of the Hawks for the next four years and played most of the half second. The Hawks win 30-13 to repeat as National Prep Champions. 

Samuel Armas led the Hawks with 16 point and was named MVP for the Championship Game and MVP for the entire Prep tournament. Kalen Reese was selected for the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award. 

BlazeSports would like to thank Atlanta Hawks for all their support and for the opportunity to represent Atlanta and the Atlanta Hawks organization. Thanks also to BP Oil, Georgia Oil Holdings, LLC and Clipper Petroleum, Inc and Eagle Sportschairs for their continued support of BlazeSports. 

Prep Advance to Championship Game -Varsity will Play for 3^rd Place in JNIT

The Junior Wheelchair Hawks Prep team faced the #5 ranked Chicago Skyhawks in the first semi-final game of the NWBA National Prep Championship. The #1 ranked Hawks had a slow start as compared to yesterday’s game. Collin Lancaster (Bethlehem) kept the Hawks in the first half with 8 points while Kalen Reese (Powder Springs) had 4 points. The Hawks led at the half 16-9.

The key to the Prep team’s success all season has been their defense and that continued during this semi-final game. Behind the dynamic defensive pair of Collin Lancaster and Cameron Elzey (Cumming), the Hawks held Chicago to 17 points.  Led by 12 second half points from Kalen Reese, the Hawks finished strong to win 34-17. The Hawks will defend their 2012 National Championship against the #2 seed Courage Rolling Rowdies (MN) who won the second semi-final game against the Turnstone Flyers (IN) in a thrilling 20-18 decision in the last 10 seconds.

The Varsity Junior Wheelchair Hawks played regional rivals Lakeshore Lakers (AL) but did not fare as well as their Prep teammates. This semi-final match was the sixth time this season that these teams squared off.  The Hawks came into the tournament enjoying a 4-1 season record over the Lakers. The game started well for the Hawks who led at the half 21-11 behind 8 points from Josh Joines (Kennesaw) and 4 points from Brent O’G Brady (Kennesaw), Treyvon Smith (Athens) and Curran Brown (Johns Creek). The second half was the complete opposite with the Lakers scoring 24 and holding the Hawks to only 10. Lakers win 35-31.

The Varsity Hawks will play the Phoenix Banner Wheelchair Suns (AZ) in the 3^rd place game.  The Suns were also upset in the semi-finals by the #3 Jr. Sioux Wheelchairs.

Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks 3-0 on Day 1 of NWBA National Championships - Prep and Varsity Headed to Semi-Finals

The Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks had a good first day at the National Wheelchair Basketball Association National Championships. The NIT #1 ranked Hawks Varsity team started the day with a win over #16 ranked Dallas Mavericks. The Hawks got off to a slow start shooting only 17% in the first half and led at the midway point 16 – 6. The Hawks maintained their strong defense in the second half and stepped up their offense to win 44-12. The Hawks were led by Josh Joines (Kennesaw) with 20 points. Treyvon Smith (Athens) had 8 points and Luke Hutchinson (Marietta) scored 6. Brent O’Grady (Kennesaw) and Bryan Powell (Marietta) both scored 4 points. Curran Brown rounded out the Hawks scoring with 2 points.

The Junior Wheelchair Hawks Prep team faced the #9 ranked Katie Komets (PA), the winner of the game with the #8 ranked Nebraska Red Dogs. The #1 ranked Hawks started strong behind Samuel Armas (Villa Rica) and Kalen Reese (Powder Springs) with 14 and 8 first half points respectively.  The Hawks led at the half 24-11. Collin Lancaster (Bethlehem), Cameron Elzey (Cumming), Taevan Grant (Atlanta), Zachery Armas (Villa Rica) and Cade Maynor (Lindale) shared the responsibilities in key defensive positions and held the Komets to only 18 points in a 42-18 final. Samuel Armas finished with 18 points while Kalen Reese had 16 points. Collin Lancaster scored 4 points and Chance Boyd and Taevan Grant each scored 2 points. The Hawks Prep Team will play a semi-final game on Friday at 10:30 am against the #5 ranked Chicago Skyhawks who defeated the #4 ranked RHI Mini Pacers (IN).

The Varsity Hawks played a quarter-final game late on Day 1. The 7:30 pm game was against #9 ranked Courage Center Gophers (MN) who beat #8 ranked Kansas City Jr. Pioneers. The Hawks played a great game shooting 41% in the first half and playing outstanding defense.  Josh Joines led the Hawks with 10 first half points while Treyvon Grant added 8.  The Hawks led at the mid way point 26-12. The second half was more of the same. The Hawks improved their shooting to 47% and more than doubled their half-time score with 6 of 7 players in the offensive column. Josh Joines finished with 27 with Treyvon Smith with 10, Brent O’Grady with 8, Bryan Powell with 6 and Curran Brown and Luke Hutchinson with 2 points each. Led defensively by Brent O’Grady, the Hawks held the Gophers to only 14 second half points to win 55-26 and earned a spot in Friday’s semi-final game.  The Hawks will play conference rival Lakeshore Lakers who they defeated a few weeks ago to capture the Southern Conference crown.

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BlazeSports America’s wheelchair basketball team travels to Louisville, KY for the 2013 National Wheelchair Basketball Championships. In their first official tournament as the Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks, Blaze’s Prep and Varsity teams are both ranked #1 going into the this year’s tournament.

The Junior Wheelchair Hawks are one of 13 Prep teams in the second largest field of Prep teams in NWBA history. The Junior Wheelchair Hawks are undefeated, 2013 Southeast Regional Champions and defending 2012 National Champions. The team enjoys having 6 of 7 players back from last year with two outstanding rookies.  The tournament format is  single elimination with a consolation bracket and the Blazer’s first game is Thursday, April 18 at 11:45 against the winner of the game between #8 ranked Nebraska Red Dogs and #9 ranked Katies Komets.

The Junior Wheelchair Hawks Varsity Team is ranked #17 in the country which places them as the #1 ranked team in the NIT bracket. The Varsity Hawks, also 2013 Southeast Regional Champions, are making their second national appearance in three years, missing last year’s tournament. The Hawks’ first game is on Thursday, April 18 at 11:30 against # 16 ranked Dallas Jr. Mavericks.

Meet the 2013 Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks

Team Photo: 2013 Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Blazers Shine in Day 1 of Conference Championships

BlazeSports and All Players Tournament Park played host to the 2013 Southeast Regional Junior Wheelchair Basketball Championships this weekend. Ten teams from five regional programs gathered in Marietta, GA for the last major tournament prior to the 2013 National Wheelchair Basketball Championships.

The Georgia Blazers led the day with wins in all 5 games they played.  The Blazers Varsity squad started the day with a close 43-40 win over the Lakeshore Lakers (AL).   The Blazers led at half time 18-16 led by Bryan Powell (6 points) and Josh Joines and Ben Baxter who had 4 points each. The see-saw battle continued in the second half with both teams playing a fast pace defensive game. The Blazers were able to pull out the win behind a strong offensive second half from Josh Joines and Treyvon Smith who score 10 and 7 second half points respectively.

In their second game, the Blazers easily handled last year’s conference champions, Music City Thunder (TN).    The Blazers were up 24-9 at half time and finished strong with a final score of 50 -13. Treyvon Smith led all scorers with 14 points, while Ben Baxter, Bryan Powell and Josh Joines each contributed 10 points.

On the Prep side of the tournament, the #1 ranked Blazers continued their undefeated season with a first game win over the Lakeshore Sharks (AL) 32-6. Collin Lancaster and Cameron Elzey led all scorers with 8 points each, while four Blazers, Kalen Reese, Samuel Armas, Chance Boyd and Taevon Grant scoring 4 points.

In their second game, the Blazers’ Prep squad beat the Music City Thunder (TN) 37 – 4.  The Blazers spread out the scoring with 6 of 8 players in the offensive column. Kalen Resse, Chance Boyd and Samuel Armas led all scorers with 8 points each. Collin Lancaster scored 6, while Taevan Grant score 4 and Cameron Elzey scored 3 points. Zachery Armas and Cade Maynor provide 3 periods of outstanding defensive play.

The Prep’s third and final game of the day was against the Charlotte Bobcats. The Blazers defense continued and they rolled to a strong win 26-4 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. Their third win of the day guaranteed the Blazers a spot in Sunday’s Championship game.

Blazers Win, Twice!

The Georgia Blazers made history today at the 2013 Southeast Conference Championships when both the Varsity and Prep teams won the Conference Championship in their division. This was the first time in Blazer history that has happened.

The Blazers Varsity squad started Day 2 with wins over the two North Carolina teams; the Jr. Thunder (65-10) and the Charlotte Bobcats (49-32).  All eight Blazers scored in both morning games, setting a season record for two game total at 114. Josh Joines led the Blazers with a two game total of 28, Ben Baxter had 22, Brent O’Grady 19 and Luke Hutchinson 18. Bryan Powell score a total of 10 in the two games, while Treyvon Smith had 9 and Curran Brown and Collin Lafon each had 4.

For the third consecutive tournament this season, the Blazers were matched against the Lakeshore Lakers (AL) for the Varsity Championship game. This game would be the rubber match, with each team having won one of the previous final games, although the Blazers 3-1 edge in overall wins. The Blazers worked well on both ends of the court behind first half scoring form Treyvon Smith and Josh Joines(8 first half points each) and tenacious defensive led by Ben Baxter.  The Blazers held the Lakers to only 2 first half buckets and led 22-4 at the intermission.

The second half was more of the same. Treyvon Smith exploded for another 10 points and finished with 18. Josh Joines had 12 and Ben Baxter finished with 10 points.  Brent O’Grady had 4 points and Bryan Powell and Collin Lafon had 2. Treyvon Smith and Josh Joines were named to the Varsity  All-tournament Team.

The Blazers Prep team started Day 2 with a hard fought win over the Jr. Thunder (NC). Blazers defense was stellar the first half, holding the Thunder to 4 points and scoring 14 behind Samuel Armas’ 8 first half points. The Blazers picked up the offense a little in the second half while the Jr. Thunder found their range on a few long shots.  The Blazers win their 4^th consecutive game 30-14. Samuel Armas finished with 16, Kalen Reece had 8 point and Chance Boyd and Cameron Elzey had 4 and 2 points respectively. The trio of Cade Maynor, Zachary Armas and Taevan Grant played a big part of the Blazers tough defense.

The Blazers headed into the Championship Game still undefeated for the season and faced the Jr. Thunder in back to back games as the Thunder finished the preliminary rounds with 3 wins and 1 loss.

The Championship Game was more of the same, great Blazer defense and a fast paced offense. Blazers led at half time 16-6 behind Kalen Reese’s 8 points and Samuel Armas’ 6 points.  The second half was a little better on both ends of the court and the Blazers win their second consecutive Southeast Conference Championship 36-11.  Kalen Reese double’s his firs half points and finished with 16. Samuel Armas and Chance Boyd rounded out the Blazers’ scoring with 10 points each. The dynamic trio of Cade Maynor, Zachary Armas and Taevan Grant filled in for starting guard Collin Lancaster who missed Sunday’s games due to the flu. The trio player great defense and help limit the Thunder to only 11 points

Cameron Elzey and Collin Lancaster were named to the All-Tournament Team and Samuel Armas was named MVP for the tournament.

The tournament brings to a close the long and storied history of the Georgia Blazers Wheelchair Basketball program. The Blazers will live on in our track & field and swimming programs as our basketball program is excited to announce our new affiliation with the Atlanta Hawks as the Atlanta Junior Wheelchair Hawks!

BlazeSports would like thank to thank the staff and management of All Players Tournament Park for their great facility and for being a wonderful host. Thanks to our sponsors: Domino’s Pizza, Chick-Fil-A, Pepsi, Eagle Sportschairs, Medical Direct Club and our Gold sponsor, BP Oil – Georgia Oil Holdings and Clipper Petroleum. Without your support our tournament would not be possible.

Special thanks to Andrew Hinze, our photographer, all our officials, volunteers, parents, the hundreds of fans that attended and to the players of the Southeast Wheelchair Basketball Conference for a great tournament. It was a pleasure hosting you for this year’s Championships.