ROXBURY, Mass. – There was a distinct local flavor to the 2016 Hoopville Spring Finale, which finished up on Sunday with champions in eight different age groups. The champions of the event reflected this, although there was one team from out of town that broke through when it was all said and done.
The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College was again the host of the event, as it has been every year. With so many city teams in the event, it was perfect for families to see the games. The championship games had a lot for the locals to see on Sunday.
Sunday morning started off with the 10-Under final, a battle between two programs that have won their share of championships in the event. Expressions Elite grabbed the lead early, then broke away in the second half for a 50-29 win over the Boston Spartans.
Next up was the 14-Under final, which turned part way through the first half. MYCW had a lead, but Lee Academy turned things around to go up by eight at the break. MYCW scored the first seven points of the second half to get within one, but it was all Lee Academy from there as they broke away en route to an 80-55 win.
The 12-Under final followed that, and it was a rematch of last year’s 11-Under final between the Boston Spartans and the North Shore Ballarz. The end result was the same as well, as the Spartans once again took the title by a score of 53-45.
The Spartans followed that up in the 15-Under final right behind it. There, they matched up with the Playaz Academy, and the teams were tied at the break before the Spartans came alive in the second half en route to a 64-53 win.
The Spartans continued their attempt at a big day as their 16-Under entrant reached the finals in another city matchup, this one with the Boston Bulls. The Spartans were able to hang tough, but the Bulls made enough plays late to seal a 68-63 win to take it home.
The tournament closed out with the 17-Under final, which saw the Boston Warriors take on the Diamond State Titans. The Warriors led the visitors from Delaware 37-33 at the half, and that’s when Elias Revelle (6’4″ Jr. SF, Magnolia (DE) St. Thomas More Academy) and his team went to work. Revelle scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half to cap a big weekend, and the Titans took the lead late. The Warriors had a last chance, but couldn’t convert as the Titans held on for a 64-63 win and their first championship in the event.
Stay tuned for more notes on the weekend coming soon.
