The Adidas Invitational has been one of the best exposure camps during the July "live" period. After hundreds of games in the last 5 days, one was finally televised. That game was the 17U Championship between the Florida Elite and New Heights (NY). Florida Elite, with stars Kasey Hill and Chris Walker, was looking for their 2nd straight Adidas Invitational title. On a team without a star, New Heights was looking to use their chemistry and hard work to pull the upset.
The fatigue proved true for both teams as only a total of 22 points were scored halfway through the first half.
New Heights played aggressive defense, frustrating Walker and Hill in the process.
Although turnover prone in the first 10 minutes, Kasey Hill found his rhythm towards the end of the half, showing why he is in the top 20 of the 2013 class. Chris Walker did his damage on the defensive end, blocking 6 shots in the first half and grabbing 7 rebounds.
New Heights wasn't flashy, but played solid defense and made perimeters shots to stay close to a Florida Elite team who could explode at any time. In fact, if Demarcus Croaker hadn't scored the final 10 points of the half for Florida Elite, New Heights would actually be ahead. Instead, at the half, it was Florida Elite 33, New Heights 27.
New Heights' Jordan Washington scored 8 points to open the second half, giving them a 35-33 lead. It was then that Kasey Hill started to take over. With 10 minutes remaining, Hill led his team to a 5 point lead at 47-42. Florida Elite never looked back, extending their lead throughout the half. New Heights was able to cut it to two with two minutes to go, but key free throws by Hill and Walker put the game out of reach.
In the end, Florida Elite held off New Heights 76-68 and captured its second straight Adidas Invitational title. These venues are mostly about players gaining exposure by college coaches, but it sure doesn't hurt to win it in the process.
Kasey Hill
6'0" 170 lbs
College: Florida
After scoring nine points but committing nine turnovers in the first half, the Florida commit just didn't look himself. The second half was a different story. Hill started scoring in a variety of ways, whether it was driving to the basket or hitting the spot up three. He also looked to get his teammates involved, something all great point guards should be able to do. He ended up finishing the game with 27 points, earning player of the game honors. Billy Donavan and his staff have to be happy in what they saw in Hill during this tournament.
Chris Walker
6' 10" 195 lbs
College: Undecided
Although he wasn't much of a factor on the offensive end, Walker showed on the defensive end why he is a top 10 recruit in the 2013 class. In the first half alone, Walker had six blocks and pulled down seven rebounds. He could definitely add some strength, but the basketball skills are there for him to make an impact on the D1 level. He currently has offers from Baylor, UCONN, Florida, Florida State, Kansas, and Ohio State.
Demarcus Croaker
6'2" 170 lbs 21
College: Undecided
Croaker is often forgotton on Florida Elite because of guys like Kasey Hill and Chris Walker. On Sunday, Croaker showed that coaches should be making trips to see him play. He was the x-factor for the Florida Elite by draining threes and blowing by his man. Croaker scored 21 points for Florida Elite, helping them win this tournament for the second straight year. He currently has been offered by Central Michigan, Florida State, Miami (FL), Murray State, South Carolina, UCF, Virginia Tech, and Wichita State.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
7-4-12: Bottom Half of Wimbledon Produces High-Powered Matches
Kyle Stackpole
Wimbledon Quarters
When the bracket was first released for Wimbledon, many believed that Rafael Nadal would be coming out of the bottom half with little competition, searching for his third title at the All England Tennis club.
After Nadal was shockingly defeated in 5 sets in only the second round, it was time for a new competitor to step up and reach a major final. The candidates included: 4th seed Andy Murray, 5th seed Wilfred Tsonga, 7th seeded David Ferrer, and 27th Phillip Kohlschreiber.
Each individual had their only story coming into the tournament. Murray was looking to become the first British man to win at Wimbledon in 76 years. Ferrer had only been broken three times coming into the match against Murray. Tsonga was looking to reach the next level and reach the semifinals at Wimbledon in consecutive years. Kohlschreiber, the dark horse left in the field, had not dropped a set since his 5 set match with Tommy Haas in the first round.
With all of these players so evenly matched, both matches were primed to be good ones and failed to disappoint.
Murray One Step Closer to Wimbledon Crown
On Centre Court, Andy Murray was looking to take another step towards winning this major and ending the drought. However, when Murray was broken early in the first set, it looked as though he would start the match in a hole. Murray showed toughness later in the set, breaking back to tie the game at 5. The set would go into a tiebreak, with both players showing how important it was to win the opening set. In the end, Ferrer took the tiebreak 7-5, the set 7-6, and one step closer to ending Murray's chances at glory.
Another set, another tiebreak. Ferrer held a great chance to go up two sets to love after breaking Murray late in the second set to take a 5-4 lead. Andy Murray found something deep inside and was able to break back, ultimately sending the set into yet another tiebreak. After Ferrer took the first three points of the tiebreak, Murray fought back to tie it up. After an ace by Murray and an unforced error by Ferrer, the home-country kid took the tiebreak 8-6 and tied the match at 1 set a piece.
Just when it seemed that this match would go into its third tiebreak, Murray took advantage of his lone opportunity to break Ferrer and take a 5-4 lead in the third set. He then closed the set without dropping a point in the last game.
It is was do or die for Ferrer in the fourth and he sure did play like it. After holding serve for the first three games, Ferrer finally had his opportunity, as he had two break points to put him up 5-3. Murray saved both points and ended up winning the game, tying the set at 4. To the surprise of no one, the 4th set went into a tie break. The tiebreak was 6-4 when Murray hit an ace down the middle of the court to keep the hopes of himself, as well as his fans, alive.
The key to this match was the little things. Murray was able to execute in the tiebreaks when Ferrer struggled to hit winners at times. Murray's ability to place the ball when it mattered most is why he will face Tsonga in the semifinals on Friday.
Murray wins the match: 6-7 (7-5), 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
Tsonga Holds off Kohlschreiber, advances to Second Straight Wimbledon Semifinal
On Court 1, Phillip Kohlschreiber was looking to reach his first semifinal in 33 major appearances. His opponent was the high powered Wilfred Tsonga, looking to take his game to the next level and win a major tournament. The first set was standard with both players holding serve with few break chances. The set went to a tiebreak, where Tsonga took a 6-1 lead. Kohlschreiber was one point from tying when Tsonga finished out the set, winning the first 7-6.
Tsonga came out flat during the second, giving the German a chance at an early break. Kohlschreiber was up 4-2 when Tsonga finally found his touch, breaking his opponent's serve and tying the set at 4. A lapse in judgement gave Kohlschreiber another break and the second set, which he took 6-4.
Although Tsonga was considered the favorite, Kohlschreiber showed no signs of backing down. He continued to hold serve against the Frenchmen, but Tsonga continued to hold back, causing the second tiebreak of the match. Unlike in the first tiebreak, both players were exchanging points and staying on serve. After being tied at 2, Tsonga took 5 out of the next 6 points to take the tiebreaker 7-3 and being one set away from a semifinal appearance.
Unfortunately for Kohlschreiber, it seemed as though he lost all confidence after losing a third set tiebreak. After being broken early in the fourth set, the match belonged to Tsonga. He easily took the fourth set 6-2 and secured his spot in the semifinals.
The key to this match was Tsonga's ability to embrace the pressure. He knew coming in that Kohlschreiber would have nothing to lose and would play at his highest level. The Frenchman was able to overcome that and move to his fourth major semifinal.
Tsonga takes the match: 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2
Murray vs. Tsonga
When Nadal was knocked out earlier in the tournament, many thought these two men would be the ones to carry the load. Each took care of business in their quarterfinal match, setting up a match between finesse and power.
Tsonga covers the court extremely well and is in the best shape of anyone left in the field. If he can move Murray around to where he is uncomfortable, he should have the advantage.
On the other hand, Murray will use placement and strategy to disrupt Tsonga's powerful game. In addition, almost everyone by Centre Court will be cheering for Murray, hoping he can make the final and finally break the 76 year curse.
If anything is for sure, the match will be both entertaining and played at a high level. Both players have something to prove and what better way to do it then on one of the biggest stages in the game of tennis.
Wimbledon Quarters
When the bracket was first released for Wimbledon, many believed that Rafael Nadal would be coming out of the bottom half with little competition, searching for his third title at the All England Tennis club.
After Nadal was shockingly defeated in 5 sets in only the second round, it was time for a new competitor to step up and reach a major final. The candidates included: 4th seed Andy Murray, 5th seed Wilfred Tsonga, 7th seeded David Ferrer, and 27th Phillip Kohlschreiber.
Each individual had their only story coming into the tournament. Murray was looking to become the first British man to win at Wimbledon in 76 years. Ferrer had only been broken three times coming into the match against Murray. Tsonga was looking to reach the next level and reach the semifinals at Wimbledon in consecutive years. Kohlschreiber, the dark horse left in the field, had not dropped a set since his 5 set match with Tommy Haas in the first round.
With all of these players so evenly matched, both matches were primed to be good ones and failed to disappoint.
Murray One Step Closer to Wimbledon Crown
On Centre Court, Andy Murray was looking to take another step towards winning this major and ending the drought. However, when Murray was broken early in the first set, it looked as though he would start the match in a hole. Murray showed toughness later in the set, breaking back to tie the game at 5. The set would go into a tiebreak, with both players showing how important it was to win the opening set. In the end, Ferrer took the tiebreak 7-5, the set 7-6, and one step closer to ending Murray's chances at glory.
Just when it seemed that this match would go into its third tiebreak, Murray took advantage of his lone opportunity to break Ferrer and take a 5-4 lead in the third set. He then closed the set without dropping a point in the last game.
It is was do or die for Ferrer in the fourth and he sure did play like it. After holding serve for the first three games, Ferrer finally had his opportunity, as he had two break points to put him up 5-3. Murray saved both points and ended up winning the game, tying the set at 4. To the surprise of no one, the 4th set went into a tie break. The tiebreak was 6-4 when Murray hit an ace down the middle of the court to keep the hopes of himself, as well as his fans, alive.
The key to this match was the little things. Murray was able to execute in the tiebreaks when Ferrer struggled to hit winners at times. Murray's ability to place the ball when it mattered most is why he will face Tsonga in the semifinals on Friday.
Murray wins the match: 6-7 (7-5), 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)
Tsonga Holds off Kohlschreiber, advances to Second Straight Wimbledon Semifinal
On Court 1, Phillip Kohlschreiber was looking to reach his first semifinal in 33 major appearances. His opponent was the high powered Wilfred Tsonga, looking to take his game to the next level and win a major tournament. The first set was standard with both players holding serve with few break chances. The set went to a tiebreak, where Tsonga took a 6-1 lead. Kohlschreiber was one point from tying when Tsonga finished out the set, winning the first 7-6.
Tsonga came out flat during the second, giving the German a chance at an early break. Kohlschreiber was up 4-2 when Tsonga finally found his touch, breaking his opponent's serve and tying the set at 4. A lapse in judgement gave Kohlschreiber another break and the second set, which he took 6-4.
Although Tsonga was considered the favorite, Kohlschreiber showed no signs of backing down. He continued to hold serve against the Frenchmen, but Tsonga continued to hold back, causing the second tiebreak of the match. Unlike in the first tiebreak, both players were exchanging points and staying on serve. After being tied at 2, Tsonga took 5 out of the next 6 points to take the tiebreaker 7-3 and being one set away from a semifinal appearance.Unfortunately for Kohlschreiber, it seemed as though he lost all confidence after losing a third set tiebreak. After being broken early in the fourth set, the match belonged to Tsonga. He easily took the fourth set 6-2 and secured his spot in the semifinals.
The key to this match was Tsonga's ability to embrace the pressure. He knew coming in that Kohlschreiber would have nothing to lose and would play at his highest level. The Frenchman was able to overcome that and move to his fourth major semifinal.
Tsonga takes the match: 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2
Murray vs. Tsonga
When Nadal was knocked out earlier in the tournament, many thought these two men would be the ones to carry the load. Each took care of business in their quarterfinal match, setting up a match between finesse and power.
Tsonga covers the court extremely well and is in the best shape of anyone left in the field. If he can move Murray around to where he is uncomfortable, he should have the advantage.
On the other hand, Murray will use placement and strategy to disrupt Tsonga's powerful game. In addition, almost everyone by Centre Court will be cheering for Murray, hoping he can make the final and finally break the 76 year curse.
If anything is for sure, the match will be both entertaining and played at a high level. Both players have something to prove and what better way to do it then on one of the biggest stages in the game of tennis.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
6-30-12 Murray looks to give Wimbledon First British Champion since 1936
In 1936, Fred Perry won the Men's Singles Championship at Wimbledon. At that time, it was common for an English man to hold the trophy, but not so much today. It has been 76 years since Perry's championship and Great Britain is looking for one man to end the drought.
Andy Murray, the 25 year old from London, England is the 4th seed in this years tournament and is looking to take advantage of the wide open field.
In the past, Murray has been successful in the tournament, but could never quite get over the hump. In his last three appearances at this major, Murray has been a semi-finalist in all three.
Luckily for Andy, the two men that defeated him over the past three years have already been knocked out of the tournament. Rafael Nadal was stunned in the Second Round by 100th ranked Lukas Rosol in 5 sets while Roddick was ousted by 7th ranked Spaniard David Ferrer in the third round.
Murray took another step towards greatness on Saturday when he defeated Marcos Baghdatis in 4 sets.
The first set was a breeze for Murray but the second set was a different story. Baghdatis broke Murray early in the set and cruised to tie the match, winning 6-3.
After the second set, the roof of Winbledon was closed and so was Baghadis's chance to make it into the Round of 16.
As the clock struck 11, Murray defeated Baghadis 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 and will face Marin Cilic on Monday,
Now being the highest seed in his side of the bracket, anything less than a Wimbledon championship would be failure.
With Federer and Djokovic struggling in their early round matches, this might be the best chance Murray will have to win at Wimbledon and finally break the drought.
Andy Murray, the 25 year old from London, England is the 4th seed in this years tournament and is looking to take advantage of the wide open field.
In the past, Murray has been successful in the tournament, but could never quite get over the hump. In his last three appearances at this major, Murray has been a semi-finalist in all three.
Murray took another step towards greatness on Saturday when he defeated Marcos Baghdatis in 4 sets.
The first set was a breeze for Murray but the second set was a different story. Baghdatis broke Murray early in the set and cruised to tie the match, winning 6-3.
After the second set, the roof of Winbledon was closed and so was Baghadis's chance to make it into the Round of 16.
As the clock struck 11, Murray defeated Baghadis 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 and will face Marin Cilic on Monday,
Now being the highest seed in his side of the bracket, anything less than a Wimbledon championship would be failure.
With Federer and Djokovic struggling in their early round matches, this might be the best chance Murray will have to win at Wimbledon and finally break the drought.
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