The Will Avery Stars 14 and Under AAU basketball team, winners of 6 of 7 games in the 2011 AAU National Championships, have advanced to the Final Four of the Classic Bracket in the highly competitive tournament in Orlando, Florida.
After winning two pool games (against the Future Stars of Maryland and Kentucky Elite) and losing one (to Memphis YOMCA), the Stars advanced to the Classic Bracket.
See the following video for highlights of the Stars' Sunday night victory against the Kentucky Elite:
Since beginning play in the Classic Bracket at 6:25 P.M. Monday, the Augusta based team has won four games in a 40 hour time period. The semifinal game against the Southern Kings of Atlanta, Georgia, begins tonight at 5:30 P.M.
Coach Rodney Johnson gives a lot of the credit for the team's success to center 6'5" Victor Johnson (North Augusta High). Playing without key inside player Maurice O'Bannon (Glenn Hills High), the Stars have had a significant height disadvantage throughout the tournament. The play of Johnson and the talented guard trio of Reggie Reid (Harlem High), Aubrey McRae (Glenn Hills High), and Tony Daggett (Richmond Academy), who combine solid ball handling and shooting skills with swarming defensive pressure and unselfish play, has made up for the Stars' lack of size.
In addition to the players' impressive basketball skills, Johnson is impressed with the way his players have continued to bond. The group has been in Orlando for eight days. Many of the parents of the players have made the trip and Johnson, the players, and the players' families are enjoying the "family atmosphere." They will no doubt enjoy it even more if they are able to record two more wins and return to Augusta with eight wins and a Classic Bracket Championship!
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