King James Action: Worldwide Renegades vs King James Shooting Stars

Augusta Basketball Report is broadcasting live at our iHigh Portal from the King James Southern Exposure Tournament in North Augusta, SC.  The tournament is noteworthy because it features some of the best AAU teams in the southeast United States.  And this is the first of two "evaluation weekends," when college coaches can evaluate high school players during an AAU tournament.  In addition to the live streaming broadcast, we are "live tweeting" from our Twitter feed (@AugBball), and we are updating this site with highlights, news, and commentary.

If you have followed our coverage of the King James Southern Exposure tournament this weekend, you know that we spent much of Saturday looking forward to what we expected to be, and what we believe turned out to be, the matchup of the weekend:  the Worldwide Renegades 15u (GA) team versus the King James Shooting Stars 15u (OH) squad.

The action was intense.  We tweeted early in the game (see above) about the "playoff atmosphere," as it was obvious that this was no ordinary "AAU game."  King James' 6'5" shooting guard Luke Kennard ignited an early Shooting Stars run with a 15 footer and a 3 pointer on the first two possessions.  And after his highly touted teammate point guard Isaiah Jones drilled a 3 pointer, King James found themselves leading 10-2.  The shooting Stars continued to play inspired basketball throughout the first half, and the Ohio based team took a 33-24 lead into intermission.

"Kennard, Jones, and the Shooting Stars bigs are playing well, but Worldwide's Brown is living at the line!"

      - From @AugBball Twitter Feed during game's first half

Worldwide's Jaylen Brown
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But as we "live tweeted" during the game (see above), even as Worldwide trailed early, a trend had emerged that would eventually make it possible for the Renegades to gain control.  6'4" forward Jaylen Brown viciously attacked the rim throughout the entire game.  And he seemed to make a permanent residence at the free throw line.

As Worldwide guard Ty Hudson joined Brown in a relentless effort to defend, rebound, retrieve loose balls, and attack the rim, highly regarded point guard Terrance Phillips was able to use his skills to set up Brown, Hudson, and others for easy transition baskets.  The Renegades opened the second half with a 19-4 run to take a 42-37 lead.  To be sure, the Shooting Stars continued to battle as Isaiah Jones quickly stole the ball and converted a three point play to cut the Renegades' lead to 42-40.  And the Shooting Stars later tied the game at 44 before Worldwide's relentless attack led to a 61-52 Renegades' victory.

Enjoy the highlights (below) from this outstanding contest.  We are pleased to say that we watched the game as true fans.

1st Half Highlights Worldwide Renegades

2nd Half Highlights Worldwide Renegades


1st Half Highlights King James Shooting Stars


2nd Half Highlights King James Shooting Stars