Battle of the Best Tournament Recap - July 1 – July 3, 2005

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

As we approach the conclusion of a fantastic AAU season, In the Zone Magazine, organized a tournament for the South Florida area known as the Battle of the Best. This tournament featured numerous of Florida Prospects’ Top 50 players in the state. There were 10 teams entering this astonishing event, but only one can claim to be the best. The Best of the Best were the Miami Tropics, edging out the Florida Prospects’ Ballas, 95-85 in the championship game. Both teams played to their advantage, however the Tropics capitalized off miscues made by the Ballas down the stretch. Both, Luis Colon and Orane Chin combined for 49 of the Tropics 95 points. Damian Hollis led the Ballas with 24 points. Luis Colon led the Tropics with 28 points in the championship game and was named the tournament’s MVP as he averaged 23 points per game.

Here is the breakdown of the teams:

In the Zone

The host team did not make the title game, however they competed with pride. In the Zone was led by sharp shooting guard, Remy Rodriguez and Cecil Avant of Cypress Bay. This team had talent but lack the depth off the bench.

Florida Prospects Ballas

FP features Damian Hollis, 6’8” swing from Taravella, Max Spinner, 6’2” shooting guard from Boca Raton, and Jerome Davis, 6’2” point guard from Boyd Anderson. The Ballas is a solid team loaded with talent. This team can score a lot points from the offensive end, however lacks the intensity at times on the defensive end.

Coral Springs Defenders

The Defenders are young and talented. Led by Chris Lewis, 6’3” shooting guard from Coral Springs Charter, the Defenders plays with passion and will. This team defends well on the outside, but lack the inside presence. With Brandon Simmons, 6’7” center from Palm Beach Lakes, depth on the inside concerns the Defenders’ coaching staff.

Miami Tropics

The Tropics have experienced players across the board. A solid backcourt, which compliments a talented frontcourt, forced its opponents to be patient on the defensive side of the ball. With Luis Colon in the middle and Orane Chin on the perimeter, the Tropics have an even balance team. Orane Chin, Luis Colon, and Jonathan Rodriguez led the Tropics to the title.

Vikings

Rank third on Florida Prospects’ Top 50 in the state of class 2006, Zackery Peacock from Miami Norland, has made a legitimate argument on why he should be ranked higher. The 6’6” forward plays the game with determination and willpower. Peacock has improved his outside shooting a lot. Watch out, this kid can play!

Bengals

The development of this team over the past two years has been enormous. Look for good things to happen with this ball club. Led by Richard Sinju, 6’3” shooting guard from Piper, the Bengals can count on their guard play to lead the way both offensively and defensively. This is a dangerous team who can present trouble for its opposition.

Coast to Coast

Coast-to-Coast played two games, but decided to forfeit the third game against Hollywood Eagles. With loses to Florida Prospects and Miramar, Coast-to-Coast will regroup to have a better showing in their next tournament. This team was led by 6’1” shooting guard, Zack Bailey from Chaminade-Madonna.

Hollywood Eagles

The Eagles have a very good young team. This team loves to score in transition and plays excellent man-to-man defense to create turnovers. The only downside is the lack of leadership on the floor and shot selections. Remember this name Ray Shipman, 6’4” guard from Monsignor Pace, can do it all.

Tournament Results

Florida Prospects Ballas

Coast-to-Coast – 54 vs. FP- 103 (win)

Coral Spring Defenders – 42 vs. FP – 72 (win)

In the Zone – 63 vs. FP- 75 (win)

Bengals – 46 vs. FP- 75 (win)

Miramar – 61 vs. FP – 78 (win) ~ Semi-finals

Miami Tropics – 95 vs. FP – 85 (lost) ~ Championship Game

Miami Tropics

Bengals – 59 vs. Miami Tropics – 68 (win)

Vikings – 57 vs. Miami Tropics – 88 (win)

C.S. Defenders – 68 vs. Miami Tropics – 89 (win)

Hollywood Eagles – 55 vs. Miami Tropics – 75 (win) ~ Semi-finals

Florida Prospects – 85 vs. Miami Tropics – 95 (win) ~ Championship Game

The overall finish of each team:

1. Miami Tropics (5-0) ~ Champion

2. Florida Prospects Ballas (4-1) ~ 2nd Place

3. Hollywood Eagles (4-1) ~ 3rd Place

4. Miramar PAL (3-2)

5. In the Zone (1-2)

6. Vikings (1-2)

7. Ballas (1-3)

8. Bengals (0-3)

9. Coral Springs Defenders (0-3)

10. Coast to Coast (0-3)

The following players were placed on the All-Tournament Team:

Luis Colon – Miami Tropics, Jonathan Rodriguez – Miami Tropics, Orane Chin – Miami Tropics, Ray Shipman – Hollywood Eagles, Damien Hollis – Florida Prospects Ballas,Trent Brownlee – Miramar PAL

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