The Disney Wide World of Sports Complex was filled with future collegiate basketball stars this past weekend. Players from different states playing with different styles all competed to play for the same goal, exposure. Majority of these players play significant roles on their varsity high school team in their area. Therefore, distributing playing minutes were the biggest problem for the AAU coaches involved in this event. There were many college recruiters on hand to witness athletic abilities from those participating in this exceptional event held in Orlando, Florida.

Teams were placed in four different playoff brackets (Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper) after pool play was completed. There were 48 participating teams and listed below are the pool winners:

Pool A: Mt. Royal/Team Melo (6-0)

Pool B: Tulsa Bulldogs (3-1)

Pool C: Tennessee Travelers (3-1)

Pool D: Down East Hurricanes (2-2)

Pool E: Charlotte Nets (4-1)

Pool F: Illinois Warriors (6-1)

Pool G: Jackson Tigers (2-2)

Pool H: P.W. Pacers (3-2)

Pool I: St. Louis Eagles (4-1) Pool J: Arkansas Hawks (5-2)

Pool K: Columbus GA Blazers (3-1)

Pool L: Columbus GA Blazers (15U) (5-2)

GOLD Bracket Results:

Semi-finals

Mt. Royal/Team Melo – 62 Columbus GA Blazers (15U) – 47

Illinois Warriors – 63 Arkansas Hawks - 56

Championship Game

Mt. Royal/Team Melo – 78 Illinois Warriors – 66

SILVER Bracket Results:

Semi-finals

Team Jersey Elite – 56 CT Nike Elite – 54

Mid Atlantic All-Stars – 73 NY Gauchos - 71

Championship Game

Mid Atlantic All-Stars – 85 Team Jersey Elite – 80

BRONZE Bracket Results:

Semi-finals

Bay City Ballers – 72 Team Baltimore – 68

Martin Bros. Select – 91 LBF Stars - 76

Championship Game

Bay City Ballers – 72 Martin Bros. Select – 69

COPPER Bracket Results:

Semi-finals

Yam City Dribblers – 78 Kissimmee Wildcats – 76

Montco Red Raiders – 72 Carolina Balom - 55

Championship Game

Montco Red Raiders – 65 Yam City Dribblers – 51

Unfortunately, Florida Prospects Ballas did not make the Gold Bracket placing third in their pool. The Ballas started the tournament with a (1-1) record. However, losing two consecutive games and placed in the Bronze Bracket as playoff play begins. The Ballas finished with a (1-3) record losing to LBF Stars from Jacksonville 83-69.

This was not the same Ballas team that people are use to seeing. With unforced turnovers, missing key free throws, and lay-up opportunities, the Ballas looked awful. The team looked confused on both sides of the ball – from giving up easy transition points to forcing shots from the perimeter. Florida Prospects will create two teams next season (North and South) with elite players in the state of Florida to compete out of state.