Game 7 Sharks ELITE

This past weekend Game 7 Sharks ELITE traveled to North Jersey to participate in the Spring Hoops Fest in Elizabeth, NJ. The tournament was sponsored by Training Today's Athlete. Last year the Sharks participated in another Train Today's Athlete sponsored tournament, the Tip Off Classic. The Sharks lost the Tip Off Classic championship game by one point and had revenge on their mind this year.

The Sharks started off the weekend with a Saturday afternoon showdown with Team Dynasty (NY). Team Dynasty jumped ahead 6-0 early on, but Jack Donnelly (6'0', G, 2012, Rumson) got the Sharks rolling with a deep three-pointer followed up by a steal and a lay-up over a Dynasty defender. After a back and forth first half, the Sharks took control in the second. Jason Huelbig (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) put on a show scoring over 20 second half points. Huelbig was hitting long range shots and finishing above the rim on the break. His most impressive play was a windmill dunk off an offensive rebound. He would finish with 27 points. The Sharks cruised to a 60-46 victory. Mike Aaman (6'8'', F, 2012, Raritan) was also impressive bullying Dynasty's frontline down low and hitting several 15-foot jump shots. The Sharks cruised to a 60-46 victory.

On Sunday morning the Sharks went to battle with the New Jersey Gladiators. Hunter Wysocki (6'5'', G/F, 2012, Colts Neck) scored nine quick points in the first few minutes to put the Sharks ahead. Eric Youncofski (5'10'', G, 2012, Middletown North) had a strong game as well and hit two three's in the first half. The Gladiators stormed back from down eight points at half time to cut the lead to one with a great shooting day. However, the Sharks were too strong down low.  Aaman, Bill Wrightson (6'9'', F, 2012, Toms River North) and Jim Dzugan (6'5'', F, 2012, Middletown South) all used their size to capitalize against the smaller Gladiators. Aaman would finish the game with over 20 points as the Sharks won 68-48. Youncofski finished with 10 points and 9 assists.

Not too much longer after the game against the Gladiators, the Sharks had a championship showdown with Hard 2 Guard. Hard 2 Guard came out firing against the Sharks taking an early 12-2 lead. With the crowd going wild with each Hard 2 Guard basket, it quickly became an intense road game for the Sharks. The Sharks showed great poise and leadership by playing hard every possession, and regaining the lead with a 17-16 score midway through the first half. The Sharks took an eight point lead at halftime. Youncofski handled the pressure of the Hard 2 Guard full court press very well and was able to push the ball ahead to get the Sharks scorers in position to get a bucket. After Hard 2 Guard cut the lead to five, the Sharks put on the pressure. Clutch baskets by both Wysocki and Aaman would keep the Sharks ahead. The Sharks won the championship by a score of 53-41. Wysocki finished with over 20 points and Aaman recorded 17 points and 14 rebounds.

The Sharks have now won two championships early on this season. We said in our 2011 team preview that this years team on the court would be judged on championships. With a good start, it looks like many more are to come.