The Tri-County basketball team, consisting of numerous CWOSSA players, emerged victorious in their participation at the annual National Summer Classic tournament played in Illinois.
Tri-County swept their four pool games, then followed that up with 3 wins (including an amazing semi-final comeback) to take the overall title.
The team members included: Chuder Teny (GRCI), Juwan Miller (FHCI); Mike Blumel (SMHS); Mitchell Wood (REDA via BMAC); Jermaine St. Bernard (NJ, USA); Ben Morris (BMAC); Kristian Vande Kemp (JFR); Zach McClenaghan (St. James); Tyrick Thompson (REDA).
Pool Play
Tri-County started out strong with a 64-31 demolition of the Illinois Magic, backed by 13 points from Juwan Miller and another 12 from Kristian Vande Kemp.
Things got tougher quickly, as the South Bend Breakers were their next opponent. This squad had some stellar athletes and were not out of it, despite Tri-County opening up a 34-19 halftime edge. The Breakers fought back in the second half but Miller iced this one from the line en route to a 53-48 final. Mitchell Wood knocked in 17 points, while Miller finished with 10, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists (with 0 turnovers).
Tri-County had little time to congratulate themselves on this victory, however, as they were right back in action against the "Rising Stars". TC found themselves down 34-27 at halftime, but a second-half harassing man press brought them back into the game and, eventually, over the top as they would win 63-59. Miller again was spectacular with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Wood added in 12 points, while Zach McClenaghan was also in double figures with 10.
TC's last pool game was against the other undefeated squad, the DW Wildcats from Milwaukee. Thanks to 21 from Miller, 12 from Wood and 10 from Chuder Teny, Tri-County took a 55-48 win and a 4-0 record over to the Gold Bracket playdowns.
Gold Bracket Playdowns
In the first playoff game against Hononegah, Tri-County held a slim lead early on but (as seemed to be the trend) the play of Miller & Wood was too much for them to handle as TC won 69-51. Wood poured in 25 with 9 rebounds, while Miller had 17 points. Tyrick Thompson was also in double-digits with 10.
This advanced Tri-County to the semifinals against the hometown Rockford Wildcats. Down 36-20 at halftime, Tri-County mounted a second-half comeback of intense proportion. Some massive shots and key defensive stops led to an exciting finish ---- this one would be decided in overtime!
It actually took THREE OT's for this one to play out, and when it the final horn sounded Tri-County was on the positive side of a 56-53 ballgame. Miller had 23 with Wood adding in 14. Mike Blumel had some clutch stops on the defensive side of the ball as well to help the squad through to victory.
Despite being a bit tired from their marathon outing, Tri-County controlled things from the tip in the final against St. Louis. TC won going away by a 74-56 final and captured the gold medal. Miller had 19, Wood 15 and Blumel added 10 more in the win.
We'll likely have some more coverage (photos & video) later in the week when the team returns home.
Congratulations!
