Southside- The Cuba Hunter Center would be the venue to decide the champions of Jacksonville, as the title holders of two leagues would go head to head in basketball battle. The Jax PAL league boasted three teams including the 10U Jax Pal Comets, 12U Jax Pal Comets, and the 14U Julian Woods Elite. Representing the Jacksonville City Recreational league were the 10U Grand Park Trojans, the 12U River City Hoops, and the 14U BYAA Bulls.
In 10U action the Jax Pal Comets came out victorious over Grand Park by one point. It was a spirited game by the young champions of both leagues, but in the end, it was the Comets that shot to the top of the basketyball universe in Jacksonville, being crowned Champions.
In 12U action, the Comets would again represent Jax PAL as they took on River City Hoops squad, champions of the city recreational league. Cameron Anderson led the Comets early with big shots to put their team up in the first half.
However in the second half, the Hoops squad would mount a furious comeback. The smallest player on the court, guard Hans Price hit consecutive baskets erupting the crowd in attendance to put his team up in the fourth quarter.
The comeback would work, as the River City Hoops and coach Ashley Feagin would show incredible poise and resiliency after taking the Comets best shot and over coming it for the championship.
The 14U would end the evening in another great game that would go down to the wire. The BYAA Bulls of the City League would jump out to a narrow first half lead over Juilan Woods Elite as Dallas Sanders, Jediah Ford and Travon Miller would spark that fast start.
However Coach Easterling would make adjustments in the second half and light a fire under his team and it showed. Julian Woods played aggressive and hit big shots in the third quarter to build an 8-point lead.
BYAA made a furious comeback late in the fourth quarter, pulling to within one basket of taking the lead and winning the game.
However it wasn’t enough, as Julian Woods Elite would inbound the ball successfully, hit the layup with just two seconds remaining in the game to win the championship. Julian E Woods caps an impressive undefeated season.
It was a great event and showing by all teams, and both leagues should be commended for collaborating on the effort. Keeping the kids active and engaged in recreational activities is an important goal for both leagues and this year they were able to continue this effort in every team through and with every player.
