The Xplosion took care of the 28-team field registering an unblemished 6-0 record en route to the championship, which was held August 1-6 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
The Xplosion edged the California Tri City Ballers 35-31 in the championship game behind Jacob Guidry, who finished with a game-high 14 points. Guidry also sparked the Xplosion defense, collecting 14 steals and found time to dish off six assists.
 The Above the Rim Xplosion 9U team captured the title at the 2010 Amateur Athletic Union National Championship Division II 9U games held August 1-6. Shown from left, first row:Â Jalen Cook, Bryce Parchman, Drew McKnight, Charles Harris, Dylan Bagby, Jordan Gex, Jacques Cutrer, Jacob Guidry and Norris Williams; second row:Â Assistant coaches Keith Gex, Norris Williams, Charles Harris and head coach Kevin Lazaroe. For more information about the ATR Xplosion Youth Basketball Program, log onto atrgym.com. (Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Bagby, ATR board member) |
Jalen Cook added four points and Chuck Harris pulled down four rebounds.
Both clubs entered the championship game undefeated. California was 6-0, while the Xplosion was 5-0 having earned a bye. The Xplosion trailed by eight points at the half and overcame a six-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to secure the title.
Kevin Lazaroe served as the Xplosion’s head coach along with assistant coaches Keith Gex, Charles Harris and Norris Williams, Sr.
Lazaroe said it was a tremendous team effort to bring home the championship trophy.
“Our players were amazing. Even though we were down the majority of the championship game the kids and the coaches still had the attitude that we could come back and win,” Lazaroe said.
“Winning the championship was really special for the players and they were jumping up and down crying with joy. They took part in the ceremonial ‘dog pile’ on the court,” Lazaroe added.
Lazaroe said the Xplosion’s guards did a good job beating California’s trapping style, pressing defense, which allowed them to transition into some easy baskets.
“California decided to switch defenses going to a man-to-man and again our guards were able to take advantage of some mismatches. We were fortunate to watch them play four times in the tournament so we were able to come up with a good game plan. More importantly, the boys were able to execute it. We forced California to play our type of game, which is playing an up-tempo style,” Lazaroe said.
Guidry, the Xplosion’s point guard, a fourth grader at Clearwood Junior High in Slidell. talked about his offensive effort in the championship game.
“I think I played good because my teammates and I helped each other. My teammates were getting me the ball and I was able to make my shots. I also wanted to be a good passer for my teammates,” Guidry said.
Guidry was also an energizer on defense with his double-digit steals (14).
“I looked into their eyes and was able to come up with some big steals,” Guidry added.
Guidry said it meant the world to him to become an AAU champion and that he survived being at the bottom of the “dog pile”.
Guidry said it was his second visit to Disney World.
“It’s a cool park. I like to go to the water parks when it’s hot, and it was really hot,” Guidry said.
He named Space Mountain as his favorite ride.
Guidry named Kobe Bryant as his favorite NBA player and said he also likes the Hornets’ Chris Paul. The youngster said he is pulling for the Miami Heat this year since they have LeBron James.
Williams, a 10-year-old fourth grader at Madisonville Junior High, talked about the championship game.
“California was really good. I think I played good defense. They had a good outside shooter so I had to stay on him out there,” Williams said.
“It was fun winning nationals. We played really hard and wanted to win.”
Williams said he likes to play defense and make big steals to help his team.
“We made our free throws and that helped us win the close game. I think we made about five free throws that really helped us,” Williams added.
The Madisonville youngster just like his teammate Jacob (Guidry) named Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul his favorite NBA players, while also naming the Miami Heat as his top team.
He also said he likes to follow Duke and Kentucky basketball.
“They are really good and I like to watch them on TV.”
Williams also said he likes to play football. Last year, he played in the Coquille Recreational League with the Titans.
“I played wide receiver and cornerback. We had a good team, but we lost in the semifinals,” Williams said.
He named Drew Brees and Ray Lewis as his favorite NFL players. He said he likes to go to Saints games with his dad (Norris Williams Sr.) an Xplosion assistant coach.
Williams said he makes A’s and B’s in school and likes math. He wants to play professional basketball and if that doesn’t work out he wants to play pro football. If those two choices don’t work out he said he has no idea what he would want to do instead.
Williams said he has been to Disney World three or four times.
“I like the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom. We went to Lizard Beach and that was lots of fun. I really liked the raft racing,” Williams added.
Coach Lazaroe said it was a rewarding experience for everybody and it involved a lot of hard work during six months of raising money for the trip.
“All the hard work by the players, coaches and parents who helped raise the funds to make the trip paid off with a championship. It was a great experience,” Lazaroe said.
Lazaroe said the team is made up primarily of third graders, but actually started two-second graders (Chuck Harris and Jalen Cook).
The Xplosion is made up of players from Madisonville, Mandeville, Covington, Slidell and Walker.
Lazaroe thanked ATR for their support and sponsorship.
“A big thank you also goes out to Rhonda Bagby, who was instrumental in getting us down to Florida as a result of her spearheading our fund raising efforts,” Lazaroe said.
If anyone in the area is interested in sponsoring an AAU travel team they can contact Lazaroe, 809-2778.
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Skeptical wrote on May 24, 2011 6:13 PM: