Takeover looking for repeat at EYBL Finals

Peach Jam could minimize emphasis on exposure and recruiting – at least for a week – and put the spotlight on pursuit of a significant summer title.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Jason Hickman
By
Jul 11, 2011, 2:00pm
Storylines generated by grassroots basketball continue to revolve around recruiting and exposure, but the chase for a suddenly significant title may supersede the chase for the nation's top hoops prospects this week in North Augusta, S.C.

The EYBL Finals at the Peach Jam will crown a champion among Nike-sponsored teams for the second-straight summer. The final – Friday at 7 p.m. EDT – will be televised live on ESPNU. Pool play begins Tuesday (complete schedule) at the Riverview Park Activities Center.

There's even a juicy storyline involving the defending champion – Team Takeover. The District of Columbia-based club defeated the St. Louis Eagles in last year's final and followed with a 15-0 regular season. Standouts include the DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) trio of BeeJay Anya, Jerami Grant and James Robinson, as well as Arnaud Adala Moto.
Team Takeover on the hunt for back-to-back EYBL titles.
Team Takeover on the hunt for back-to-back EYBL titles.
<center>Photo by Nick Koza</center>

Team Takeover highlights Pool A, which also includes Houston Hoops (12-3 regular season), Georgia Stars (11-4) and All-Ohio Red (9-6).

A loaded Oakland Soldiers squad sits at the top of Pool B. The Soldiers captured the Fab 48 tournament title in Las Vegas last summer and would love to add an EYBL crown to their growing trophy case. Baltimore Elite (11-4) and Indy Spiece (10-5) are capable challengers.

Pool C is led by Memphis YOMCA (13-2) and New Jersey's Playaz Basketball Club, which is 25-5 in regular-season play over the past two summers.

BABC of Massachusetts (14-1) and Canadian representative CIA Bounce (12-3) are the favorites in Pool D.

The top two teams in each pool will advance to Thursday's quarterfinals. Winners will meet Friday morning in semifinals scheduled for 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Regular Season Individual Leaders
Ricardo Gathers of Louisiana Select is among the EYBL's leaders in scoring and rebounding.
Ricardo Gathers of Louisiana Select is among the EYBL's leaders in scoring and rebounding.
Photo by Nick Koza

Points Per Game
25.0 – Omar Calhoun, Gauchos
20.2 – Ricardo Gathers, Louisiana Select
19.8 – Rodney Purvis, CP3
18.2 – Matt Jones, Team Texas Titans
18.1 – Archie Goodwin, Arkansas Wings

Rebounds Per Game
12.0 – Ricardo Gathers, Louisiana Select
9.7 – Julius Randle, Team Texas Titans
9.0 – DaJuan Coleman, Albany City
8.4 – Rondae Jefferson, Team Final
8.4 – Jarnell Stokes, YOMCA

Assists Per Game
6.0 – Kyle Anderson, Playaz
5.5 – DeShawn Suber, Gauchos
4.9 – L.J. Rose, Houston Hoops
4.3 – Siyani Chambers, Howard Pulley
4.3 – Rodney Purvis, CP3

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