Rookies Take Runnerup In Battle of the South

Jackson, Mississippi - March 26-28 The Rookies competed in the Battle of the South Tournament. There were 21 teams in the 12U division and the Rookies were the only team from Texas. They opened up against tournament host MBA Hoops. The Rookies won that match 40-28 and then faced the Arkansas Blackhawks. The Blackhawks took the win 46-29. The Rookies then traveled over to Ridgleland, MS to meet up with the Delta Travelers, winning effortless 53-18. Then Rookies were then treated to a team fish fry hosted by Cainan's grandfather. Later that night the Rookies face Laurel-Jones Elite and won that contest 41-39. Sunday, the Rookies faced the Lafayette Celtics. The Rookies handed the Celtics a loss of 36-33 in an overtime match. With the win, the Rookies moved on to round 2 of bracket play. The Ascension Jaguars were the next opponents in a back in forth match. The game was tied 45-45, 10 seconds left in the game and the Jaguars had the ball. Kevin Granger forced a Jaguar turnover stealing the ball and passing off to Cainan McClelland for the game winning basket 47-45. That win propelled the Rookies into the championship game. In order to make their flight deadline back to Houston, the Rookies would have to play back to back games. Coming off an overtime game and a last second win, the Rookies would face a rested LA Primetime Select. Primetime would take the contest and the Rookies would capture Runnerup in the Battle of the South. The Rookies are now 38-14 on the season.