Jim Couch Super 16: NYC vs. National Select
BRONX, NY - Over the weekend, the Jim Couch Foundation held its annual Super 16 National Training Showcase at the Mott Haven Educational Complex in the Bronx, NY. The final leg of the event concluded with the NYC Team vs. National Select Team.
The NYC team led throughout this contest, closing out the National Select Team, 96-90. NYC’s Akeem White ‘17 took the MVP title with 27pts and sportsmanship went to National Select team’s Demarley Smith who finished with 15pts.
The first quarter belonged too White, who scored at will against the porous defense of the National Select team. With a minute and half remaining, the senior hit a three-pointer to put his team up 22-11. National Select team’s Joel Boyce ‘17 answered back ending the quarter with an up and under shot, 22-15.
The NYC team opened the second quarter firing back-to-back shots from Andre Edwards ‘17, White, along with a crisp jumper from Saheem Anthony ‘17. The National Select team showed little defense, until the remaining minutes of the quarter when Demarley Smith ‘17 and Walter Whyte ‘17 awoke to push their team to within 12 points. NYC’s Chris Molina ‘17 with a feed to Marcus Wesley ‘17 for two points closed out the half ahead, 48-34.
National Select’s Deandre Bourne ’17 scored between defenders cutting the NYC team lead down to ten, 10 with three minutes remaining in the third. At the 2:02 minute mark, Whyte slams two home with Smith scoring at the line after a foul call. As the clock ran out the National Select moved within 8 points of NYC’s lead.
The final quarter of the game became a toss up with both teams exchanging baskets evenly. But NYC’s grip remained firm down the stretch. In the final minutes, National Select’s foul trouble gave way to their final demise. The NYC team would score one last basket silencing the National Select Team for good.
