LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA -- The BABC rosters is filled with many division one prospects. In fact, two of them, Alex Oriakhi and Jamaal Coombs, have given verbal commitments to the University of Connecticut program.
So it was a bit surprising to watch the highly regarded and respected AAU program take it on the chin with some punch in today's pool game held inside the Milk House at the Wide World of Sports complex on the grounds of Disney World.
Edward Daniel, a 2009 prospect, led the Birmingham Ice to a 86-73 victory over BABC in the afternoon pool game. The playoffs begin later tonight and conclude tomorrow evening with the championship game to be held at 7:30 PM ET inside the Milk House.
Daniel hammered his way inside the BABC defense for 26 points while teammates Eric Bledsoe (15 points) and Nigel Ramsey (19 points) helped the Ice to the big victory.
Connecticut recruits Oriakhi and Coombs could never get it going in this game. Each scored their first basket in the second half and both finished the game without reaching double digits in scoring.
Phil Pressey (featured in photo) was the main bright spot for BABC. The 2010 prospect dashed and darted his way between defenders for 26 points.
Pressey is being recruited by many division one programs. While some may suspect he is too small to handle himself against big time schools and players, Phil seems to always score against the big bodies around the rim with his soft floaters.
The Ice led 17-16 after the first quarter and had a 38-35 advantage at the half. The Ice stretched the lead to 63-52 heading into the fourth quarter where the Birmingham based team maintained control throughout the final eight minutes of play.