LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA -- When Harold Spears knocked down a jumper with less than 20 seconds left in the semifinal game in the silver category of the Showcase, it appeared that Matthew Pauls' Cinderella ride at Disney World would continue.
However, as a player from Team Loyalty drove the lane, he appeared to lose control of the ball driving to the rim. The whistle blew and it extinguished the dreams of the NJABC team inside the beautiful Jostens Center at the Wide World of Sports complex.
Pauls was rightfully upset, losing in such a fashion in a hard fought overtime game. In fact, it was a shame either team had to lose. But being eliminated on such a wishy-washy call will hurt for a while.
What can't be disputed was the terrific play by his roster throughout this 16 and under Showcase. He had the big man in the middle in Markus Kennedy. But it was more than just the space eater inside.
St. Joe's guard Steve Rennard was impressive with his perimeter game and leadership. Contributions by Spears, Dondre Whitmore, Markese Tucker, Wayne Newsome, Joshua Daniell, and Dontae Johnson were felt throughout this four day event.
Each of the above individuals do have division one recruiting interest and over the next week we will detail their individual games.
The New York City Gauchos, playing inside the same Jostens Center, also were eliminated by an extremely talented All Ohio team. The Gauchos 17 and under team is currently competing in the Showcase in that age category. Look for stories on the Gauchos later in the day here on this website.