Branch West resilient in GBOA West title game victory

Sometimes the biggest prizes come in small packages.

Branch West's floor general Alex Tucker proved that to be true as he led Bob Gottlieb's squad to a 49-47 victory over Inland Empire in the GBOA West title game at USC's Galen Center on Sunday. "I try to model my game after Chris Paul. I always try to setup my teammates first when they're open," said Tucker after he earned GBOA West Most Outstanding Player honors. Tucker's line in the box score may have only showed 6 points, but it was his leadership and defense that helped Branch West's successful rally.

Inland Empire controlled the pace of play for most of the game, and led 45-41 with just over two minutes remaining. Yet Tucker and teammate Eric Wise would not be denied. Wise scored the Branch West's next 6 points and helped the team close the game out on an 8-2 run. Wise finished with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Cold shooting in the second half plagued coach Elvert Perry's squad and proved to be the fatal flaw in Inland Empire's title quest. Inland Empire had a chance to tie with 30 seconds to play, but two misses by Michael Snaer and Max Carrier sealed their fate. Snaer led all Inland Empire scorers with 14 points (6-16 FG). Ironically, the Galen Center could be Snaer's future home court as he is being heavily recruited by USC, along with Cal, Washington, and Missouri.

Sunday's tense title game capped a weekend of impressive basketball action that featured the West Coast's finest grassroots teams. Over a dozen of the nation's top 100 prospects in both the 2009 and 2010 classes competed including Renardo Sidney (#1, 2009), Jeremy Tyler (#1, 2010), Jordan Hamilton, Travis and David Wear, Darius Morris, Charles Odum, and Snaer. California hoops stars were on hand as well, including Shaun Livingston, Davon Jefferson, Malcolm Lee, and Demar DeRozan.

Their finishes ensure both Branch West and Inland Empire automatic bids to the GBOA Challenge of Champions in Chicago (Aug 16-17). Two more will secure their spots this weekend as GBOA North goes down in Chicago. Top teams Illinois Warriors, Illinois Fire, and the Rising Stars. Tickets are available at www.gboahoops.com.

The Final Game is set to Go

The finals are set with Branch West playing smart basketball and good defense to take out the highly powered California Supreme team. Branch West used the clock to their advantage and hit key freethrows to clinch the game. They will be playing the mighty Inland Empire who have been dominating the competition with the play of star Michael Snaer. Read the recaps of the semis below.

Surprise to the Semis

Well people we finally got our teams in the semis but it was an experience not to forget. Inland has been plowing through the competion and just took out West Coast All-Stars 63-48. Michael Snaer of Inland has definitely been one of the top players so far with his play over the highly rated LA Dream Team and West Coast All-Stars. He has been scoring in the 20's consistently all weekend.

Belmont Shore took on a BCA team who has been flying under the radar all summer. Belmont without the Wear twins this game were mainly in control with a 10 point lead under 2 minutes in the game. A clutch 3 point shot by Jamal Tryce lifted the BCA team with only 10 seconds to stun the Belmont Shore Club.

The feature game had the The California Supreme going against The Hood on the main court. The game had two of the premier players in Jeremy Tyler (California Supreme) and Jordan Hamilton (The Hood) going head to head in the anticipated matchup. California Supreme was primarily in control of the game being up by almost 20 when The Hood made a strong comeback in the middle of the second half. Play started to get a little chippy and after one hard foul the game was called with The California Supreme advancing being up 47-34.

The 2D1 vs Branch West game just ended with Branch West advancing the semis 80-69.