Branch West led by Tournament MVP 6'6" Leon Young from Lakewood H.S. in Long Beach, CA soundly beat a well regarded H Squad team in the Championship Finals of the first major AAU Tournament Spring 2005. Branch West lead by 19 points with 7 minutes to go until H Squads full court press narrowed the final score to 64-54.

Branch West's twin towers of 6'9" 260 lbs JR, Deon Thompson of Torrance H.S. (Torrance, CA) and 6'6" 225 lbs SR, power forward Leon Young dominated inside play throughout the tournament with 6'5" 225 lbs SR Alfonzo Peterson from CIF champion Compton Dominguez HS. Leon Young was absolutely awesome inside and on the boards and Deon Thompson has become one of the top 2 JR big men in California.

Nick Kovacevich 6'5" wing from Bellermine Prep (San Jose), who has been living and training with Bob Gottlieb as a post grad this past year, as well as playing for Stoneridge Prep lead Branch West in the finals with 20 pts and was a major part of the outstanding combination defense that held H Squad 6'3" superstar Danny Williams of Freemont H.S. (LA) to zero points for the entire game. In the Semi Finals Danny Williams scored 35 pts to lead the H Squad to a solid win over an excellent Compton Magic team.

Ray Williams 5'8" JR point guard from Steele Canyon H.S. in San Diego and younger brother of former Branch West superb point guard Richie Williams who committed to San Diego State this past December, had an excellent tournament overall and was chosen All Tournament as was Deon Thompson, Leon Young, and Nick Kovacevich.

Corey Counts 6'0" PG and four year started at Palisades H.S. (Pacific Palisades, CA) had a terrific tournament but strained his groin in the semi finals and though he started against H Squad, he had to leave the game after a minute and was unable to return. His outside shooting was a big factor in a number of Branch West wins.

The tournament included the outstanding Belmont Shores teams, Compton Magic, H Squad and two excellent teams from Las Vegas, Nevada Elite and the Andre Agassi All-Stars. Branch West was fortunate to beat a very well coached Andre Agassi by 2 points in the 1st game on Friday. Later Friday evening Branch West trailed 27-21 at half but came back to win by 10 against Nevada Elite. Saturday, Branch West began to really gel as a team and beat Bellmont Shores North handily in the quarter finals and Bellmont Shores Blue in the semi finals by over 30 points each.

Larry Tyson 6'3" SR combo guard from Quartz Hill H.S. shot the ball extremely well. Matt Adams 6'0" JR from Escondido H.S. (Escondido, CA) also contributed with his all around toughness and hustle. Mark Peterson 6'4" JR from Sacramento H.S. (Sacramento) also had some very good moments.