The KC Truth Red 7th Grade Make it to the Championship of the 7th Grade Division in the KC Storm Fall Classic

The KC Truth 2015 competed in the 7th Grade division of the KC Storm Fall Classic on November 20-22.

The Truth Red won their pool by beating the MO-KAN Elite 6th Grade and the Spartans 7th Grade.  This sent them to the semifinal game against the KC Heat Elite, an experienced and tough team.  The Truth struck early against the Heat Elite, jumping out to an early lead on the strength of their developing transition offense.  The Truth lead would prove to be insurmountable for the Heat Elite, and resulted in the Truth moving on to the Championship Game of the 7th Grade division.

The Truth Red would face off against the the KC Cowboys in the Championship.

The Cowboys caught The Truth off-balance early, jumping out to an early 16-4 on the strength of their inside game, and led by big man Cody Riley.  On their end, the Truth had trouble converting offensively in the early minutes of the game.  However, when the Truth got it together on offense, they managed to completely erase the Cowboy lead and take a 2-point lead for themselves, on the strength of balanced scoring.  Guard Anthony “Fuzzy” Bonner was not only unstoppable on drives to the basket, but he also racked up assists to teammates DeAngelo Bruster and Gabe Munoz as the Truth gained ground.  In addition, big man Jaylen Gill stepped up to the challenge under the basket, going toe-to-toe with Riley.

Thereafter, the game was nip-and-tuck until the final buzzer.

The final seconds of the game provided for a dramatic finish.  With the game tied at 38-38, the Cowboys had possession of the ball, and, as the clock wound down to the final five seconds, they turned the ball over.  With those five precious seconds left, with his team inbounding the ball on the sideline, Coach Newton drafted the perfect inbounds play.  Truth guard Davis took the ball out of bounds and waited patiently as Smith set the perfect screen for teammate Bonner.  Bonner, who had provided headaches for the Cowboys in the lane throughout the game, got the ball and drove to basket, virtually unguarded after Smith’s perfect pick.  Truth fans felt victory was within grasp. . . and then a whistle blew!  A foul was called on the Truth away from the ball!  And both teams were over the foul limit, which sent a Cowboy player to the free throw line.  Both shots were made, giving the Cowboys a 40-38 lead.  Somehow, five seconds remained yet on the clock.  And with those five seconds at his disposal, the coach put the ball in Bonner’s hand to break the press, and put Davis and Bruster at the three-point line for the shot.  Bonner easily broke the Cowboy press and got the ball to an open Davis.  Davis launched the shot, right on target. . . and the ball hit the inside of the rim, and bounced out.  Twice, the Truth had come so close to victory, and twice their efforts had been foiled.  A hard-fought game was over, and the Truth was left to ponder the fact that their slow start ultimately did them in in the end.