If Its Any Consolation...

AUBD represented Australia well in the Kiwanis Tournament in San Diego with the Senior team winning 3 games out of 4 and finishing 5th out of 16. The only game they lost was in the quarterfinals to Torrey Pines (traditionally a powerhouse in the San Diego area, winning 8 of the last 13 city titles) who ended up winning the whole tournament. If the Seniors were in the other half of the bracket there is no doubt in mind they would not have competed against Torrey Pines in the Grand Final. Losing to Torrey Pines was a great learning experience for our boys because they are a great "team". They are very well coached and very disciplined. We ended up losing by 12 points because of some careless turnovers down the stretch. Playing against teams like Torrey Pines every possession counts and you have to limit mistakes. We didn't and it costed us the game and probably a 1st place finish.

The BC1 team lost their first game which in knocked them into the consolation bracket. After this loss, the boys rebounded and won 3 straight and the Kiwanis Consolation Bracket Championship. The BC1 team showed flashes of greatness with Nathan So and Kuany Kuany leading the way with some impressive individual statistical performances including Nathan scoring 31 points (on Eamon and AJ) and 27 points in consecutive games and Kuany having the tourney high with 39 points.

The BC2 finished up winning 2 games out 4 and placing 12th out of the 16 team field. In the big scheme of things, this is a good finish for the youngest team in the tournament. This was more of a learning experience for this team as they are still learning what its like to play as a "team". One of the most important (and most difficult) lessons to learn in basketball is how to have individual success in a team setting. With that being said Cameron Lee had the play of the Tour to date, breaking his opponents ankles twice in the same play and making a sweet pass to big Matty for the finish.

I am also proud to announce Kuany Kuany and Dend Deng were recognised as top players in the tournament as voted by opposing coaches winning All-Tournament Team honors. After every game each coach must cast a vote for the outstanding player on the opposing team. This is a huge accomplishment for our boys as well as AUBD receiving 2 of the 5 places on the All-Tournament Team especially when you take into consideration there were over 160 young men competing in this tournament.