Gotham Titans Undefeated on Sunday of Hoop Group Jam Fest 2022

Sunday April 3rd, the Titans were victorious against Nassau Pride and Brooklyn SBBA to claim the consolation bracket championship of the Hoop Group 14U Jam Fest 2022.

After scheduling complications led to a forfeit in the opening matchup of the tournament, the Titans reeled off consecutive victories against tough competition to secure a successful start to the Spring AAU tournament season.

In the first game on Sunday the Titans defeated Nassau Pride 57-50 behind a phenomenal 35 point outing from Xavier Bala which also included 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Stirling Sloman scored 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists and a perfect 4/4 from the free throw line in the clutch to ice the game as Nassau played the fouling game in an attempt to make a last ditch comeback. Alex Roth had 6 points on two deep threes, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Stamati Sideridis led the defense with 13 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.

The championship game was a very physical matchup with Brooklyn SBBA who very quickly found themselves in the double-bonus during the first half. After an intense and gritty two halves of basketball, it was the final minute of play which saw the Titans rise to the occasion with some thrilling and gutsy basketball. Brooklyn took a 2 point with only 48 seconds on the clock leading to a quick timeout from the Titans. With the perfect play drawn up, Mateo Morales found an open Xavier Bala who hit a corner three to re-take the lead. Brooklyn was fouled attacking the basket, missed both free throws, but managed to grab the offensive board and score on the put-back, to take a 1 point lead with 8 seconds remaining. With the ball in Xavier's hands, coming off a double high screen, he carved through the defense for a reverse layup to win the game as time expired.

For the game Xavier scored 34 points, 6 steals, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. He shot 12-15 (80%) from the free throw line. Mateo Morales had 14 points with 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 55% shooting from the field. Alex Roth had 6 points on 2 three pointers. Nasir Whitfield in his first tournament with the Titans proved fearsome on the glass hauling in 6 rebounds in limited minutes.