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Womens Elite Open DivisionThis year, eight teams entered the Womens Elite Open division of the NACBAIT. Following pool play and a challenge round, the four teams who advanced to the Final Four were defending champion SF Red Coach, 3 time champion LA Aiya, the 2002 champ SF ArcAngels, and the underdog Toronto CCYAA A bunch. The first Semifinal was contrast of styles in a game pitting the top talent from the Bay Area, when the high octane offense of the ArcAngels met the tremendous halfcourt defense of Red Coach. In an earlier pool play game,the ArcAngels had taken a 41-40 double OT dub, so everyone knew that these two teams were very evenly matched. Taking advantage of the cramped surroundings, Red Coach was able to keep the ArcAngels in check and prevented them from leaking out for easy breakaways. Red Coach seized control early, as Deana Lum (11 pts) and Karina Wong (7 pts) provided the scoring punch. With ArcAngels all-star guard Kathleen Ty out with an ankle injury, the major offensive burden fell on highly skilled forward Kelly Tiao. Red Coach was able to limit her touches and held her to only 10 points for the game. In the second half, the ArcAngels were able to put a scare into Red Coach as rookie guard Kat Wang (14 pts, All-Tournament) started connecting some pressure trifectas. However, Red Coach was able to hang on 43-39 to advance to Monday. The other Semi game provided high drama as LA Aiya met up with Toronto CCYAA A. LA was the favorite heading in, as they had been obliterating their competition over the previous 4 games. They had been doing with it a complete team effort on both ends of the court. Toronto was led by forward Kim Lee and much heralded guard Cecilia Chan. In the first half, the pace was going Aiya's way but they just couldn't find the bucket on the offensive end. Top scorer Allison Welsh was scoreless, sharpshooter Debbie Young was also blank in the scoring column. Carol Young was leading LA with 5, while Kim Lee had 6 at the half for Toronto. LA found themselves down by 1 at the midpoint, but most onlookers felt that they would find a way to regroup in the second half. Allison found her rhythm in the second half, but at the same time so did Toronto's Cecilia Chan. She dropped in 10 of her 13 after halftime as Toronto pulled off one of their biggest wins 37-29.Monday morning bright and early, and the ladies were at the gym for the Championship game. Toronto CCYAA A was seeking their first ever title, while SF Red Coach was looking to defend. Many of the Toronto players had celebrated the night before at the rockin Tournament party at Umbria Nightclub, but it didn't seem to affect their play one bit. In fact, it must have helped them calm their jitters as they were able to sprint out of the starting blocks and take a quick lead. The three headed monster of Kim Lee, Cecilia Chan, and Christine Vuong was ready for the SF matchup zone as they played unselfishly and made the extra pass. Even unsung Lisa Chew got in on the action as she chipped in a crucial 6 points when SF left her open. Meanwhile, the usually surefire Red Coach was struggling through one of their worst shooting games of the Tournament. They were missing wide open 3's that they normally knock down without a second thought. They were also crashing the offensive boards very well, but just couldn't convert the layups. Toronto was leading 17-14 at the halftime buzzer, and in the second half they just wanted to maintain their lead. When Kim Lee got into foul trouble, it looked like Red Coach was poised to make a big run. But CC would have none of that, as she really wanted to win her first NACBAIT title. Cecilia (18 pts, 4-8 ft's, 2 treys) took the team on her shoulders to give Toronto an 8 point lead. SF was forced to start fouling early, and CCYAA ended up hitting 10 of 16 in the second half. Deana Lum (10 pts, 2 triples, 2-2 ft's), Renee Lum (6 pts), and Cassie Chi (10 pts) took turns trying to get SF back into it. With time winding down, Cassie Chi connected to bring Red Coach within two. They had no choice but to foul, and they sent Cecilia Chan to the line. This is one of those moments that you spend all those hours sweating and working in the gym for. CC calmly stepped up to the stripe, and nailed them both to send CCYAA to a 4 point win 44-40. For her clutch performance, Cecilia Chan was named MVP. Great job Toronto on their first ever North American Chinese Basketball Association Invitiational Tournament title. << previous next >> |
Consolation Round Semifinals Toronto Dragons def New York USAB Warriors Washington CYC China Dolls def NY Lady Cruisers Championship Toronto Dragons def Washington CYC China Dolls Medal Round Semifinals Toronto CCYAA A def Los Angeles Aiya San Fran Red Coach def San Fran ArcAngels Championship Toronto CCYAA A def San Francisco Red Coach ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM Cecilia Chan, Toronto CCYAA A (Medal Round MVP) Ann Ching, Toronto Dragons (Consolation Round MVP) Kim Hong, San Francisco Red Coach Allison Welsh, Los Angeles Aiya Kat Wang, San Francisco ArcAngels Sunny Chang, Washington CYC China Dolls |
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2016-05-27 20:00:00 GMT-04:00
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Titans Prevail 18U Div.
May 25, 2015 - The NY Titans and Markham FCCM Shake Hands Post an Action Packed Boys 18U Championship Game. -
Canton China to Montreal
May 25, 2015 - Canton United, Men’s 45+ Basketball Team Travels From Canton China to Play. -
DOUBLE UP
May 25, 2015 - Toronto CCYAA Captures Two Men’s Divisions Championships, 35+ & 45+.
