The NY USAB Warriors 15’s have won back to backs in the 15’s, as outstandingly talented players have made winning look easy. Mitchell Cheung and Erick Wong are capable scorers, while young bigs Connor Mollin and Brian Lichtenstein do what’s asked of them. Jeff Chan is a nice little PG. But the Warriors have struggled all year on the East Coast circuit in this age group, so this may signal that the torch could be passed to someone else this year. With no dominant presence this year, and a dearth of USAB’s infamous speed guys, they will have their hands full. But never underestimate USAB, as they seek the unlikely 3-peat. The Maryland Pistons will enter the tournament with the most impressive group of boys in the division. Coach Kung has worked hard to recruit the top young talent from the Capital area. After a heartbreaking 2nd place finish in Philly, Maryland may well be the favored team in Fort Lauderdale. They finished as runners up in the Pre NACBAIT Classic, but probably should have won it with this gang of eager young ballers. Robbie Lim and Ervin Liang are one of the top pairings around. Role players like Justin Kung and Austin Liou are there to play tough defense and pop strings in their perimeter based offense. They are our pick to win it. Toronto CCYAA 15’s return a couple easily recognizable faces from the team that finished as the Consolation Champions last year. Coached by basketball purist Sol Tenn, CCYAA had a surplus of kids try out for this squad and was able to select a team with enough of everything to improve on last year’s finish. They will have some height inside, as well as a good bit of hoops talent. Ivan Chan & Eric Chong will be playing in their 3rd 15 & Under NACBAIT, while newcomers like David Ing, Patrick Tang, and Paul Fedoryshin will give Toronto the size to compete with the Americans. The Phila Young Suns will be lucky to win a game this year. They will be paced by G Jordan Ly, F Jonathan Lai, and C Timmothy Mak.
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