MADISON, WISCONSIN – BIG TIME FUN
CALI DAVIS DYNASTY CAPTURES COVETED TITLE
Madison, Wisconsin astonished many when it was announced as the host city for the 37th edition of the NACBA “Chinese Invitational Tournament” but all were surprised afterwards at the fun they had over the weekend. From the outstanding facilities – University of Wisconsin and Madison Technical College to the beautiful surroundings to the nice weather, it was a memorable time for all.
After couple of years of Canadian dominance at the National Tournament, the 2017 edition saw a change with teams from U.S.A. stating their case with championships in the Men’s Open, Masters 50+, Women’s, Boys 18u, and Boys 15u divisions. Canadian basketball was still well represented with championships in the Men’s Friendship and Senior 40+ divisions.
OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP TIP OFF
In the Men’s Open division (Elite), CALI DAVIS DYNASTY captured the coveted NACBA title and the right to be called the top ranked Chinese basketball team in North America. Coach Alan Liou’s team went undefeated (6-0) throughout the tournament and beat a stubborn, never say die Toronto Dragons team in the semifinals via overtime 64-61 before defeating Vancouver Strathcona, the 2016 champs in the championship game, 63-50. Tournament MVP Hamilton Chang led a well balanced Cali team with 21 pts. Others making their mark throughout the weekend were Collin Kono-Woo and Hank Huang. The other semifinalist also hailed from Canada, the Calgary Cash, winners of their pool who lost in the semis, 65-41 to Vancouver.
2017 BOYS 15U CHAMPIONS, NY2B ELITES
New York basketball continued their streak as they took top honors in the Boys 18u and Boys 15u divisions. The AAYC Sharks captured their first NACBA title in the Boys 18u by defeating a talented Boston Hurricanes team 46-39. In the Boys 15u division, the I.S.S. Flightz won their first championship as they took a nail biting 50-48 win over the Toronto CCYAA.
2017 BOYS 18U CHAMPIONS, AAYC SHARKS
2017 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS, LUNAR NYC
It didn’t end for the New Yorkers as the women’s division truly had NYC flavor as LunarNYC captured the women’s open championship defeating the NYC Sabres 41-31. Team founder, Bill Chan (USAB Warriors) added yet another NACBA title to his palmares (championships in the Men’s Elite, Open, Friendship, Boys 18, Boys 15). In the Masters 50+, East Coast Elite repeated as champions this time defeating the Toronto CCYAA, 42-22.
2017 SENIOR 50+ CHAMPIONS, EAST COAST ELITE
Canadian basketball didn’t disappoint during the weekend with Markham FCCM claiming the Men’s Friendship division by defeating the 2016 champs, LunarNYC, 51-45.
2017 MEN'S FRIENDSHIP CHAMPIONS – MARKHAM FCCM
Finally, in the Senior 40+ division, Toronto CCYAA continued its dominance with their fourth straight championship dating back to 2014. The championship game against the Chicago Dragons is one to remember with tournament MVP, Richard Zhu sinking two free throws with less than two seconds remaining in the game and down by one point to seal the victory, 40-39.
CCYAA 40+ AND 50+ TEAMS
Sincere thanks to so many of you who assisted with the planning and staging of this tournament (NACBA board members, members of the the MASC and Marriott, and the host of volunteers from the participating cities). It is your hard work, team work, passion and dedication that makes this event “SPECIAL”.