The FCI Warriors participated in the AAU Super Showcase held at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex July 18 through July 21st. This was the first of two tournament the Warriors participated in while down in Orlando during the July "live" Period for NCAA coaches.
The Warriors started the tournament off in impressive fashion with a 89-62 victory over the Charleston (SC) Playmakers. The Warriors controlled from the very start, coming out the gate with an aggressive trapping defense and never looking back. It was a total team effort, with all ten players scoring and making solid contributions. On Saturday morning, the Warriors progressed to 2-0 in Pool Play with a dominating 77-32 victory over the Florida Tarheels. This set up a showdown with the very talented New Jersey Roadrunners, who were also 2-0 in pool play. The winner would claim 1st place in the pool and advance to the "Gold" Playoff Bracket.
The game with the Roadrunners was a heated and tightly contested game that was back and forth the entire game. The Roadrunners held a heavy size advantage inside; however, the FCI Warriors countered with superior quickness and speed. In a very well played game by both teams, the Warriors eventually fell by the score of 74-68, and placing 2nd in Pool F.
This put the Warriors in a Silver Bracket Playoff Matchup with Team Vigilance out of Alabama. The Warriors had an up and down game; playing very well during spurts. However, turnovers late in the 4th quarter turned out to be the difference and Team Vigilance prevailed 74-70.
The Showcase was a excellent test for and brought some well deserved College exposure to all of the players. In particular, Jay Bowyer (5' 10, PG, Walton; 2014), Dana "Dee-J" Middleton (6' 3, Wing, Paulding County; 2014), and Terence Brittian Jr. (6' 2, SG, Spalding; 2014), Michael Hemphill (6' 1, PG, Paulding County; 2014), Isaiah Rose (6' 4, SG, Northview, 2014), and Donte Richitelli (6'1, CG, Etowah; 2015) played especially well.
The team now had two days rest before starting play in the 11th Grade (Division I) AAU National Championships on Wednesday.
