Fairfield County Team Takes Youth Basketball Title

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — Connecticut’s Premier Hoops Development U-13 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team used a deep roster and suffocating defense to sweep its way to a second tournament championship in the past two weekends. This week it was the Adidas Hardwood Classic, a regional tournament hosted by the New England Playaz AAU basketball club at the Newtown Sports Academy.

On Saturday, Premier Hoops went 2-0 in pool play to earn the No. 1 seed in their bracket on Sunday.

In the first game, a Wilton duo of Jack Williams and Jackson Cote led the 45-30 defensive squeeze that Premier Hoops put on Hamden’s United Sons team. Ben Casparius (Westport) scored all seven of his points in the second half to spur a PHD breakaway. Tyler Sweeney (New Canaan) led all scorers with nine points. JJ Conway of Fairfield directed the offense from the point guard position.

Hayes Kelchner (Fairfield) dominated the low post with 11 points in the first half of Game Two against Stamford Peace. Kelchner’s early offense and the inside muscle and hustle from James Crovatto (New Canaan) were just enough to help PHD hold onto a dramatic 39-38 win.

In the semifinals, Mack Muller (Westport) exploded for 15 points and several key rebounds. Carter Scott (Darien) fueled Premier Hoops’ running offense, which outdistanced the Connecticut Rising Stars, 35-27.

In the championship game, Premier Hoops took on the physically bigger Nor’East Lightning from New York. But once again, Premier Hoops used aggressive ball pressure and excellent defensive rotations to handcuff the opponents. Ryan Allen (Norwalk) was a rebounding and shot-blocking force. The Darien pair of Alex Preston and Jackson Ryan led the PHD scoring with eight points each.

PHD is 11-1 against U-13 teams in the current spring AAU season. Their only loss was to nationally ranked New Rens Basketball of New York City.

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