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The members of the Pistons in the 11 and 12th grade division danced, jumped and screamed with excitement after they charged for a dramatic 69-65 victory over the Suns in the championship game of the Norwalk Junior Basketball League Wednesday night.
We had 10 kids, who in the beginning of the season believed they could win it and they did, sai coach Carl Cooke amid the wild celebration.
Lightning-quick guard Andy Navarro sliced through the Suns defense for 23 points, while Eric Barrero scored 17. John Haffey Jr. added 13 for the winners. D.J. Shavers paced four players in double figures for the Suns with 18 points.
The Pistons led 33-32 at halftime, but the Suns quickly took control in the third quarter and held the lead throughout the second half. Barreros 3-pointer with 1:10 left gave the Pistons a 66-65 lead, their first advantage since halftime. Navarro added a free throw in the final minute, and the Suns made several miscues down the stretch that cost them a chance at victory.
I thought wed win the game the whole time, Pistons assistant coach John Haffey said. As long as we kept our focus, I thought wed win it.
Donovan Blunt scored 14 points for the Suns, while Donyae Carter-Smith scored 13 and Will Robinson 12.
Other team members on the Pistons, who finished 12-1, include Jake Passero, Greg Berger, Will Hirsch, Cesar Jimenez, Robbie Romano, Mark Snellman and John Sornatale.
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