Treasure Coast's Rams Defeat National Powerhouse
Montverde Academy Team
in Winning Jupiter Jam

After defeating its first three opponents in the 19 and under age division, to make it to the Semi-Final game of the recently conducted United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Jupiter Jam Boys' Basketball Tournament, the Treasure Coast based Florida Rams Blue, age 16 and under, weren't certain what to expect in the team's next game. When their opponent arrived in its private, custom motor coach, it became apparent, to say the least, that the Montverde Academy Circle of Success Eagles, who were undefeated this travel season, would present a significant challenge.

As the Eagle players entered the Jupiter High School Gym, May 11, 2008, several appeared to narrowly clear its doorways - in particular, 7'-0" Ugo Okam from Enugu, Nigeria; 6'-11" Ruslan Pateev from Moscow, Russia; 6'-8" Nick Diatta from Casamance, Senegal; 6'-8" Kadeem Green from Toronto, Canada; and 6'-7" Papa Samba Ndao from Dakar, Senegal.

Montverde Academy, a private prep school northwest of Orlando, is nationally recognized for its basketball program's success, was crowned National Champions in 2007 and is widely considered the crème de la crème of high school basketball. Its 32 page Basketball Media Guide even contains 4 separate pages for autographs. The Team's players come from countries around the world, with many of its past players having gone on to play at Division 1 colleges.

As the Eagles began pre-game warm-ups, every player had its own basketball, as its coaching contingent directed a wide array of unique drills. Enjoying a 30 point per game average margin of victory in its 3 previous games in this Jupiter Jam Tournament leading up to its semi-final match-up with the Rams, to some spectators, this team appeared more like a top college team or even an NBA squad.

In what could be considered one of the best local David -vs- Goliath stories in recent memory, the age 16 and under Rams, playing up in age group, proved to be a worthy opponent to the age 19 and under Eagles. The game was close throughout, but the Rams' best defensive performance of the season, and its determination in the closing minutes, led to a 55-52 Rams' victory and a spot in the Championship Game, which followed later that afternoon.

The Eagles Head Coach, Kevin Sutton, who was the National High School Coach of the Year in 2007,could not have anticipated these events but was complimentary of the Rams' efforts and congratulatory. The Eagles are certainly a great team, but these young Rams were able to win on this particular day, handing the Eagles their first loss of the season.

In the ensuing Championship game, after leading for the majority of the contest, the Rams held on to defeat the host team, Jupiter Jaguars, age 19 and under, 57-55, in overtime, to claim title to the 2008 Jupiter Jam, age 19 and under, Division 1 Championship. The Rams' Matt Elam was named Tournament MVP, while the Rams' Greg Louis, Mark Moore, and Will Sheehey were each named to the All-Tournament Team.

This was the Rams 4th consecutive USSSA Tournament Title this season and improves the team's overall record to 21-3. The team is currently USSSA ranked # 1 in the Nation, out of 534 teams in their age group, and has also qualified for the AAU National Championship Tournament. The Rams' team consists of 3 freshmen and 9 sophomore players, from 9 different area high schools, covering Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties.

The 2008 Jupiter Jam attracted over 200 teams, making it one of this year's largest USSSA Tournaments in the State. Attendence by teams of the stature of the Montverde Academy Circle of Success Eagles further validates the Tournament's competitive status.

In addition to the Rams, several other Treasure Coast travel teams won Championships in this year's Jupiter Jam. The Treasure Coast Panthers won in age 19 / Division 2, while the Treasure Coast Tarheels won in age 16 / Division 2, and the Martin County Tigers won in age 15 / Division 2.

The Rams upcoming Tournaments include the AAU Super Regional in Fort Lauderdale and the USSSA State Championships in St. Lucie County.