WCE25 Championship Tournament Recap 2017 ANAHEIM, Calif. — What a weekend it turned out to be for the Seattle Rotary 14U team at the West Coast Elite Championship Tournament. The deep and talented group from the Pacific Northwest dominated the California Bearcats Friday night in its National Showcase game and then went on to take the 14U Open Division championship. Neither of these results came as any surprise to those who have seen this crew in action. Seattle Rotary is led by talented forward Paolo Banchero who scores the basketball in a variety of ways, both inside and out. One of Banchero’s most underrated skill is his passing ability as the 6-foot- 5 prospect in the class of 2021 made a number of impressive outlet passes off of defensive rebounds to teammates for easy baskets. Rotary’s guard play was impressive, as well, with Shane Nowell and Isaac Ticeson relentlessly attacking the basket off the dribble and finishing through contact, while Xavier Bailey provided consistent threat from 3-point range. Jaylon Ellis, Jermaine Davis, Leon Neal and Nasir Graves also provided plenty of spark on the weekend. Seattle Rotary received a first-round bye and advanced to the 14U Open Division championship of the West Coast Elite Championship Tournament with a 62-45 win over Up and Under Basketball Academy. Rotary put together an impressive defensive performance in the championship game, defeating a talented Las Vegas Prospects team, 44-28, to take the 14U Open Division title. Another out of state team found success in Anaheim over the weekend in Billups Elite 14U out of Colorado. Billups picked up a big win over the California Bearcats Friday night in the National Showcase behind strong a strong performance from Kendale Johnson, Jr. Johnson, who was a top five selection last month at EBC Colorado, dominated with his physicality inside, getting to the basket at-will and finishing above and through contact. Johnson also showed his versatility with his ability to knock down a 15-foot face-up shot and put the ball on the deck and finish off the dribble. Jason Simental was another standout for Billups Elite with his ability to slash, on or off the ball, into the weak spots of the defense and finish with either hand around the rim. James Walker showcased his explosiveness and burst in transition and blow-by ability in the half-court setting and 6-foot- 6 big man Mike Titera put together one of his best performances, displaying his ability to work in the post with good footwork and soft touch. More Championship Results 17U Gold: OGP HQ Black 65, OGP 17U Elite Orange 64 17U Silver: I Am Rockfish 54, Montebello Elite 35 17U Bronze: Long Beach Nikos 48, JW Basketball Varsity 46 16U Silver: Team Veritas 51, OGP Kings Black 44 16U Bronze East: Las Vegas Wildcats 43, I Am Rockfish 42 16U Bronze West: PB Streetballers 59, Point Break 46 15U Gold: Watchmen Basketball 68, Cal Bombers 611 47 15U Silver: I Am Rockfish 58, Team Nikos 14U Black 45 15U Bronze East: OGP HQ Black 61, W2 51 15U Bronze West: OGP Kings Blue 43, Cal Bombers 611 35 14U Open: Seattle Rotary 44, Las Vegas Prospects 28 14U Gold: RC Bulls 13U Black 80, Team Vegas Black 67 14U Silver East: Two One Elite 76, Real Run 51 14U Silver West: Team Veritas 54, I Am Rockfish 43 14U Bronze East: Pre-Eminent 33, San Diego Disciples 32 14U Bronze West: Spartans Elite 66, Team Nikos White 56 14U Copper: Sharks 72, W1 40