What an unfortunate call and what a crazy way to end a very productive weekend at the single best tournament on the planet.
Team Penny rode the hot hand of KeVaughn Allen (Arkansas) to a late 83 all tie with the legendary Playaz of New Jersey at the finals of the prestigious Nike Peach Jam in Augusta.
An unfortunate technical called against Team Penny in the waning seconds resulted in the Playaz knocking down two foul shots and grabbing the hollow victory.
Allen finished the contest with 22 while the brothers Lawson were at the top of their respective games as well. K.J. Lawson (Hamilton) finished with 19 while little brother Dedric Lawson (Hamilton) added 15 in the loss.
Rising Class of 2017 stud P.J. Washington (Texas) finished with a dozen in the contest.
The week was a very productive one for Team Penny as they came out of the block swinging. 86-70 was the count over the New York Lightning. Allen led the charge with 16 followed closely by K.J. with 15 and Dillon Mitchell (White Station) and Nych Smith (White Station) each adding 13 points apiece. The younger Lawson finished with a double/double with 11 points and 10 boards.
K.J. was gigantic with 30 markers as Team Penny corralled the Southern Stampede 90-53. Washington had one of his best game finishing with 20 while Allen brought up the rear with 19 markers.
Team Penny moved to 3-0 with a hard fought 85-82 win over the Texas Titans behind 21 from K.J. and 20 from Allen. Dedric added another double/double with 17 points and 10 caroms.
Giving up a big lead proved costly in game #4 as the Wings Elite from Arkansas bested Team Penny 90-88 despite 26 from Allen and 22 and 14 from the younger Lawson. K.J added 14 in the tough loss.
Balance was the mantra as Team Penny closed out pool play with a huge win over the Jackson Tigers. Allen went crazy scoring 29 markers. Dedric added 17 and Mitchell finished with 14 for the Bluff City crew. K.J. finished with 12.
In the semi-finals the Memphis brood tangled with the always dangerous Boo Williams squad but behind the 17 points and 12 rebounds from K.J. ,Team Penny walked away with the win and a trip to the finals with a 77-68 triumph.
Allen finished with 14 while Washington added 11.
Team Penny Final Scoring Averages (Seven Games)
KeVaughn Allen 20.9
K.J. Lawson 18.3
Dedric Lawson 13.3
P.J. Washington 9.4
Dillon Mitchell 9.1
Nych Smith 6.0
Donte Dorsey (Southwind) 5.1
Terrance Baker (Hamilton) 3.0
Dedric Lawson finished as the 3rd best rebounder in the event at 10.6 boards per game.
Special mention must be made to Marlon Hunter (Houston) who was one of the leading scorers in the event finishing at 15.2 points per game and was 1st in steals at 3.8 per contest.
Hunter had his best game with a 24 point effort against the Southern Stampede, gave Team Penny 18 in their victory and added 12 and 10 in his other contests.
