Tip-off Classic Championship Notebook
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
SUWANEE, GA – The value of playing in the Tip-off Classic is Atlanta allows teams to compete against some of the best competition available. It does not matter if teams are coming from Texas, New York and any where in between.
At team who has taken advantage of competing against the best was Heat Elite. This New York based team’s roster was loaded with talented players. In true Big Apple fashion the Heat also had some scrappy skilled guards who played hard. They were fearless in winning back-to-back Tip-Off Classic championship.
The journey to the title was unique.
Heat Elite was in the bracket which featured the Georgia Stars, Game Elite and AOT. These are some of the top programs in Georgia. Those rosters are loaded with highly recruited players. In games against the Georgia Stars and AOT, the Heat needed major comebacks to either stay in the game or eventually win.
In the final, AOT took the early lead against a Zaire Baines-less Heat squad. The gritty 2022 guard from the Portledge School was out due to an injury. This is when the others stepped up like Jaden Daughtry and Chance Morrish. Daughtry is a prospect many college programs need to look in because of his versatility and motor. The 6-foot-6 wing is headed to Arizona Compass in the Fall. He can post up, knockdown and handle the ball, which was on full display over the weekend. Daughtry finished with a team-high 24 points in the championship. Morrish, who had a slow start in the first half, scored all of his 10 points in the second-half.
The Heat never shied from facing the best competition during the weekend. Its best game was against the Georgia Stars Nike EYBL team. Many in the gym presumed it was going to be an easy game for the Georgia based team. The Stars stole the victory with a defensive stop. Baylor commit Dillon Hunter made the steal scoring the winning basket.
Baines helped orchestrate the Heat’s grit. He refused to be stop. Better yet, he could not be stopped. Baines kept the Stars talented guards on their heels the entire time. They had programs staying in front of Baines.
In the end, the Heat came and represented the Big Apple well, especially after winning its second Tip-off championship.
Game Changers’ top performance beats Team Huncho
Team Thrill’s dominance hauls in crown
Louisville Magic’s team balance captures 14U title
Aim High comeback secures 13U championship
Team Power lights it up to win 12U tournament
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.