Published: July 16, 2008 01:26 am            

WV Reign enjoys experience

FAIRMONT — The West Virginia Reign 16-U AAU basketball team was a natural fit for the Triple S Harley-Davidson/Buell Hoop Group Jam Fest.

They should be considering the tournament was held in the Fairmont-based team’s own backyard at Fairmont State University.

But because of some players being moved around and facing a high level of competition, the Reign didn’t fare so well, going 0-3 in their pool.

“Honestly, despite how we did, our guys had a good time,” Reign head coach Corey Hines said. “We ran into some trouble having to move some players up to the 16-U team, which threw off our rhythm, but I wanted the kids to be able to experience playing this level of competition.”

The Reign looked to be in control of its game against the Ohio-based Hidden Gems, but succumbed at the end. Then things got worse.

“We should have won the first one,” Hines said. “There were a couple of decisions that were made that cost us. I blame that one on myself. But then we ran into a buzzsaw from New Jersey.

“Regardless, I’m proud of the guys and this organization being this is only our second year in existence.”

Hines said he was also impressed with the way local hoops players performed in the tournament.

“Logan Moore, Ty Garrison and Ryan Sevier really did well,” he said. “I really enjoyed seeing those guys step up their games on that stage.

“To see them play hard on that level is what I’m most proud of.”

Hines said the team had a good season this year, winning a tournament in Baltimore recently and came in second at the state AAU tournament.

“We might get into one more tournament,” Hines said. “We’ve done pretty well this season, and it was a good season for us.”

The 16-U brackets, which has been played almost exclusively at Fairmont State over the course of Monday and Tuesday, will move back to Morgantown today for the final round of the tournament, according to Hines.

“I wanted all the kids to experience playing in a tournament like that, and all the guys had a good time,” Hines said. “We all enjoyed seeing the other teams and the level of competition they brought here to Fairmont.”

E-mail Mike Bowen at mbowen@timeswv.com.

        

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