The St. James Coastal Crew Rebels ninth grade boys’ basketball team won the HoopSeen Georgia Cup I in Atlanta March 19-20.

According to ninth-grade coach Simon Steele, his players have been together for 3½years, developing their talents and skills.

The Rebls went 5-1 in the tournament.

They fell 50-48 in game 1 against Blue Collar Basketball.

"After that, the young men got focused and went on a five-game win streak, defeating each opponent by an average of 15 points," Steele said.

The Rebels beat TNBC 52-46, Georgia Stars 69-48, Team Forrest 54-44, Southern Stampede 46-28 and BCB 45-24.

"During the first game we had a starter get injured, but the bench stepped up and our defense went to another level during the five-game win streak," the coach said. "Javonte LeCounte averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds and three blocks during the tournament. He also led the team in scoring during the championship game."

The coach said Qualeek Keith scored six straight points during the second quarter of the championship game, putting BCB on its heels. Keith finished withwith eight points.

Simon Steele Jr. was 5 for 6 at the line in the fourth quarter. LeCounte and Steele Jr. made the all-tournament team.

"This means their game on the court was consistent yet stood out," the coach said. "This was our first outing, and we managed to win with our backs against the wall."