The Coastal Crew Rebels’ AAU 14-under basketball team leaves today to compete in the Disney Spring Classic in Orlando, Fla.
There, they will test their hardwood skills against 200 of the best AAU teams in the country.
Last year, the Rebels made it to the Final 4 and earned a national bid in the process.
This year, St. James Director Ernie Walthour expects the team to repeat last year’s success.
“We’re hoping to go down there, play well, have a good time and bring back a championship,” he said. “The team is fired up to compete in Disney and go to nationals.”
The Rebels are guaranteed three games. The action starts Saturday morning at 9:50 against the Florida Elite. Then, they play Orlando at 3:10 p.m.
The Rebels hit the hardwood again on Sunday. Saturday’s results determine Sunday’s schedule.
If the Rebels want to be successful, according to Walthour, they must play defense.
“We have to play defense,” he said. “In our last tournament in Augusta we went 5-1 and our defense was one of our strong points. That’s what makes us is our defense.”
The Rebels like to play an aggressive man defense but they can switch to a zone quickly.
Another strength for the Rebels is their free-throw shooting.
Walthour expects two players to lead the Rebels and play well, guard Shacora Cook and forward DeShaun Brown.
Fans wanting to stay apprised of the Rebels’ results, can visit www.coastalcrewrebels.com