Final Day at the TOC

A COUPLE QUARTERFINAL GAMES

New York Panthers over the Illinois Fire

Despite Nate Minnoy’s 31 point effort, the Illinois Fire fell to the New York Panthers 82-77 in one of the day’s quarterfinals game. Minnoy hit 3 three pointers in the second half and went 6 of 7 from the free throw line.

The burly 6-foot-3, 250-pound wing player can muscle his way to the basket as well as anyone on the circuit, and when his outside shot is falling he is especially dangerous. The fact that it is difficult to pinpoint a position for Minnoy on the next level is no concern for him. In fact, he sees it as a positive.

“I’m just a basketball player,” Minnoy said. “I don’t have a position, and I don’t need one.”

Apparently Purdue, Toledo, Ole Miss, Bowling Green, and Seton Hall are not concerned as Minnoy listed offers from all five schools.

Rob Thomas led the charge for the Panthers with 24 points on acrobatic finishes around the basket and on one three pointer. Although 18 years old, Thomas, 6-foot-5, 190-pounds, is classified as a 2006 prospect.

New Orleans Jazz over the Dallas Mustangs

The Mustangs never seemed to wakeup for their morning quarterfinal game as they were defeated by the Jazz 63-61. Tasmin Mitchell led the way for the Jazz with 19 points and solid all around play.

Byron Eaton and Gary Flowers could never get it going throughout the game.

Pure shooting Booker Woodfox poured in 18 points in the first half but could not come up with a point in the second half after straining his back. Woodfox listed North Carolina State, Alabama, UCLA, and UAB after the game and said North Carolina State and UAB were recruiting him the hardest although neither has offered.

ONE SEMIFINAL GAME

New Orleans Jazz over the New York Panthers

Behind a phenomenal 36 point performance by sensational 2006 point guard Darryl Augustine, the Jazz won 86-79 over the Panthers. Augustine hit three from behind the arc and most likely handed out double digit assists as he penetrated the lane at will. Watching the No. 12 ranked player in the class of 2006 is worth the price of admission.

Rob Thomas, the No. 51 ranked player in the class of 2006, once again led the Panthers in scoring with 21.

Daniel Green chipped in 18 points for the Panthers, including 5 three pointers. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Green is very good with the catch-and-shoot but seemed reluctant to put the ball on the floor. He is a long presence on defense but not very physical.

ONE 16-UNDER SEMIFINAL GAME

Illinois Wolves over the Michigan Hurricanes

Led by a very talented duo of Willie Walker and Devan Bawinkel, the Wolves took the Hurricanes by a score of 76-62.

Walker, the No. 63 ranked player in the class of 2006 is a tough scoring point guard that can put it in the hole from anywhere on the court. Walker name Baylor (offer), Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, DePaul, and Bradley as his top schools.

His teammate Bawinkel will certainly find his way into the rankings, in fact, high in the rankings. The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Bawinkel can play the point guard, shooting guard, and small forward position, and he already has offers from Wisconsin, Marquette, Iowa, Northwestern, and Northern Iowa.

THE 15-UNDER CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Tulsa Bulldogs over the Fox Valley Skillz

Tulsa pounded Fox Valley 71-51 with a mesmerizing Flex offense and superior guard play.

Three 2007 prospects led the way for the Bulldogs:

Nick Sidorakis- The physical 6-foot-4, 170-pound combo guard hit 5 three pointers in the first half and was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 15-under division.

Ronald Shaw- The super athletic 5-foot-10, 150-pound point guard was all over the court doing a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs.

Chase Elliott- The rugged 6-foot-2, 160-pound playmaker plays on the wing for the Bulldogs and point guard for his high school team. He can score, rebound, and defend.

Look for much more information from the Tournament of Champions to appear on RivalsHoops.com during this week