Showtime Athletics 8th grade 14u basketball team from Clayton traveled to Concord last weekend to play in Craze Sports National Championship Tournament.
Coach Chuck Paylin and his coaching staff prepared the team throughout the spring and summer for the challenge. Showtime defeating the PG Ballers from Maryland Saturday morning but lost to the Upward Stars of Raleigh in the afternoon game. Showtime then faced off against the Carolina Allstars and overcame a 13 point deficit to win by 7 points.
Showtime advanced to the championship game against the Upward Stars who had defeated them earlier in the tournament. Showtime had a 20 point lead at one point during the game and at the final buzzer won the National Championship 68-57. The coaching staff said they were proud of all the players and their accomplishments with the win and bringing the trophy to Johnston County.
Members of the team include Tyshon Arnold, Simeon McCormick, Gabriel Jewett, Jermaine Best Jr, Jaden Bryant, Jalyn Emory, Thomas Medlin, Karsten Crumpler, Carlos McCain and Nasir Youngblood, and Assistant Coach Jermaine Best. Contributed photo
