Team Nikos’ flagship basketball club team, comprised of 10 South Orange County eighth graders, won the AAU Division III National Championship at Mater Dei High June 29-30.

Team Nikos, who were one of 12 West Coast teams in the tournament, opened pol play with victories over the Nevada Nets, Baseline Basketball, and the Eastvale Warriors. The victories advanced the squad to the semifinals, where it defeated Fastbreak Basketball on a buzzer-beating shot by Blake Birmingham (San Clemente High).

Article Tab: The Team Nikos eighth-grade boys basketball team took first place at the AAU Division III National Championship at Mater Dei High June 29-30. Members of the team include: Josh Crutchfield, James Vanginkle, Blake Birmingham, CJ Ursetta, Christian Potts, Nick Draper, Tyler Horgan, Demetrius Jackson, Joey Spurgeon, Jake Bailey and coach Steve Williams.

The Team Nikos eighth-grade boys basketball team took first place at the AAU Division III National Championship at Mater Dei High June 29-30. Members of the team include: Josh Crutchfield, James Vanginkle, Blake Birmingham, CJ Ursetta, Christian Potts, Nick Draper, Tyler Horgan, Demetrius Jackson, Joey Spurgeon, Jake Bailey and coach Steve Williams.
COURTESY OF KIMBERLEE MITCHELL

The team sealed the tournament victory with a 48-35 triumph over the Nevada Nets in the final.

“Hard work, dedication and commitment pays off with Team Nikos,” said coach Steve Williams (Laguna Niguel). “These boys have been together for two years and they’ve put in the time. They have responded to every challenge and I love them!”

Members of Team Nikos include: Josh Crutchfield (Las Flores), James Vanginkle (San Clemente High), Birmingham, CJ Ursetta (Laguna Niguel), Christian Potts (Santa Margarita High), Nick Draper, Tyler Horgan (St. Margaret’s), Demetrius Jackson (Lake Forest), Joey Spurgeon (San Clemente High), Jake Bailey (San Clemente) and coach Williams.

Invitations to the championship tournament were based on the win-loss record for all qualifying West Coast AAU teams.

Team Nikos Basketball Academy began is 2007 and trains young athletes ages 6-16. TNBA stresses proper footwork, shooting mechanics, triple threat position and passing angles that have unfortunately taken a backseat to slam dunking, one-on-one play and high shooting percentages. The TNBA mission is to restore the beauty of basketball by teaching individual skills to players of all ages, gender, and abilities.