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The 5th Grade Boys ALL-NET team from Willow Glen NJB punctuated their undefeated season by winning the Silicon Valley ALL NET Championship Tournament on March 16. The team monikered themselves as “The Ballers” and has earned an invitation to play in the NJB ALL NET National Tournament in Los Angeles the last weekend in March. This team represents Willow Glen NJB, and is coached by Noland Granberry, Robin Aylsworth,Dave Valentine and Mike Swain who have guided “the Ballers” through a competitive 12 game stretch of top All Net Teams in Silicon Valley NJB, represented by 13 NJB programs ranging North to San Mateo and South to Hollister.
In the Silicon Valley Championship, Willow Glen 5th grade “Ballers” defeated West San Jose NJB 52-38 in the semi-finals and beat a fast and tall Evergreen NJB team in the championship game 55-40 at Valley Christian HS in San Jose. The team is preparing for the National NJB tournament and is focused on a strong performance. Representing Willow Glen on this team are Avery Aylsworth, Joseph Goode, Benjamin Granberry, Aiden Jardon, Patrick Leahy, Michael Purcell, Derek Sornsen, Kenny Sullivan, Masa Swain, and Cole Valentine.
The Ballers success can be attributed to their great style of play and team chemistry. They play a up-tempo, full court pressure style of hoops which creates an exciting style of play, generating offense off their defense and executing the fast break with precision. “Throughout the line-up, from players one through ten, it’s pretty amazing to see how each player contributes to this style of play and working interchangeably in combinations which makes substitutions really easy for me.’ Notes head coach Granberry. The boys have a supportive fan base highlighted by one who waves a LUCKY GREEN WIG through games. Best of luck to this group as they compete in the National All Net Tourney in Los Angeles.
WG Ballers- Silicon Valley NJB Champions
Back- Joe Goode, Noland Granberry (Coach), Masa Swain, Mike Swain (coach), Patrick Leahey, Benjamin Granberry, Derek Sornsen, Robin Aylsworth (coach)
Front- Michael Purcell, Avery Aylsworth, Aiden Jardon, Cole Valentine, Kenny Sullivan