With over 13 hours of basketball played, day 2 of the West Coast Elite Spring Classic was no disappointment. The 17u division showcased some of the country’s best talent. A majority of that talent was on Double Pump Elite.

Double Pump Elite featured arguably the most athletic team at the WCE Spring Classic. Day 2 featured some tough fought games against H Squad Elite and the Las Vegas Prospects.

Double Pump was down double digits against a fierce H Squad Elite, but the Los Angeles-based squad kept their composure and pulled out the 82-79 victory. Travis Patrick (Taft HS), getting looked at by New Mexico State, helped willed his team to victory behind the leaderships of Coach Sears and Josh Hauser (Chaminade, CA) running the point. 

“It was just getting up in them, they were hitting so many shots the first half. Banking in jumpers, hitting many 3-pointers, it was matter of us getting up in them. Travis Patrick shutting down No. 15 [Will Christmas]” Coach Sears on the game plan to victory.

After the game, Josh Hauser gave us some insight on how he willed his team to victory. “Control the game better in the second half. They [H Squad] were going up and down the court reckless and we started to control the pace.” Also, Hauser gave his possible collegiate choice. “Concordia-Irvine, I’m pretty sure I’m going to go there.”

Later in the day, Double Pump were scheduled to face the hometown team, Las Vegas Prospects. This game was scrappy from the beginning. From hard fouls to technicals being awarded. The first half ended with Double Pump on top 33 to 32.

The second half was all Double Pump Elite. Travis Patrick lit it up from 3, Jaquan Lightfoot (Taft) was a man among boys, and Louis Bangal decided to emcee a block party. Double Pump earned an 84 to 67 victory over the hometown Prospects.

Coach Sears was all smiles once again after this victory. “We know teams are going to come after us with their best shot. We just got to weather it and start doing what we do.”

“I’m used to it, that’s my type of game. I like to play like that, I’m a physical type.” Lightfoot on playing against a scrappy Prospects defense. “I’m looking at Rutgers, UNLV, St. Francis, and local schools in New York.” Lightfoot on his future after high school.

Louis Bangal (St. Paul Santa Fe) may not say much on the court, but we caught up with him after the game. “I’ve been playing basketball for four years now.” Bangal speaking on being introduced to the sport. “I’m hoping to get a scholarship, and get an education. Currently, UCLA, UCF, Gonzaga, and UNLV are looking at me.”

Below are scores from Day 2 of the West Coast Elite Spring Classic

Salt Lake Rebels Red 17u 82
Powerhouse Scottsdale Red 17u 46

AZ Venom 17u 66
Pressure Basketball 17u 57

AZ Power Mayberry 17u 50
UBC Elite 17u 61

Earl Watson Elite Gold 17u 65
Powerhouse Red 17u 48

Fastbreak Sports Blue 17u 66
Orange County Magic Seniors 55

UBC Elite 17u 75
Pump n Run Elite 17u 61

AZ Power Mayberry 17u 68
Boise Flight 2017 52

AZ Power Select 17u 49
Elite 24 Black 17u 63

Elite 24 Black 17u 62
Salt Lake Rebels Black 17u 80

UBC Elite 17u 55
Earl Watson Elite Gold 17u 59

Fastbreak Sports Blue 17u 76
Las Vegas Prospects 17u 71