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ClubSport runs over Rebels in thrilling championship

The fifth-grade girls of Team ClubSport of San Ramon won the AAU National Basketball Championships held in Reno earlier this month, beating an experienced team from Los Angeles.

The ClubSport team was only formed in January by Coach Gary Brett Beeler so no one knew what to expect as the girls faced well-established basketball clubs from all over Northern California. The team's first tournament was in April and they came in third place, with only one loss by 4 points. They went on to win their next six straight tournaments.

The Nationals were held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from July 30-Aug. 3, and the ClubSport team got off to an easy start against a team from Washington State but then lost to a Los Angeles powerhouse team by 1 point. The L.A. team then suffered a surprise loss to the well-known Mission Rec program out of San Francisco, which ClubSport beat to claim the first-place seed for the playoffs

The championship play found ClubSport in one game with a 4-point deficit with less than two minutes to go. Clubsport tied the game then won in overtime with free throws. In the title game, ClubSport was pitted against an L.A. team called the Rebels, which got off to an early 10-point lead. At halftime the Rebels were still up by 4 points, and the L.A. fans starting chanting "RE-BELS" for the entire convention center to hear. The ClubSport fans took over the cheering, and the ClubSport girls led by Beeler turned on their magic to come back and win. The final score was 50-41, the eighth time ClubSport had scored 50 or more points in a game.

Team members are Alyssa Lorenzo, Tylore Bell, Chandra Allan, Ariah Mack, Annie Styles, Arianna Zamora, Shannon Rosemark, Emily Barrett, Shoshana Merriman, Kayla Frierson and Kathryn Rodd.

Posted by Dee S Fisher, a resident of another community, on Aug 23, 2008 at 4:34 pm

Congralation to The ClubSports on a great victoey on there win in Reno. I am so excited for all the member expecially for my Grand daughter Ariah Mack and the coaching staff.

This type of program are fantastic for young people just look at The 2008 Olympic Woman Basket Ball Team ** Gold **

Thanks for allowing me to add my comment.

Posted by Shannon, a resident of another community, on Oct 26, 2008 at 10:19 am

GO CLUBSPORT!!!!!! WE'RE READY TO WIN IN KENNER, LOUISIANA!!!!!!

<3 Shannon Rosemark, player.