Lance Stephenson scored a game-high 25 points to lead the New York Panthers to a 76-65 victory over the Playaz Sophomores in the title game of the 2009 Is8/Nike Spring High School Classic in Queens, N.Y.
“I just wanted to win, so I did whatever I do to win,” Stephenson told NYCHoops.net. “I’m happy we won and we played hard, that’s what we want.”
Arizona-bound wing Kevin Parrom added 14 points and Hofstra commit Chaz Williams scored eight.
“Anytime you win a championship it always feels good,” Panthers coach Gary Charles said. “As a freshman, Lance had won a championship with Danny Green. Now right before he takes off to go to college he wins another one with us so it’s a special feeling.
“I have a special place in my heart for Omari Lawrence and Kevin Parrom. When we got together we always said we wanted to win an is8 championship,” Charles said.
Myles Davis of St. Peter’s Prep paced the Playaz with 23 points, Paterson Catholic guard Myles Mack added 15 and Vaughn Gray tallied eight.
Davis and Stephenson were named Co-MVPs.
Next up for Stephenson is his court date on Tuesday.
After that, he is expected to address his college situation, with Arizona and Memphis both involved.
“It was fun, I ain’t played with them in a long time, but I’m happy to win with them and just go have fun,” Stephenson told NYCHoops. “I’m going to miss [playing AAU] a lot, but I’m going off to college and trying to find a good team to play with and win just like I’m doing now.”
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAMS (Courtesy NYHoops.com)Player of the Year – Jayvaughn Pinkston – New Heights Jrs. Freshmen of the Year – Kyle Anderson – Playaz Sophomores 1st Team Jaylen Bond – East Coast Elite
Lance Stephenson – Panthers
Brian Oliver – Playaz Srs.
Myles Mack – PLayaz Sophomores
Brandon Triche – NY Elite 2nd Team George Beamon – Lightning Silverstein
Isiah Stokley – RISE
Myles Davis – Playaz Sophomores
Kevin Parrom – Panthers
Chaz Williams – Panthers 3rd Team Jermaine Sanders – New Heights Sophomores
Ashton Pankey – New Heights Jrs.
Rakeem Brookins – R.A.I.D.E.R.S.
J.P. Kambola – NY Elite
Derrick Randall – Playaz Sophomores
