After going undefeated in the Kansas City Night Hoops 5th/6th division, the KC Tarheels 2015 won a date with the 12Under Bulldogs in the semi-final game on Monday, July 21st.  The winner would advance to the championship game later that night.

The Bulldogs came out blazing.  Taking the Tarheels off guard, they shot out to a quick 6-0 lead.  But the Tarheels struck back.  Guard Forward Anthony (Fuzzy) Bonner made a steal, went in for a lay-up, was fouled and hit one of his free throws, putting the Tarheels on the board.  Bonner followed with a 3-pointer and a lay-up.  Cartier Dean added another lay-up, and the Tarheels took the lead with 8 unanswered points.

After that, the Tarheels never looked back.  Transition ball was the name of the game.  A full-court press led by speedy, greedy guards Bonner and Dean ensured plenty of Tarheel steals, as both frustrated their opponents and picked off plenty of passes.

Big man Kevin Puryear made his mark in the paint, pulling crucial rebounds and putting up key shots on offense, while filling the paint on defense.

The Bulldogs pushed back toward the end of the game, making up seven points of a ten-point deficit.  But the Tarheels held fast to their lead and ended up winning 27-24, earning themselves a trip that same night to the championship game, where they would face the 12Under 76ers.

The Tarheels came to the championship game energized by their win in the semifinal game.  Teamwork was the name of the game, as the Tarheels took hold of the championship game early and never let go.  Momentum carried the Tarheels forward to a double-digit victory over a tough 76ers team.

If the Tarheels created a highlight film of the championship Night Hoops game, every player would have been on it.  Each player contributed at least one move that brought cheers of admiration from a rowdy Night Hoops crowd.  In fact, the entire game could have been one long highlight reel!

Congratulations to the KC Tarheels 2015 for an undefeated season in the Kansas City Night Hoops 5th/6th grade division.