Fusion TISA reach Quarterfinals of Gym Rat Challenge

ALBANY, N.Y. - A year ago coach Tony Sagona's Jersey Shore Warriors program won this division's championship with a talented group of budding Division I players who subjugated their individual skills for the betterment of the team.

New year, same story for the Warriors who brought an entirely new cast of players but the same old team-first style of play that earned the same result as in 2010 . another GymRat CHALLENGE championship.

The Warriors used a controlled, half-court style that stressed good passing that led to open shots and, eventually, a 46-40 victory over a talented Sports U Team IZOD program.

The Wariors built an early lead, sank open shots and, then, made free throws and big plays down the stretch to hold off Sports U in the championship contest Sunday night at the University at Albany's SEFCU Arena.

Age-division MVG (Most Valuable GymRat) Stephen Vasturia displayed all the skills that already has him attracting interest from high-major Division I programs, even though he's just finishing off his sophomore year in high school.

Vasturia, a 6-foot-4 guard with uncanny court intelligence and rare long-range shooting skills, made six 3-pointers in a quarterfinal-round contest that helped ensured his team continued to advance and, then, was part of a well-balanced offensive attack in the championship game with nine points. Teammate 6-3 point guard Ron Curry Jr., an athletic backcourt performer who recently gave a verbal commitment to James Madison University, also scored nine points and ran the winners' offensive attack to near perfection.

"This is awesome to come up here and win," said Vasturia. "The key for us is that everyone buys into the team concept."

It doesn't hurt that the program has had considerable success on the AAU circuit, including three GymRat 17-under division titles over the years (1999, 2010 and this year's).

"A lot of our former players come back and practice with our current team members and that helps," said coach Sagona. "They're example for our young guys. "Mostly, though, we get good kids that buy into our system. We've got talent, too, but the kids just know how to win."

"Tony's truly one of the GOOD GUYS on the AAU circuit" commented GymRat CHALLENGE chief, John Kmack "He always has great kids and great teams. Tony's been in this racket for a long time. He never seems to get rattled and that composure clearly rubs off on his players."

And, if anyone needs proof of that . well, emerging from a 96-team bracket this year for a second-straight GymRat championship should suffice.


17:U All-GymRat CHALLENGE TEAM

Torrence Dyck (6-4 SF) East Coast Fusion/East H.S.: Live-bodied lefty wing player who went for 17 in one game here. Has excellent ability to finish in transition and creates his own mid-range jumper. He will continue to improve his catch-and-shoot range and add strength to his frame to prepare for the next level. Low D-I's, many D-II's already showing interest.

Matt Hart (6-2 PT) East Coast Fusion/Canisius H.S.: True floor general who commands his team. Excellent change of pace to handle pressure and to create in the half court. Showed set range from 3-point line and a solid floater in the lane. Added strength will allow him to succeed at the next level. Ivies, Patriots and numerous D-II's already interested.

17:U Honorable Mention All-GymRat CHALLENGE

Deyshanee Much (6-2 G) East Coast Fusion
Jon Blythers (6-1 G) East Coast Fusion
Jonah Brooks (6-2 G) East Coast Fusion