Between the MITs in Maryland and Rumble in the Bronx for high schoolers, the New Rens had extraordinary success this past weekend.   Coach Stephen Harris’ 11U team went 5-1 in Maryland to capture the Silver championship. More than 80 teams were entered in the rigorous MIT 5th grade division, and Harris’ quintet mowed down squads from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, prior to winning the chip against their cross-state New Jersey rival, the Playtime Panthers, by a score of 46-42.  

11U Rens capture Silver at MITs

The 14U team, in the beginning stages of combining resources with King Street Kings, is quickly making a giant name for itself.  Two weeks ago, the group captured the Gold at Basketball Spotlight’s Memorial Day Classic, and this weekend, they finished second in a field of more than 80 of the nation’s best 14U teams. The New Rens/KSK beat three of the country’s top 10 squads before falling 68 – 64 to first place finisher, stellar DC Assault in a regal display of championship hoops.

14U New Rens/KSK with Assistant Coach Hector Almodovar

Coach Billy Council’s 12U team, second-place finishers in the nation last year, ran through their pool at the MITs, only to be clipped by four to a team from Pittsburgh.

Rens high schoolers impressed at Rumble in the Bronx, which, by the way, should go back to being held in the borough, rather than all around the metro area.  Coach Tony Hargraves’ 17U team made it to the semis, on the way smashing highly-touted New Heights.  Coach Artie Cox’s 15U team got off to a 3-0 start before succumbing to a good team out of Boston.  Rens players, coaches and parents acted with class and dignity all weekend, and the results showed.