Two Local Teams Make it to Kingwood Final 4

Two of the five Minnesota 17-and-under AAU teams advanced to the Final Four of the Houston's Kingwood Classic Sunday. These squads attracted the attention of many Division I coaches in attendance and several players’ recruitments are expected to hit another level as 300 teams played in the 17-and-under division.

Howard Pulley Black defeated Team Stat 53-50 to advance to the Final Eight at 9:10 Sunday morning. They trailed 50-46 with under three minutes left, but held them scoresless the remainder of the game. Angelo Johnson was fouled shooting a three-pointer with one second left with the score tied 50-50. Johnson sank all three free throws for the win as he finished with 13 points.

Howard Pulley got revenge on the Mean Streets, who defeated them at the Boo Williams Invitational two weeks ago with a 63-46 win. Johnson scored 18 points and sophomore Royce White added 16. The win advanced them to the Final Four of the Kingwood Platinum Division.

They fell to eventual runner-up California Pump N Run 72-61 in the semifinals. California Pump N Run was led by Jrue Holiday, who shined at the Target Center against Hopkins in January. Royce White had 19 points and Johnson finished with 17 points.

Howard Pulley Black finished 4-3 with losses to eventual champ Indiana Elite/Team Indiana, Athletes First (who was runner-up in the Silver division of the Boo Williams) and California Pump N Run.

43 Hoops advanced to the Final Four Gold Division Championship by defeating Next Level Australia and Broward Bobcats Elite Sunday morning before losing to eventual champions Mac Irvin Fire. 43 Hoops was led by Anthony Tucker.

43 Hoops' second team, coached by Admundson, advanced to the Final Eight of the Diamon=A Division Championship before losing to Hardwood Hustle at 10:20 Sunday morning. Game 5 Black - bounced back from an 0-2 mark in pool play to defeat the Houston Heat and Mid State Ballerz in playoff action last night. They face Team Stat at 9:10 Sunday morning as they have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Platinum Division Championship.

Minnesota Magic Elite defeated Utah Pump N Run in the first round of the Platinum Division playoffs before losing to Team Stat, preventing a potential matchup between them and Howard Pulley Black.

Howard Pulley White finished 1-1 in pool play and defeated the Houston Blazers in first roun playoff action before losing to Yakina Elite in the Silver Division Championship.

43 Hoops top team, coached by Chris Carr, defeated NM Force Back (New Mexco) and Team Take Over to advance to the Sweet 16 of the Gold Division Championship. They face Next Level Australia at 8:00 Sunday morning.

43 Hoops second team, coached by Admundson, defeated 1 Tough School Black to advance to the Final Eight of the Diamon=A Division Championship. They play Hardwood Hustle at 10:20 Sunday morning