Nike Grassroots 2032 Recap and All-Tournament Teams

A couple of weeks ago, Jerry Watson’s Nike Grassroots Tournament played host to five 2nd grade Ohio based teams. Going into the event, 2 nationally ranked teams were considered favorites, including All-Ohio BNU and the Buckeye Prep Hoopsters. However, by Sunday, All-Ohio BNU was sitting at an 2-4 overall record, and although the Buckeye Prep Hoopsters entered the championship game undefeated, the were clipped by Team Charging in the championship game by a score of 23-26.

Team Charging’s trek to the championship game included wins over R4L Pioneers (26-15), All-Ohio BNU (33-8) and a loss to the Buckeye Prep Hoopsters (18-25). In the championship game, the lead changed hands several times as both teams made runs. In the end, Jedi Haynes-Lee was simply too big and too strong to keep him from scoring in the low post, as the Charging pulled the 26-23 upset.

Buckeye Prep entered the championship game 3-0, with wins over Team Charging (25-18), RD Underdogs (27-19) and All-Ohio BNU (37-12). It’s important to note that BNU has undergone significant roster changes, as the team’s top 3 players (Penny King, Booby Peebles & Marion “Big Baby” Matthews) are no longer running with the team. Below are the list of standout performers in the form of 2 All-Tournament Teams.