Newport Lightning wins Swoosh Summer Series title

Submitted by Heather McNamara

The Newport Lightning 7th grade club basketball team finished its Spring-Summer 2009 season in style, winning the AAU Swoosh Summer Series tournament with an undefeated sweep through the final weekend of play on August 22 in Anaheim. The Lightning crushed Valley Xtreme, 48-20 in the opening game, beat the host OC Swoosh squad 43-27, and then defeated Rock Solid for the championship, 42-29. Center Andrew Moore had a monster game in the finals, scoring 19 points and adding 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. Offensive firepower was supplied by the shooting of Braden Brahs (with a season-high 16 points in the semifinals) and Jack Williamson, and the playmaking of point guards Charlie Coffman and Jeff Johnston. But the Lightning defense -- led by Blake Flamson, Andrew Chase and Alec Markling -- was the real key, holding every opponent under 30 points. The Newport Lightning team also includes Grant Moore and Ryan Schroth, who were unavailable for the tournament, and is coached by Mike Flamson and Mike Coffman.