The Florida Phenoms 5th and 7th grade teams grabbed USSSA state titles in stunning fashion as they both battled their way through a tough tournament field.

The 5th grade team, coached by Chip Youmans, crushed Difference in their first bracket play game. The Phenoms then knocked off the Tamarac Titans 55-45 for a spot in the championship. The finale featured the Phenoms against Team Under Pressure Black. After a back and forth game, the Phenoms found themselves down by five with less than a minute left in the game. What happened next is certain to go down in Florida Phenoms basketball history. The Phenoms Jack Youmans drilled a three pointer to bring the Phenoms within two. With just seconds left in the game and Team Under Pressure with the ball, Youmans stole a pass and nailed another long three point shot as time expired, sealing a 41-40 state title victory for the Phenoms.

Across town, the 7th grade Phenoms were capping off their incredible run at a USSSA state title. After cruising through pool play, the Phenoms easily defeated the Celtics 70-41. A tough quarterfinal matchup with Lake Worth Pride saw the Phenoms squander a large lead, with Lake Worth hitting multiple three point attempts to tie the game late in the second half. The determined Phenoms fought harder and held on for a 61-59 victory. The semifinals saw the 7th graders battle back in true Phenom fashion as they erased a 15 point deficit to defeat the top ranked Coral Spring Explosion 54-53. In the championship game, the Phenoms played composed and steady as they earned their USSSA state championship and added another outstanding accolade in what has been a fantastic first season for the team.

Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and parents on becoming USSSA State Champions!

The Florida Phenoms 8th grade Orange team had an impressive tournament performance at the YBOA state championship in Fort Myers. The Phenoms cruised undefeated through pool play with victories over OTBS Elite, Prime Time, Tampa Bay Legends I, and Manatee Mustangs. In the semifinals, the Phenoms faced a tough Spartans team. After several lead changes throughout, the Phenoms grabbed the lead at the end of the third quarter. The tides turned midway through the fourth as two Phenoms players went down with serious injuries within a minute. The momentum switched in the Spartans favor and despite several opportunities to get back on track, the Phenoms couldn't quite pull it off, losing 45-51.

Despite their disappointment, the Phenoms quickly regrouped and held on for a 53-50 third place victory over the OTBS Elite.

The Florida Phenoms Orange team grabbed top honors in their pool at the Disney Easter Classic in Orlando. Decisive wins over Elite and TNBA South had the Phenoms confident and ready to face their tough bracket play test, the Lake Worth Pride. A back and forth game with several lead changes throughout gave way to a tie game with seconds to play. After a late foul by the Phenoms, Lake Worth went ahead by one point. Two attempts at a game winning basket ended with one deflection out of bounds and another with a foul but no call by the official. Despite their tough luck and disappointment, the Orange showed true sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the tournament.

After receiving a very tough draw for pool play at the Disney Spring Classic, the Phenoms Orange team did all they could to compete but were undersized and overmatched. The Phenoms lost by a narrow margin to the Plant City Panthers and were drubbed by eventual tournament champion the Nor'Eastern Lightening out of New York. In bracket play, the Phenoms captured a victory over Central Florida Heat before falling the tournament runner up the Brevard Bulls 63-49.

After struggling through a very tough pool which included several 9th grade teams, the Orange fought their way to the championship game at the YBOA King of the Coast tournament in Fort Myers. In the title game match-up against the Panthers, the Phenoms sprinted to a large lead. Following half time, the Panthers went on a run and grabbed the lead heading into the final minutes. Despite their best efforts, the Orange could not make up the difference and fell to the division one Panthers by just six points.

The Florida Phenoms 8th grade Orange team recovered from an opening game drubbing at the hands of the Tampa Bay Warriors D1 team to win the YBOA Battle of the Bay D2 tournament championship. Despite a slow start, any traces of doubt about the chemistry and determination of the Orange team vanished with each game played. By the time the Phenoms reached the championship, they were running like a well oiled machine. While Garrett Cioffi, Isaac Tiburcio, and Jorquel Condomina drained jump shots, Antonio Wells provided the defensive pressure. Randall Woodson, Dante Hoppa, and Paul Inniss provided the power and finesse inside. Based on their performance at the Battle of the Bay, this looks to be a very promising year for the Orange.

The inconsistent play that has plagued the Florida Phenoms 8th grade White team again reared it's ugly head in the USSSA state tournament. After a sound drubbing by a strong South Florida Panthers team in pool play, the Phenoms responded by defeating the South Florida Elite Red 72-65. The Phenoms were then paired with defending state champion First Choice in the first round of bracket play and in a display of the White team's potential, the Phenoms dominated First Choice 56-35.

While it appeared the Phenoms were once again going to hit their peak at just the right time, the team fell hard in a very lackluster effort against the Tampa Bay Warriors 41-62. This is the first time in three years that the Phenoms 8th grade team has failed to finish at least in the top three of the USSSA state tournament.

The Florida Phenoms White team was plagued by missed opportunities as they finished 1-2 in pool play at the YBOA state tournament in Fort Myers. After an impressive 66-55 victory over the Tri-City Ballers, the Phenoms fell to Auburndale Hoops 62-65 and Jacksonville Crusaders 54-58, narrowly missing an opportunity to advance to the YBOA state semifinals.

The Florida Phenoms 8th grade White team displayed superior teamwork competing against their older competition in the 9th grade Heartland Hoops tournament.

After an early pool loss to the Florida Future 65-74, the Phenoms stepped up their game and defeated Lemon Bay, the Charlotte Swish, and a strong Jupiter Jaguars Green team. The strong pool finish set up a rematch in the championship between the Phenoms and the Future. Once again, the older Florida Future was able to outlast the Phenoms 56-65, who had to settle for an impressive second place finish.

Despite facing many challenges including illness and injury, the Florida Phenoms White team battled in the AAU State Championship held at the University of Central Florida. After facing pool play losses to the Tampa Bay Warriors and Florida Team Nike, the Phenoms bounced back with a bracket play victory over Clearwater Select. The win pitted the Phenoms against the Bay City Ballers once again. The Ballers strong inside presence was too much for the Phenoms, who were missing three starters. However with a top four finish at the Spring Classic and the State Championship appearance, the Phenoms are assured of a bid to the 2011 AAU National Championships held in Orlando in July.

The Florida Phenoms White team again missed a golden opportunity to advance at the Disney Easter Classic in Orlando. An extremely tough field set up early losses for the Phenoms in pool play against the Jacksonville Knicks and South Florida Panthers. Bracket play looked to turn things around for the Phenoms as the teamwork was much improved, however the Boca PAL Vipers sunk a last second three pointer to send the game into overtime. As the two teams continued to battle, the Vipers were just a little too much for the Phenoms and they were defeated 57-60.

After wins in pool play over Jacksonville Knicks and South Florida Elite Red, the Phenoms 8th grade White team was primed to make a run all the way to the championship of the Disney Spring Classic. They continued this momentum into bracket play with wins over Heart and Soul 45-37 and South Florida Elite 52-27, setting up a semifinal match up against familiar foe Bay City Ballers. While the Phenoms held on to a 10 point lead for most of the first half, the Ballers made a run just before the half and continued it in the second half. The Phenoms went flat and ultimately fell to the Ballers 39-50.

In a tournament stacked with three of the best 8th grade teams in Florida, the Florida Phenoms White team was determined to make some waves. And at least initially they did just that. The White shocked the Florida Family despite their considerable size difference. With the Family's lineup including three players 6'4" or taller, the Phenoms looked to be the underdog. Fast paced action mixed with textbook teamwork sparked the Phenoms to lead by as much as 10 points. A late rally by the Family knotted the game with seconds left to play. A defensive stop by the Phenoms, followed by Chris Marshall's layup with 4 seconds remaining, left the Family desperate for a final basket. A half court three point attempt was off the mark and the Phenoms earned the victory.

After an emotional win, the Phenoms were matched against another South Florida powerhouse in First Choice. A sluggish start turned into a disappointing showing for the Phenoms, as they were plagued with a lack of energy and numerous tough calls. Despite keeping the game close throughout, the Phenoms ultimately fell by nine.

Although the Phenoms won their next two pool games over Treasure Coast and Boynton Hoops, they came up on the short end of the three-way tiebreaker and were left out of the championship game. The White finished with a 3-1 record for the tournament.

The Florida Phenoms 8th grade White team made its season debut at the YBOA Battle of the Bay in Tampa. Despite several lopsided victories in pool play, the Phenoms still managed to move the crowd with an array of no look passes, NBA range three point shots, and even a thunderous dunk. The show continued in the championship game against familiar rival the Tampa Bay Warriors. While the game remained close for three quarters, the Phenoms pulled away in the final quarter behind the team chemistry and athleticism that had the crowd cheering for more.

The 7th grade Florida Phenoms just added another tournament title to an already impressive list of accomplishments. After cruising through pool play, the Phenoms easily defeated the Celtics 70-41. A tough quarterfinal matchup with Lake Worth Pride saw the Phenoms squander a large lead, with Lake Worth hitting multiple three point attempts to tie the game late in the second half. The determined Phenoms fought harder and held on for a 61-59 victory. The semifinals saw the 7th graders battle back in true Phenom fashion as they erased a 15 point deficit to defeat the top ranked Coral Spring Explosion 54-53. In the championship game, the Phenoms played composed and steady as they earned their USSSA state championship and added another outstanding accolade in what has been a fantastic first season for the team.

The 7th grade Florida Phenoms battled all the way to the championship game in the YBOA state championship, only to come up just a little short. The Phenoms posted pool play wins over Tampa Heat and Team Trill. In the quarterfinals, the team pulled out a narrow victory over the SMAA Trojans 63-58. The Phenoms then dispatched the South Florida Wildcats in the semifinals 51-39. In the championship game, the Phenoms couldn't hold on to a late game lead and fell to Team United 62-64.

The 7th grade Phenoms sprinted through pool play with victories over MYBO Warriors, High Hoops Thunder, and Charlotte Clippers. Bracket play started strong for the Phenoms with a 57-37 win over the Jupiter Jaguars and a 76-68 victory over High Hoops Showtime. The championship game proved to be a challenge for the Phenoms as they were narrowly defeated by the Coral Springs Explosion 36-44.

The 7th grade Florida Phenoms basketball team returned to championship form at the Beef O'Brady's Charlotte County Shootout. The 7th graders easily beat the Jupiter Jaguars before facing off against the division one South Florida Disciples. Despite a close game throughout, the Disciples were able to pull away from the Phenoms in the closing minutes to seal the victory. In bracket play, the Phenoms dispatched the High Hoops Hawks in a contest that included a thunderous dunk by the Phenoms Tyler Byrd. For the championship, once again the Phenoms dominated, scoring a 70-42 victory over the High Hoops Showtyme. The title game victory marks the third championship trophy for the 7th graders, who have now won three out of the four tournaments they've entered this season.

After a very strong showing in pool play, the Florida Phenoms 7th grade team hit a roadblock in bracket play it couldn't overcome. The team displayed domination in wins over Poinciana Hoops and Max Academy in pool play to advance. In bracket play, the Phenoms scored another convincing victory over Team Under Pressure 59-40. In the quarterfinal match up against Trinity Youth, the game was close with several lead changes before Trinity was able to pull away in the final minutes defeated the Phenoms 51-56.

In just their second tournament of the season, the Florida Phenoms 7th grade team captured another championship trophy at the YBOA King of the Coast tournament in Fort Myers. The Phenoms once again cruised through pool play only to face a tough and athletic Gadsden County Ballerz squad. After jumping out to a 39-22 lead, the Ballerz nailed a three point shot to make it 39-25. The Phenoms were able to hold off a late rally by the Ballerz, who came within two points, and capture the championship by a final score of 55-44.

The newly formed Florida Phenoms 7th grade team got off to an excellent start in their debut at the YBOA Battle of the Bay tournament. After going undefeated in pool play, the Phenoms rolled to the championship game against the Tampa Bay Legends. Despite a close game throughout, the Legends were no match for the powerful Phenoms as they celebrated their championship win.

Despite losing several players to late season injuries, the Florida Phenoms 6th grade Orange team never stopped fighting in their final tournament at the YBOA state championships. The Phenoms captured a pool play victory of the Hollywood Eagles 32-24, before falling to OTBS Elite in a nail-biter 38-39. The final game in pool play saw the Phenoms matched up with the bigger, stronger division one Orlando Venom, who easily defeated the Phenoms.

In bracket play, the Phenoms were again over matched, competing against eventual tournament runner up Team Trill. After keeping it close early, Team Trill eventually pulled away from the Phenoms.

Despite coming up winless in their first Disney Classic tournament, the 6th grade Orange team got a great look at some of the nation's best basketball players. The Phenoms fought hard against some of the tournament's best teams, falling to Oviedo Blackhawks, Ohoops, Executive 3, and Brevard Bulls.

The Florida Phenoms 6th grade Orange team showed improvement throughout the USSSA Heartland Hoops tournament and advanced to the second round of bracket play. After defeating the View 43-25, the Phenoms suffered a one point defeat by the All Saints Eagles 29-30 and a tough loss to the St. Paul Stars to finish pool play 1-2. A tired but determined Phenom team than dispatched the Naples Jellyfish 37-27 in the first round of bracket play. A strong Impact Elite team was too much for the young Phenoms as they were defeated 31-61.

The Florida Phenoms 6th grade Orange team again faced tough competition in pool play at the Beef O'Brady's. Despite the tough defeats at the hands of the Sarasota Gators and Naples Magic, the team continued to show great effort. Bracket play was a different story as the Orange scored a dominating victory of their own against The View by a score of 59-37. A quarterfinal matchup against the Jupiter Jaguars again displayed the competitive spirit of the Orange, as they battled with the Jaguars despite having only six players dressing for the game. The teamwork of the Phenoms ultimately couldn't overcome the deep Jaguars, who scored the win 35-53.

After tournament seeding left them in a pool with several 7th grade teams, the Florida Phenoms 6th grade Orange team didn't back down or drop out. Showing true Phenom determination and spirit, the Orange took advantage of the opportunity to get better. Despite losses to 7th grade teams Gadsden County Ballerz and the Phenoms as well as 6th grade division one powerhouse Showtyme Boyz, the Orange narrowly missed a championship berth by a seven point loss the Gadsden County's 6th grade team. The weekend held many positives as Trelin Jean-Francois and Tom O'Sullivan shined in the post while defensive stoppers Tyler Paxson and John Tirrell provided the pressure. Sharp shooters Jeremy Franks, Gabe Gomez, and Rishi Nair provided the points while Nick Corso displayed hustle and superior passing.

The Florida Phenoms 6th grade Orange team advanced through pool play unbeaten in its debut at the YBOA Battle of the Bay in Tampa. After a sizable victory against Primetime Sports Juniors, the Phenoms were able to outlast the LOL Gators to grab the top spot in their pool and an automatic bid into the semifinals. After defeating the Naples Magic in the semifinals, the Phenoms found themselves matched up against a very talented New Tampa Flight team. The size and sharp-shooting of the Flight was too tough for the Phenoms to overcome as the game slipped away in the second half. With the Orange team in just their second year, this runner up finish will be a good foundation for a successful season.

Despite finishing O-3 in pool play at the YBOA state tournament, the Florida Phenoms Black team continued to show improvement against some very tough competition. In games against Plant City Panthers, L2 Panthers, and eventual tournament runner up Team Trill, the Phenoms didn't give up and look forward to their continued improvement next season.

The Florida Phenoms 6th grade Black team continued to show improvement despite the tough competition at the Heartland Hoops tournament. The Black crushed Lemon Bay 50-9 before falling to powerful Impact Elite. In bracket play, the Phenoms Black put up a good fight against the St. Paul Stars but couldn't quite hang on, falling to the Stars 47-60.

The Florida Phenoms 6th grade Black team had an impressive showing at their first Disney Classic tournament. The Black team defeated Palm Beach Garden Starzz 42-32 and Brevard Bulls 22-14, before falling to the Naples Magic in pool play. In bracket play, the Phenoms were matched against a very tall, strong Miramar Patriots team, but the loss didn't diminish the weekend accomplishments of the team.

The 6th grade Florida Phenoms Black team continues to improve thanks to the tough competition they faced at the High Hoops Shootout in Fort Myers. The Phenoms suffered losses to the South Florida Hawks and MYBO Warriors Black. In bracket play, the Phenoms were matched against eventual tournament champion Jupiter Jaguars, another top team. Despite the losses, the players showed good teamwork and dedication.

The Florida Phenoms 6th grade Black team had several promising performances in their tournament debut. The Phenoms came out strong in a battle with Lemon Bay and prevailed with a 28-21 victory in their first pool game. Despite tough contests against the Jupiter Jaguars and Charlotte Swish, the Phenoms continue to improve and look forward to a fun season.

The Florida Phenoms 5th grade team captured the championship at the High Hoops Shootout in Fort Myers. The Phenoms cruised through pool play beating Difference and North Port Wildcats before suffering a one point loss to Manatee PAL. Bracket play started with a decisive win over High Hoops NEO 56-13 and a semifinal win over a tough Jupiter Jaguars team 55-45. The championship game was a rematch against Manatee PAL and the Phenoms took advantage of the opportunity to avenge their earlier loss. Outstanding team play sealed the victory and the championship trophy for the Phenoms 41-37. Kyle White and Keyon Brawner were named to the all tournament team, while Jack Youmans was awarded the tournament MVP.

The 5th grade team, coached by Chip Youmans, crushed Difference in their first bracket play game. The Phenoms then knocked off the Tamarac Titans 55-45 for a spot in the championship. The finale featured the Phenoms against Team Under Pressure Black. After a back and forth game, the Phenoms found themselves down by five with less than a minute left in the game. What happened next is certain to go down in Florida Phenoms basketball history. The Phenoms Jack Youmans drilled a three pointer to bring the Phenoms within two. With just seconds left in the game and Team Under Pressure with the ball, Youmans stole a pass and nailed another long three point shot as time expired, sealing a 41-40 state title victory for the Phenoms.

The youngest Florida Phenoms team showed just how bright the future of Phenoms basketball is. After surviving a tough, pressure filled pool where just one loss would have kept them out of championship contention, the Phenoms stormed into the title game with all the momentum. Despite a valiant effort, the fifth grade Phenoms just couldn't pull out the victory. With the runner up finish, the young Phenoms continue to show why they will be a force to be reckoned with as the travel season progresses.

The 5th grade Phenoms equaled their success from last year at Beef O'Brady's Charlotte County Shootout, but couldn't quite seal the championship deal. After a dominating win over the Estero Eagles 43-13, the Phenoms lost to the Jupiter Jaguars 34-41 in pool play. Entering bracket play, the team rallied and defeated both High Hoops NEO and the St. Paul Stars for a spot in the championship game. Despite a great effort by the Phenoms, the Jaguars were able to again pull away in another close contest and defeated the Phenoms 35-48.

The 5th grade team started their season with a bang, capturing the Sarasota Gators Fall Preview tournament. All team members had a strong tournament as the Phenoms, coached by Chip Youmans, showed why they are some of the area's rising stars in the sport of basketball.

If their performance at the Sarasota Gator Fall Preview is any indication, the 5th grade Phenoms have the potential to make this a very special season.