The SI Select has added another national championship to its impressive tradition, claiming the 17U AAU World Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
The road to the title took an unexpected turn. SI Select appeared to have seen its tournament come to an end after falling in the semifinal round. However, tournament officials later ruled that their opponent had used ineligible overage players, resulting in the outcome being overturned and sending the Select into the championship game.
The team made the most of its second opportunity, defeating Extreme Hoops of Louisiana to secure the national title. It marks the sixth time in program history that SI Select has won an AAU World Championship.
Representing communities across southern Illinois and northern Kentucky, the championship squad is coached by Riley Swinford, Sam Swinford, Ross Swinford, and Michael Blakemore.
Players on the championship roster include Nick King, Colton Broadwater, Silas Kreuter, Nick Hefner, DJ Hayes, Carter Czerwonka, Dariontez Monroe, Jude Harmon, Andrew Robbins, Kaleb Gore, and Tate Powers.
The national championship caps another successful week for the program, but the summer schedule is not yet complete. SI Select will compete in Nashville, Tennessee, this weekend before wrapping up its season at a tournament in St. Louis.
