Central Jersey Hawks U12 boys team wins state title Squad set to compete in national tournament in July For the fourth consecutive year, the Central Jersey Hawks 12-and-under boys’ basketball team won the New Jersey State AAU championship. Their average margin of victory in the state tournament was 25 points Coupled with their intense defense, their explosiveness and strong team basketball on the offensive end, they played like world-beaters. They will now enter the National AAU tournament in July as the number five seed in the country (out of 90), based on their past performances, fourth, third and 10th, respectively, in the nation the past three years at Nationals. The 2002 Nationals will be held in Virginia Beach. The Hawks are a special, select group of boys who are some of the best players from around the state. At the forward position, Ashton Gibbs, Ryan Kresge, Michael Kuhn, and Stephen Spinella do a great job of rebounding, filling the lanes, scoring and moving the ball. At center, Tito Obaisi and Randy Cordero are tremendous at starting the break, running the floor, as well as maintaining a strong defensive presence in the paint. At the guard positions, Jameel Grace, Joey Sclafani, Jimmy Barnickel, Mitchell Kates, Brian Feigus and Kyle Grant, play suffocating defense, run the fast break, and control the tempo regardless of the opponent. Kevin Kresge, the head coach, has prepared the boys well, and has previously won three National AAU championships. He is assisted by Eric Kates. Before they head to nationals to try to bring the national championship home to New Jersey, the Hawks are working hard to prepare for the highest level of competition According to their coach, their success is directly proportionate to their strong work ethic and team play. Despite their young age, when they are at the top of their game they are poetry in motion. While they may or may not win it all, to be state champions four years running and ranked fifth in the country is a remarkable achievement for these boys. And with their trip to Virginia Beach rapidly approaching, the Hawks are hoping to get a few more lucky bounces in the coming weeks, and would like nothing more than to bring a national title home to New Jersey.