Altadena Basketball Players Compete in Vegas Tournament, But Fall Short

The Valley Basketball Academy Black squad, featuring Altadena's Zachary Smalley and Vance Jackson, lost in the title game of the U13 Swoosh Ultimate Showcase in Las Vegas on Tuesday afternoon.

After winning its first five games of the tournament, VBA lost 68-66 in overtime to LA Bobcats of Inglewood.

Zachary Smalley, son of Muir boys basketball coach Dr. Gamal Smalley, and Jackson each scored 20 points in the game, but a heartbreaking turn of events in the closing seconds gave LA Bobcats the title.

VBA had a chance to tie the game at 68 in the waning seconds. VBA missed its first shot attempt, but a player grabbed the rebound and converted the putback to seemingly tie the game. But a referee blew his whistle to signal a jump ball, sealing the win for the LA Bobcats.

Despite the disappointing end, Gamal Smalley said the tournament was a position experience for the players, who were coached by ex-NBAer and UCLA star Jerome "Pooh" Richardson.

“It really helps them a lot because they get to see players from all over the country and see how hard they work for scholarships five years from now," Smalley said. "It’s a really exciting experience. It’s like March Madness so to speak, playing in that atmosphere.”