Ladera Ranch Basketball: Dual Championships For Team Nikos

LADERA RANCH, CA —Two of Team Nikos’ youth basketball teams, won their respective AAU Division II National Championships in Ladera Ranch, California this summer. Players from across Orange County gathered to shoot hoops among the best, and bring home the trophies in the invitation only championship tournament, based upon the win-loss record for all qualifying West Coast AAU teams.

From June 30th to July 2nd, the state of the art, Ladera Sports Center in Ladera Ranch was home to the West Coast’s most elite basketball talent according to a club spokesperson. Team Nikos brought home two titles to Orange County, making them National Champions eight times over. Overall, Team Nikos had 5 teams qualify for the AAU tournament.

"The 10U made their first appearance and advanced to the championship game; the 12U team, who won the title last year, lost in the championship by 1 point; and the 13U team lost in the semi-finals, and the 11U and 14U teams both won their championships," Team Nikos spokesperson said.

The 11U team, coached by Concordia University alum, Michael Tolmaire, is comprised of Adam Aziz of Ladera Ranch, Zaid Baghdadi of Laguna Niguel, Neel Chintamaneni of Ladera Ranch, Brock Donaldson of Capo Beach, Korin Hull of Ladera Ranch, Ethan Jarvis of Dana Point, Evan Mika of Dove Canyon, Joseph Michael Rosser of Trabuco Canyon, Rylan Shafer of Ladera Ranch, and Jack Matranga of Laguna Hills.

Team Nikos’ flagship 14U team, coached by Jameel Mahmud, is comprised of Jack Dennis of Las Flores, Jake Blazona of Ladera Ranch, Aldo Ruiz of Rancho Santa Margarita, Keyan Burnett of Ladera Ranch, Elijah Barclay of Ladera Ranch, Charlie Wohlgemuth of San Juan Capistrano, Courtney Shan of Rancho Santa Margarita, Joey Longo of Rancho Santa Margarita and Trey Pate of San Juan Capistrano.

"The members of the 14U team will be attending Santa Margarita High School, Mission Viejo High School and St. Margaret’s High School in the fall," the spokesperson said.

The Ladera Sports Center hosted 40 of the top performing AAU teams from the entire West Coast region for the annual tournament.

"The recently built solar powered and air-conditioned facility boasts eight full size courts, and countless amenities," they said. "In addition to weekly practices and academies held at the Ladera Sports Center, Team Nikos hosted their Shooting Stars camp last week, featuring NBA guests, James Ennis and Jamal Sampson."

Team Nikos Basketball Academy is the premiere basketball program in South Orange County, training athletes ages 6 to 18. Tryouts for the upcoming 2017-2018 season will take place on August 29 th and 31st.

Register online at TeamNikos.com

For further information, please contact Carol Miller, 949.584.6815, carol@teamnikos.com

Photos, courtesy Team Nikos -

Team Nikos 5th Grade, Team Nikos 8th Grade Black