Southeast Middle School started its annual basketball tournament on Jan 29, starting several weeks of in-school competition. A full bracket outlined the road to the championship, with teams battling through each round to advance.

The referees have also helped a huge amount to the games with the referees being P.E teachers whom are Mr. Munguia, Mr. Zamudio, and Mr. Ramblaz. Mr. Munguia and P.E teacher said “I make sure that the game goes smoothly and is fair for both teams, the same as every other game.”

Preparation before each game focused on sharp passing, spacing, and limiting turnovers while kids have lunch and P.E to practice. Each game added playing experience and strengthened teamwork.

Quarterfinalist Andres Zavala said “Being able to play against other teams as a sixth grader is hard because people are good with their skills and I found out that being tall doesn’t matter if you don’t have the skills.”

Different squads rely on contrasting styles, some pushing tempo while others go slow to strategize. Several games finished with close calls or games even while thinking about how much time they have left as deciding factors. 

Seventh grader finalist Noah Fields, and his team USC proved that using these strategies can win the game.

Fields said, “Our strategy to win is to cooperate and communicate meaning to talk to each other to see what one another is doing or is going to do.”

Results came back and USC are your annual Basketball Tournament CHAMPIONS.