The Columbus-based One Unit AAU basketball program capped off a solid season in early July at the A1 Hoops Finale, a two-day tournament held in Greenville, by reaching championship games with all three of the program’s teams.
The 5th/6th grade girls had a particularly busy weekend, competing in two separate divisions. After finishing Saturday with a 2-1 record, they secured a spot in the 5th/6th Grade Elite Division Championship game and also earned the top overall seed in the second division heading into Sunday’s bracket play.
The boys’ teams also shone in Saturday’s action. The 6th grade boys went 2-0, earning the number one seed in their division, while the 5th grade boys matched the undefeated performance to secure the second overall seed in their bracket.
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Championship Sunday started early for the girls, tipping off at 9:50 a.m. in the Elite Division final. The team brought intensity and grit, pulling out a hard-fought 11-8 victory over a strong sixth grade team from the Charlotte area. Shortly after, they entered bracket play in their second division and came up just short in a heartbreaking 16-17 loss to the eventual champions. The girls closed their season with an impressive resume that included four tournament championship appearances and three titles.
The One Unit boys weren’t far behind in success. Both the fifth and sixth grade teams advanced to their respective championship games after winning earlier bracket matchups on Sunday. Although they fell just short in the finals, each team walked away with runner-up honors.
Since forming in April, the sixth grade boys have consistently made deep runs into bracket play, collecting multiple runner-up finishes. The fifth grade boys have also been on a roll, with several strong tournament showings throughout the season.
With the summer season now complete, One Unit is looking ahead to an exciting future. The program is planning to expand, with new teams on the horizon for 7th/8th grade boys and girls. Returning squads will include fifth and sixth grade boys, along with the 5th/6th grade girls, as the organization continues to grow and develop young talent.
