LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA -- Judging by the reaction of head coach Rick Pitino of Louisville, Tyreke Evans had a pretty impressive day on the court inside the Milk House on the grounds of Disney World.
When Evans dribble-drived past his defender to make a beautiful behind the shoulder pass to a teammate, Pitino smiled as he watched from behind the basket in the NCAA coaches designated area inside the Milk House.
Evans was that impressive.
Tyreke scored 22 points and had a bucket full of assists to lead Team Final past the Charlotte Royals, 70-59, in a first round playoff game.
Evans, a highly regarded 2008 prospect out of American Christian in Pennsylvania, ran the show effectively from the lead guard position in helping his team forge an early and dominant first quarter lead at 26-11. Evans' first two shots were threes and they were successful.
Team Final entered the fourth quarter with a 48-43 lead. Evans' solid floor play kept the Royals from seriously challenging Team Final for the outcome of the game.
Nasir Robinson contributed 12 points for the winners while Lance Goulbourne was stellar on the boards, notching 13 rebounds and scoring 10 points.
Team Final will play in a 4:30 PM quarterfinal contest here in the Gold Division of the 17 and under Super Showcase.