“We set a great tone on defense and worked very efficiently as a team today,” said U.S. head coach Steve Wilson (Racine, Wis.). “Those were two of our main goals for the weekend and it all went really well. That opening loss was awesome for us. It slapped us in the face and got us back to where we should be.”

The constant defensive pressure and blistering speed of the U.S. team was too much for the West right out of the gate and a consistently strong offensive performance kept the U.S. out in front from wire-to-wire. Mikey Paye (Warren, Mich.) led the U.S. attack with 19 points and seven assists. Paul Schulte (Manchester, Mich./Bradenton, Fla.) added 18 points for the U.S., which shot 58% from the field as a team. The U.S. team also had 27 assists and only five turnovers.

“Having this weekend to come out and play these mini all-star teams is a great opportunity,” said Schulte. “These guys deserve a lot of credit for pushing us so hard throughout the weekend and they really helped us prepare for next month’s Parapan American Games.”

Earlier in the day, the South earned the bronze medal with a 70-65 come from behind win over the East. The East had taken a slim 35-32 lead into halftime, but suddenly hot shooting and increased intensity on defense in the second half spurred the South into the lead and on to the win. The South shot nearly 50% from the floor for the game and forced the East to commit eight of its 13 turnovers in the fourth quarter alone.

Jason Nelms (Forth Worth, Texas) led the South with 24 points and six assists and Ryan Hundermer (Dallas, Texas) added 17 points, as well. The East again got outstanding performances from Brian Bell (Deatsville, Ala./Champaign, Ill.) with 19 points and 11 rebounds and Gavin Cloy (Atlanta, Ga.) with 20 points and nine rebounds.

This weekend’s competition also served as the final training camp for the U.S. team prior to its departure for the 2007 Parapan American Games. The team travels to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next month to compete for a berth in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. The U.S. will have to finish in the top three to qualify for the Paralympics.

“We haven’t proved anything yet,” said Wilson. “But, I think we’re ready.”

2007 U.S. Paralympics Men's Wheelchair Basketball National Team
Name            Hometown/Current Residence
Joe Chambers (Davis, Calif./Whitewater, Wis.)
Jacob Counts  (Covington, Ky./Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Josh George    (Fairfax, Va./Champaign, Ill.)
Aaron Gouge  (Wake Forest, N.C./Arlington, Texas)
Jeremy Lade   (Oconto, Wis./Janesville, Wis.)
Ian Lynch       (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Whitewater, Wis.)
Jaimie Mazzi    (Boston, Mass./Whitewater, Wis.)
Jason Nelms     (Emmett, Mich./Forth Worth, Texas)
Mike Paye       (Warren, Mich./Gissen, Germany)
Paul Schulte    (Manchester, Mich./Bradenton, Fla.)
Matt Scott      (Detroit, Mich./Whitewater, Wis.)
Steve Serio     (Westbury, N.Y./Champaign, Ill.)

About Lakeshore Foundation, an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site
Lakeshore Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities through fitness, recreation, and athletics.  These programs help children and adults with physical disabilities maintain healthy and active lifestyles, as well as develop stronger self-esteem and improve independent living skills.  The United States Olympic Committee designated Lakeshore Foundation an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site in 2003.  Along with the nation’s other Olympic Training Sites, Lakeshore Foundation plays a critical role in the success of U.S. athletes.  For more information, visit www.lakeshore.org.