The USSSA Nationals have advanced through the first part of bracket play and the stage is set for championship Sunday. Saturday was filled with teams looking to advance for a chance to take him the trophy and the title of USSSA National Champions. Here are a few notes:

• In the 14U division, the matchup between the Atlanta Celtics and Georgia Class Act Academy was one of the most highly anticipated games of the tournament. And it lived up to the hype. Both teams went back and forth and made some amazing plays. However, the point guard matchup between Deivon Smith (pictured) of Class Act and Dwon Odom of the Celtics was very entertaining. Both guys carried their teams through important stretches of the game, but it was Smith who got the opportunity and capitalized, hitting the game winning shot for Class Act at the buzzer to win by one. Smith finished with 15 points, while Odom had 21. 
• Team Phoenix advanced to the 16U semifinals behind the strength of their backcourt. Point guard Jamal Anderson scored 21 points and shooting guard Joel Jenkins added 17. Both guards get after it defensively, making things difficult on their opposition. Jenkins has been one of the most impressive players overall this weekend. The 6-foot-3 High Point Central (NC) product has done it all. Oh, and college coaches: he does not have much recruitment yet, so take note of the name for the July live period. 
• Chobee Nation continues to get it done in the 17U division. Their guards Demetrius Webster, Demetrius Smith, and Shaquoy Ferrol have been very difficult to stop this weekend, and they have defended well as well. They have not lost a game here this weekend, so tomorrow will be very interesting to say the least. 
• The Middle Georgia Supersonics have teams that are still chasing championships in the 17U and 16U divisions. The talent pool is deep in Middle Georgia and they have some pieces that can carry them to a title. Marcal Knolton as been a huge standout in the 17U division all weekend. 
• In the young divisions, Team Mamba is in the 9U championship and has had a great weekend. They are lead by former NBA player Raja Bell, who has instilled a sense of motor and toughness in his players that he played with for many years in the pros.