Between seeing championship-level comebacks, hoopers who absolutely control the game, and meeting one of the greatest sports-media people of our time, Friday at the Grassroots Basketball Finale was definitely an awesome day. Check out the top “Three Things I Learned” from Day 3.

TEAM BASE IS GUTSY

With bracket play underway, you can expect for the intensity to pick up with every single game. This energy was present all throughout the matchup between “No Guts No Glory” and “Team Base” on Friday. A spot in the 16U Platinum Bracket Semifinals was on the line. Base saw themselves down double-digits in the first half, but came back in the second period unfazed.

Jariel Ruiz caught fire and rained threes from the wing to help cut the deficit. He sank four in total. Jameel Evans sank three long balls of his own to assist. Justice Uhu was a force at the guard spot. He helped claw Team Base back into it with his driving ability and physical play around the rim. He scored 10 in the second half.

After regaining the lead and making a run late, Jaylen Evans all but sealed the deal after blocking an NGNG three-point attempt that got the crowd on its feet. Just a couple of minutes later while up five, Lawrence Davis did his own Mutumbo impression with a block of an NGNG jumper with 18 seconds to play. Base won 65-60 to advance. This squad is as gritty as they come.

MAX TURNER IS AN ALL-AROUND PLAYER

This wingman was an absolute issue for “Virginia Supreme Elite” on Friday. The 17U “Next Step Elite” hooper posed a threat every time he touched the ball. I’m not going to make it seem like he went off for 30 or something, as he finished with 16 points in the game. But, it was the WAY it was carried out. So efficient, so decisive.

Whether it be through using the screen to attack the lane and finishing at the cup, or crossing up his defender on the way to a tough layup, Turner just seemed like he couldn’t be contained. He is an exceptional passer off the drive and isn’t afraid to attack the rim for boards on both sides of the floor. Defensively, he gave up absolutely nothing—very stout on that side. It wouldn’t surprise me to hear of him walking away with at least one offer before this event is over.

MICHAEL WILBON: A TRUE GEM

I was sitting in the cafe, snacking on fries when I saw him and Mrs. Wilbon walk in. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it was him, at first: the ESPN host & analyst that has motivated me for almost two decades to pursue this field of sports-journalism. We made eye contact, but didn’t speak initially. That took about thirty minutes. Mr. Wilbon was watching a 16U matchup between “Prospect U” & “Team Wave” at the time I approached him.

Nearly a half hour of conversation later, and after talking about the game at-hand, the NBA, the newspaper industry, the Cubs, and his biggest inspirations, I now realize that Mr. Wilbon is one of the most humble sports-journalists of his level that I’ve personally ever met. It was an absolute privilege to have that experience. It will be one that I’ll never take for granted.