Gilbert Perry Koa Peat, a 6-foot-7 sophomore, is one of three 15-year-olds who have made the USA Basketball U17 team and will travel to Spain in a global competition next week. .
Peat is one of 12 players on the final roster. He missed Section 7 of last weekend’s Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium to try out for the USA Basketball U17 team after receiving a coveted invite.
Peat was among 34 players who started training camp. He went through two cuts to make the final roster.
“Extremely happy for Koa, knowing how hard he worked,” Perry’s coach Sam Duane Jr. said. “He’s very deserving.
“No doubt Koa will represent the United States extremely well. He’s an exceptional player and teammate.”
As a freshman last season, he was instrumental in Perry winning his first state basketball championship.
In the semi-final 6A victory in triple overtime at Phoenix Brophy Prep, Peat took the win with his shot blocking and clutch baskets. Without his defense, the way he protected the rim, Perry loses this game.
The other two 15-year-olds who made the final list are Montverde Academy’s Cooper Flagg 6-7 and Archbishop Stepinac’s Johnuel ‘Boogie’ Fland 6-3.
To suggest ideas for human interest stories and other news, contact Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.
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