After a 15-point loss last year, La Ignite hopes to change its fortunes in 2025.
LA Ignite made their debut last year, hoping to make some early noise. That was far from the case, unfortunately, as Bleed Green, the previous year’s runner-ups, gave them no charity and beat them by 15. They trailed by just one at half, but the inexperience showed in the second, and ultimately led to the loss.
This year, they’re back and hoping that the experience and a more favorable matchup can lead them in the right direction. There isn’t a lot of crossover between LA and Louisville, but LA Ignite is hoping that changes in this region.
For more TBT team profiles, click here.
Current Roster:
- Cameron Holden (Towson)
- Cameron Smith (Cal State Bakersfield)
- Dakarai Tucker (Utah)
- Jackson Stormo (Siena)
- Jordan Bell (LMU)
- JT Terrell (USC)
- Kwah Gredic (Rust College)
- Sekou Sylla (Towson)
- Tarin Smith (UConn)
- Terrell Carter II (Fresno St)
- Tymoryae Glover (UT Tyler)
- Warren Helligar (Montana Western)
Coaching Staff:
- Vicken Eskidjian (Head Coach)
- Anthony McGuire (Asst. Coach)
Region: Louisville
All-time Record: 0-1
First Matchup: vs. Team Diesel (July 19 at 5 p.m. EST)
Team MVP: Kwah GredicÂ
Despite the loss last year, Gredic was terrific for LA Ignite, leading his team with 14 points, but also adding 8 rebounds 5 assists, and 2 steals. With that experience under his belt, expect him to come back and do the same in 2025. At 5’11, he doesn’t have the size, but he has the will and knows how to attack every situation.
Gredic could be the best player on the floor in the first round, but it will be up to him to take advantage of that. If he performs like he did last year, then he puts LA Ignite in the best situation to succeed.
Make-or-break Player: Tymoryae Glover
Glover was a player that LA Ignite were hoping they could lean on in this tournament, and was actually our Team MVP last year. However, he didn’t show up, finishing with just 1 rebound and 0 points on 0-2 shooting as a starter. While they probably don’t win last year even if he has a better game, they could have kept it tight. This year, those chances increase even more.
They have a lot of talent outside of Glover, but if they want to make a run, they’ll need to count on him to have a big game. At 6’7, he has good size and can stretch the floor. If you turn on this game and LA Ignite are winning, check Glover’s stats, because he’s probably a good reason why.
Team Outlook
LA Ignite will take on Team Diesel in Round 1. Team Diesel lost last year as the one seed, and looking at their roster, you can argue that they’re a little overseeded this year. LA Ignite most likely feel the same way, and know they can capatilaize.
They have a long way to go, though. Even though they do come in with some experience, they still only played one game, and were out of it for most of it. It won’t be easy, but they’re optimistic.
Four LA Ignite players scored in double figures last year, but Gredic is the only returner. They’ll look to Glover, as well as JT Terrell and Dakari Tucker, to step up for them.
There are so many games to watch in Round 1, but don’t sleep on this one. This could be closer than we think, despite the seed difference.