L.J. Peake (far left) was named the most outstanding player at an YBOA national tournament in Orlando. Fla., earlier this month. Shaquille Davidson (far right) and coach Larry Ross also are pictured. Remember this name: L.J. Peake.

The Gaffney native led the Forest City Heat to the Youth Basketball Organization of America (YBOA) age 13 and under national championship in Orlando, Fla., earlier this month.

The 6-foot-2 Peake was named the tournament's most valuable player after averaging 15 points a game.

Gaffney's Shaquille Davidson also is a team member.

The Heat, which is coached by Forest City's Larry Ross, defeated the Orlando Fire for the national championship.

Peake admitted he was a bit jittery before the game but settled down after tipoff.

"I was kind of scared but I was ready to play," he said.

While Peake was dominating on the court, he was having fun off it. Peake and his teammates spent time sightseeing at the one of the country's top tourist attractions, DisneyWorld.

Peake plays power forward but he has an all-around game and possesses unusual ballhandling ability for his size.

Playing well at the national tournament has boosted his confidence, Peake said.

Peake is entering eighth-grade at Ewing Junior High School, but he's expected to play either on Gaffney's ninth grade or junior varsity team this season.