Lake Clifton boys basketball coach Herman 'Tree' Harried struck gold this summer.

Serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. under-17 boys basketball team, Harried was instrumental in helping the team capture the gold medal at the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championships, which took place in Hamburg, Germany.

The U.S. wrapped up the tournament with a comfortable 111-80 win over runner-up Poland on July 11 to finish a perfect 8-0 in the 12-team field. The team won by an average margin of 34.9 points with an offense that scored 107.5 points per game.

Harried, a Dunbar grad who went on to play at Syracuse and professionally overseas, said the gold medal was like nothing else he ever experienced in his fine coaching career.

"It hit me during the national anthem. It's not a city or state championship -- it's a world championship. It was great to be a part of and also great to represent Baltimore City," he said.