Vineland hoops tourney hope: Build character among youths

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 15
–>

VINELAND — One of South Jersey’s biggest basketball tournaments hit the blacktop this weekend.

Nearly 1,000 players filled up the rosters of more than 250 teams in three age groups and played across 16 courts Saturday as organizers stressed one message: Stay out of trouble.

The South Jersey Youth Alliance hosted the 14th annual Got Game 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament behind the Favorites At Vineland off-track betting facility.

“It’s mind-blowing to get so many cultures and ages, every walk of life out here together for one thing — basketball,” Alliance board member Rob Johnson said.

Old-school hip-hop played in the background as children from age 8 through 12th grade competed for trophies and bragging rights.

Former Harlem Globetrotter Seth Franco put his tricks on display in the morning to inspire the athletes. Dunk contests, foul shooting and three-point contests also were held.

South Jersey Youth Alliance is a nonprofit group founded in Vineland that strives to build character in youth through school assemblies, after-school programs and mentoring.

There was no fee for youths to compete in the 3-on-3 tournament.

Johnson said the event stresses to local youth that it’s cool to do the right thing.

“It seems today it’s not cool to be positive,” Johnson said. “We want the kids to know it’s OK to be a good person.”

Johnson was raised in Fairfield without a dad. He credits one of his mentors, Preston Centuolo, with keeping him from heading down the wrong path.

“Without mentors, I probably would not be where I’m at today,” Johnson said. “Now it’s my opportunity to give back to the kids.”

Johnson said he also wanted to thank Favorites At Vineland for donating its parking lot for the event.

Between catching their breath after a big win in the quarterfinals, the eventual 11-13 age group winners Phenom team had nothing but positive things to say about the tourney.

“It’s a lot of fun playing here,” player Jeff Valdiseri said. “Great competition. And it’s always nice to win!”

Harlem students get first taste of horseback riding in Staunton

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 11
–>

Star B Stables has been popular with trail-riding customers this year, thanks to an unseasonably warm winter. On Friday morning, though the horses stayed busy all morning after a bus carrying 39 ninth-graders from Harlem Village Academies pulled into the driveway off Barterbrook Road. It wasn’t long before, in groups of seven or eight, the 14- and 15-year-olds were happily riding across the hills.

Well, not all of them happily.

For most, it was the first time they’d been so close to a farm. One of the girls was in tears during the ride but filled with pride when she got back to the barn.

“They were great kids,” said Faye Bartley, owner of the stables.

It was the last day of a three-day journey to Virginia. The first two days were spent visiting colleges, including the University of Virginia, and Monticello. From the beginning, college is a primary goal for students, said Mahogany Salisbury, 15.

“It prepares you for college,” she said. “We’ve been going to colleges since the fifth grade.”

Emilee Harris, a math teacher, said each grade level takes a spring trip to a different region, and on each trip, teachers look for something fun for the students. Because there wasn’t a lot of time on the schedule — the bus needed to head back to New York City by 2 p.m. — Star B Stables was able to run the trail rides in shifts and offer games and snacks for the students who were waiting to ride.

“This is great,” Harris said. “It’s like a family welcoming us to their home.”

Mahogany, Amani Rackley, Chyna Anthony and Caitlin Adjeitwum kept warm from the chilly breeze on blankets on the lawn. Around them, clusters of students played catch or 3-on-3 basketball, and others tried their hand at ping-pong on a breezy day.

Bartley invited family and friends to help with the trail rides, grill hamburgers and hot dogs and provide snacks and beverages for the students and their teachers.

The cluster of charter schools includes two middle schools and a high school. The first middle school opened in 2003. An elementary school is expected to open in the fall. With 75 percent of its funding from the New York City budget, the other 25 percent comes from donors.

Students to visit Romania

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 10
–>

Students from West Tennessee are raising money and preparing for a mission trip to northwest Romania through Belief in Motion this summer.

Seven high school students from Crockett County High School, one college student from the University of Tennessee, one college student from the University of Tennessee at Martin, and one high school student in Jackson will be led by Kalep Roberson, Spanish teacher at Crockett Country High School, and his wife, Ashley, in the summer mission trip to Oradea, Romania. The trip is scheduled for June 8-16.

Roberson gave an open invitation to students at Crockett County to come on the trip and picked the other students he had worked with in the past. Students applied to go on the trip, and Roberson assembled the group to go.

“I handpicked them,” Roberson said about the applicants and the college students going. “I picked the kids that I knew would work hard and wanted to go.”

The team will be going through Belief in Motion. Roberson’s in-laws serve as the presidents of the organization. Belief in Motion started seven years ago as a nonprofit organization that sends out missionaries.

The mission trip will work with Project 127. Project 127 gets its mission from James 1:27, which speaks to take care of widows and orphans and impoverished people. The organization works with the Romanian government and “is committed to making disciples of Christ and helping the Romanian people,” according to its website.

The team plans on holding backyard Bible clubs, sports ministry, relationship outreach and construction work. They will seek to work with orphans and those stricken with poverty in the city.

The cost for the trip is $2,100 per person. The total for everyone going on the trip is about $26,000. Because the trip is funded through Belief in Motion, tax-deductible donations can be made to Belief in Motion to provide for the trip.

Projects the mission team will host for fundraising include selling T-shirts to raise awareness for Romania. Students have also sent prayer letters to friends and family to give information about the trip and ask for financial and prayer support. Last month, they held a basketball tournament to raise money for the trip.

For more information, go to beliefinmotion.org.

Muncie Gus Macker tournament likely no more

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 16
–>

Even when SAFY had financial backers, it swung a deficit.

According to Rusty Alexander, the senior vice president of business development in the national SAFY office in Delphos, Ohio, the organization lost considerable money hosting the Muncie tournament.

SAFY lost $27,500 as the tournament sponsor in its three years — $8,000 in 2009, $14,000 in 2010 and $5,500 last year.

Due to the negative bottom line, Alexander said SAFY informed Macker officials after last year’s tournament it would not likely return as the sponsor organization in Muncie.

The search for a replacement sponsor is coming up empty.

“We wanted to try to find someone to take over the sponsorship, but no one would take the reins,” Thomas said.

It will be the first time in more than two decades the tournament won’t be in Muncie.

Only one Macker tournament site in the country has held the annual event more consecutive years. It’s been held 25 straight years — going on 26 this summer — in Belding, Mich., the hometown to Macker headquarters.

In its heyday, the Muncie Macker hosted more than 1,000 teams. With four players per team and at least a couple of supporters for each player, it was a massive gathering each year.

Numbers, though, steadily declined in recent years.

In 2005 there were 482 teams, 360 in 2006, 320 in 2007, 307 in 2008, 267 in 2009 and 231 in 2010.

Last year’s tournament actually saw in increase of 24 teams over the previous year with 255 squads.

While SAFY was the sponsor organization the last three years, Vicki Hornbaker volunteered her time as the tournament director the last two.

“It’s history. Muncie Gus Macker is one of the first Mackers. That’s pretty much a legacy, a heritage,” Hornbaker said. “We have a lot of families that play generationally. I think it’s a shame to lose that, I really do.”

McNeal wouldn’t call this year’s Muncie tournament dead altogether.

But he says for there to be a tournament here this summer, a local organization must surface that can pay the $10,000 fee. If that happens, McNeal says he’d consider owning the rest of the tournament himself — handling the other costs — so that a new sponsor could get established and take full financial responsibility the following year.

Applications being taken for StreetBall

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 6
–>

NEENAH — Online registration is being accepted for the 2012 StreetBall tournament in downtown Neenah.

Paper applications will be available today. To receive a paper application, contact the StreetBall office at 920-725-TEAM.

The 21st annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held June 9 and 10. It is open to teams of three to four players ages 8 and above in male and female brackets.

Vendor applications for the 2012 tournament for both non-profits and restaurants are being accepted. Organizations and restaurants interested in applying can download an application at www.streetball3on3.org.

This year’s event features the ThedaCare Physicians Slam Dunk Contest, Bergstrom GM of Neenah Shot for a Car Contest and inflatable activities in Shattuck Park.

For more information, visit www.streetball3on3. org or call 920-725-TEAM.

Youthful friendship leads to CF fundraiser in Victor

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 7
–>

When Kori Tolbert met Peter Lunn, they were 11-year-old kids receiving intravenous treatment for cystic fibrosis at Strong Memorial Hospital. Kori, a native of Victor, had just lost a friend from this degenerative and fatal lung disease, so she was hesitant to make another. But the boy from Syracuse won her over.

“Peter was this incredibly charming spitfire of a human being, and he was persistent in being my friend,” said Kori, 32, who works part-time as a massage therapist.

From then on, they were friends until he succumbed to the disease last year. On his good days, he enjoyed playing a casual pickup game of basketball. So, in memory of Peter, Kori last year helped organize a basketball tournament that raised $8,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Family Connection.

This year, the second annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in memory of Peter J. Lunn is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Victor High School gymnasium, 953 High St. Registration starts at 11 a.m., and the tournament begins at noon.

The Cystic Fibrosis Family Connection is a local organization that gives support to children and families living with the disease who must undergo regular two- to three-week stays in the hospital for treatment. Proceeds raised at this tournament will help pay for parking and meals at the hospital as well as gift certificates to local restaurants, snacks for families and toys for small children while in the hospital. The organization also provides free tutoring to children during hospitalizations.

Teams must have a minimum of three players to compete. There are 10 divisions, which include children 10 and older through adults. The $60 team registration fee includes a T-shirt and minimum of two games. Registration details can be found at active.com, keyword: CFFC. Non-players can make a donation at active.com/donate/CFFC.

Kori said that she was the first person Peter called years ago when he received his lung transplant, and she was with him when he passed away.

Local briefs

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 12
–>

Basketball

» 3-on-3 tournament scheduled — The Valders Basketball Club is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for boys and girls in grades 3-8 on May 12. The tournament fee is $60 per team for the one-day tournament.

Each team is guaranteed three games in a pool format, with a maximum of four players per team. Players may play up a grade, but teams will be placed in an age group based on the oldest player on the team.

Registration forms can be downloaded at www.valdersbasketballclub.org or by contacting Jeff Schwoerer at 920-775-9270 or email at Schwoerer.jeff@gmail. com.

College athletics

» Silver Lake announces signing — Brillion High School’s Courtney Clavers, a 6-foot post player, recently signed a letter of intent to attend Silver Lake College of the Holy Family and play for the women’s basketball program.

Courtney’s family, high school basketball coach and close friends attended the signing.

“The recent signing of Courtney and Stephanie Lehman, a 6-foot-2 post from Cambria-Friesland, should greatly enhance our inside game next season,” Silver Lake coach Mike Flentje said in a press release.

» Lincoln graduate leads team to success — Manitowoc Lincoln graduate Lauren Lukas helped lead Washington Lee University women’s tennis team in claiming the ITA Division 3 National Women’s Indoor Tennis Team Championship held this past weekend at the Indoor Tennis and Track Center in Greencastle, Indiana.

Lukas, a captain for the Lady Generals, recorded five wins over the weekend as Washington Lee beat Johns Hopkins University, DePauw University and Carnegie Mellon University in the finals. Lukas is a three-time first team All-ODAC selection in both singles and doubles and earned ITA and NCAA All-American honors last season.

Lukas has also earned the distinguished Washington Lee Scholar-Athlete award, having maintained a GPA of at least 3.50 each semester.

She has recently been accepted at the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and will be attending graduate school there in the fall.

Prep sports

» Date set for Reedsville Awards Ceremony — Reedsville High School will hold its winter sports awards program on Monday at 7 p.m. in the high school’s gym. Parents, student athletes and community members are invited to attend.

Athletic letters and awards will be distributed to varsity student athletes involved in boys and girls basketball, wrestling and poms. Cake, coffee and juice will be served in the commons at the conclusion of the program.

Local sports briefs: FSU men’s golf in ninth place at USF Invitational

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 22
–>

FSU sand volleyball

Two days after winning the nation’s first-ever collegiate sand volleyball match, the Seminoles captured another impressive victory at Tulane in New Orleans.

The Seminoles didn’t drop a set en route to defeating the Green Wave, 5-0. FSU improved to 2-0 and has dropped just one set in two matches.

Senior Visnja Djurdjevic posted a match-high 20 kills to go along with five aces and eight digs.

FSU returns to action Thursday and Friday at the Clash of the Collegians tournament in Winter Haven.

TCC baseball

Tyler York’s bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 10th inning scored Trent Higginbothem with the winning run in the Eagles’ 8-7 win over Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College in game one of a five-game series.

The win snapped a two-game losing streak for TCC (15-7).

Leading 7-5, Grand Rapids was one out away from a victory in the ninth inning, but Bobby Rice (North Florida Christian) singled up the middle to score Nolan Thomas and Nick Graganella (North Florida Christian) and send the game to extra innings.

In addition to Miller Jones, Rice (2 for 3, three RBIs) and Graham Saiko (2 for 5) had multi-hit games for TCC.

The teams will continue their series with doubleheaders on Tuesday and Wednesday. Game times both days have been moved up to 2 p.m. after originally being scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

FAMU cheerleading

The Rattlers placed third in the Co-Ed Division at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Cheerleading Championship in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Sunday.

The competition serves as the opening event to the MEAC men’s and women’s basketball tournament, which started Monday.

Morgan State claimed the overall team championship for the cheerleading competition.

Local basketball

Taylor County High School will be hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament Saturday, March 24.

The Perry Hoop Dreamz 3-on-3 Tournament will feature eight divisions and take place at the Taylor County gymnasium. The divisions include: Elementary for boys and girls, Middle School for boys and girls, High School for boys and girls and Post-High School for men and women.

The double-elimination tournament will cost $30 per team. All proceeds will benefit the Taylor County athletic department.

Registration will be March 24 from 8 to 9 a.m. Games will begin at 10 a.m., and run straight through until there’s a champion.

The winners will receive championship T-shirts — and bragging right for a year.

— Sports information departments at FSU, TCC and the MEAC contributed to this report.

Pickens County news briefs

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 7
–>

Gardening

The Clemson Cooperative Extension will conduct a series of gardening programs at the Village Branch Library, 124 N. Katherine St., Pickens. All are invited to any or all sessions: 1 p.m. March 26, gardening for butterflies; 1 p.m. April 25, herbs; 4 p.m. May 21, shade gardening; 1 p.m. June 18, hypertufa. Call 864-898-5747.

Chill Zone

Middle and high school students are invited to the Chill Zone at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Sarlin Branch Library, 15 S. Palmetto St., Liberty. The Zone will feature technology, science, games, book discussion, DIY projects, culinary arts and more. Call 864-850-7077.

Pokemon

All are invited to participate free in the Pokemon League from 3:30-5 p.m. Fridays at the Capt. Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library, 304 Biltmore Road, Easley.

Puppets

The Puppet Club for ages 7 and older meets at 4 p.m. Tuesdays at the Capt. Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library, 304 Biltmore Road, Easley. The free program provides an introduction to puppets, puppeteering, script writing and show production.

Wiggles, giggles

Wiggles and Giggles, a free program for babies and toddlers, will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Clemson-Central Regional Branch Library, 105 Commons Way, Central. The program also is held at 10 a.m. for walkers and 11 a.m. for prewalkers Wednesdays at the Capt. Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library, 304 Biltmore Road, Easley. Call 864-850-7077.

Story time

Preschool Storytime for ages 2-5 featuring books, songs and flannel boards is held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Capt. Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library, 304 Biltmore Road, Easley, and the Sarlin Community Branch Library, 15 S. Palmetto Road, Liberty; and at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Central-Clemson Regional Branch Library, 105 Commons Way, Central, and the Village Branch Library, 124 N. Catherine St., Pickens. An encore Storytime is at 11 a.m. the first and third Saturday at the Hampton Memorial Library.

Garden yoga

Renee Gahan leads Vinyasa Yoga classes open to all skill levels from 6-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Hayden Conference Center at the S.C. Botanical Garden on the Clemson University campus at the intersection of U.S. 76 and Perimeter Road. The cost is $15 for drop-ins, $50 for a five-class pass ($35 for full-time students), or a $60 monthly pass. Visit clemsonyoga.typepad.com.

Sports bulletin board for Dec. 29

<!–Saxotech Paragraph Count: 6
–>

Basketball

3-ON-3 LEAGUE: Teenagers interested in a 3-on-3 basketball league at the Boys Girls Club of Palm Springs can sign up until Jan. 6. The league is open to boys and girls ages 13-18. Membership is $5 per player and league fee is $10 per team. League play begins Jan. 10 and is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. at the Boys Girls Club of Palm Springs, 450 S. Sunrise Way. Participants may enter as a team or as an individual and they will be placed on a team. Membership and league registration forms may be picked up at the Boys Girls Club of Palm Springs or they may be downloaded at www.bgcps.org. Info: contact Lupe Branson at (760) 327-1304 ext. 303.

Football

PLAYERS NEEDED: The Palm Springs Coyotes, a semi-pro football team that will compete in the Pac West Football League, is looking for experienced players who are out of high school. The first games will be in April. Info: Call Tom Lewis at 512-689-2229.

Tennis

Senior tennis tournament: The Plaza Racquet Club will be holding it’s 19th Annual Senior USTA Tennis tournament from January 9-15. Signups and entries close on Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. The event features men’s singles and doubles in all divisions from 35-90′s. The tournament also holds combined age mixed doubles divisions of 100, 125 and 140. Info: Contact Tennis Director, Kurt Haggstrom at (760) 323-8997.

WANT IN? Submit the information in writing, either in person, by mail or e-mail to The Desert Sun Sports Department, 750 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, 92262; or sports@thedesertsun.com. Please include first and last names, and a contact name and a telephone number in case more information is needed.