Second Annual Cindy Osceola Memorial Basketball and Bowling Tournament

By Michael Kelly

HOLLYWOOD — From Nov.4–6, the Hollywood Gym was filled with the sounds of bouncing basketballs, cheering fans, and community members paying tribute to the late Cindy Osceola. Donna Turtle, who organized the whole event, spoke of her late sister.

“ She would know everybody here at the tournament,” Turtle said. “She loved playing all types of sports, especially basketball.”

Maydell Osceola, Cindy and Donna’s mother, was pleased that so many family, friends and participants came out in remembrance of her daughter.

A beautifully framed portrait of Cindy, painted by artist Jimmy Osceola, was hung behind the scorers table for all to see, while four proudly displayed Seminole jackets served as first place trophies.

Before the tournament, Turtle presented her mother with a glass plaque with a photograph of her late daughter. Paul Buster, who played in the legend’s tournament, addressed the crowd.

“ We are all here to have a wonderful evening in memory of Cindy Osceola,” he said.

As the bleachers began to fill, the legend’s tournament got underway. With the scent of Tiger Balm permeating the Hollywood gym, the 35 and older basketball players took the court.

Tribal citizens of all shapes and sizes, some not in the best of shape, and some even barefoot, played in the tournament. Players ran up and down the court, at least for a while. A host of spirited games lasted until after midnight, with the championship game finishing at 1 a.m.

The Hollywood recreation team took on the N-D-N’s team to kick off the tournament, with the N-D-N’s prevailing 40-25. Team Eric’s played the team from Trail, losing 20-16.

In one of the early women's games, Trail defeated BC 29-21 as Shirley Clay poured in four three-pointers. Beverly Alumbaugh stole the show though as she hit a miraculous three-point shot. The feisty player took the court minus her sneakers, preferring to play barefoot.

Between tournament games, a three-point and free-throw contest was held. Trail resident Alberta Huggins hit five three-pointers to lead the women’s field, while Kenny Tommie poured in 10 in a 60 second span to capture the men's group. Chucky Osceola’s clutch shooting earned him the title of best men’s free-throw shooter and Susanne Billie won on the women’s side. The sharp-shooting Billie said she has always played basketball and loves to play as much as possible.

In the men's semi-final game, the N-D-N’s handed the Eric’s a tough overtime loss, 29-22. In the waning moments of regulation, the N-D-N’s had a chance to win it, but turned the ball over. In overtime, the N-D-N’s hit key free-throws to seal the victory.

In the women's championship game, the Trail Women prevailed 20-9 over Trail. Vanessa Poole, game MVP, lead the champions scoring 11 points.

In the men's championship game, Clifton Huggins led Trail to a razor thin victory over the N-D-N’s, 27-25. In the second half, Trail build up a six-point lead, only to see the N-D-N’s come back to tie it. In the end, key free-throws and some stingy defense earned Trail the win.

On the second day of the tournament, the youngsters took over, playing a handful of games from early morning until the evening.

President Moses Osceola spoke about Cindy before the starting tip off, saying how much her family meant to her, and how the tournament has grown. People of all ages packed the gym, greatly anticipating the championship games.

The sport of basketball really has become a part of the Seminole community. In between games, parents and grandparents watched their young children do their best at bouncing various colored basketballs.

In one of the early games, the Canes stormed past War Party, winning a mercy game, 64-33. On the ladies’ side, Melissa Moskett led the Lady Seminoles with 19 points as they easily defeated United.

The Lady Seminoles kept the momentum going, rolling into the finals against the Outlaw Women. Playing a balanced, team offense and tenacious defense, the Lady Seminoles earned a mercy-rule victory, soundly defeating the Outlaw Women, 59-28. The first half was close, as Candace Black bird kept the Outlaw Women within striking distance.

In the second half, sparkplug player and eventual MVP Tasha Osceola fiercely contested every rebound, inbound pass, and shot. She and her sisters Mercedes and JoJo Osceola were the perfect trio, all contributing to the championship win. Tournament scoring leader Melissa Mossett could have earned the MVP honors as well; her clutch scoring and enthusiasm were ever-present.

In the men’s finals, Coach Clifton Huggins had the Canes ready to take on the Choctaw team from Mississippi. The Canes stormed out to a double-digit first half lead, which they never relinquished, and won 82-58. As usual, the Canes outworked their opponents on both ends of the floor.

Throughout the game, the Canes played stifling defense, limiting the Choctaws to poor quality shots. Pete Osceola was a force on the offensive and defensive boards, and rarely did the Canes allow a second chance shot. On offense, Tony Heard and Carlos Adamson continually drove hard to the basket, drawing fouls and converting many 3-point plays.

With less than three minutes left in the game, the Canes were up by 20 points. Shaun Dougherty almost single-handedly kept the Choctaws close, launching three pointers and connecting on off-balanced jump shots.

After the victory, trophies were handed out to the top three men’s and women’s teams. Championship MVP’s Tasha Osceola and Carlos Adamson received hand-made Seminole jackets, while other players received black jackets and trophies.

On Sunday, the Cindy Osceola Memorial switched venues and headed to the Don Carter University Lanes in Davie, Fla. There, participants enjoyed the less strenuous sport of bowling. Raffles were held throughout the tournament, with the lucky winners receiving bowling balls, bags, towels, and more. All were courtesy of the president’s office.

Results from the bowling tournament:

Scotch doubles: 1. Monica Cypress 224, 2. Alfreda Muskitt 221, 3. Trish Osceola 217, 4. Nadine Tommy 193, 5. Patricia Wilcox 187, 6. Beverly Tommie 176.

3-6-9: 1. Reina Micco and Chris Osceola 439, 2. Valerie Holata and Blake Osceola 410, 3. Rosetta Bowers and Marcy Osceola 406, 4. Wendi Juraez and Pernell Bert 394, 5. Nadine Tommy and Kevin Tommie 393, 6. Alfreda Muskitt and Mitch Osceola 393.

No tap: 1. Patricia Wilcox and Chris Osceola 561, 2. Margaret Wilcox and Kevin Tommie 532, Tie 3. Alfreda Muskitt and Joy Micco 469, Reina Micco and Blake Osceola 468, 4. Jennifer Tigertail and Albert Snow 433, 5. Rosetta Bowers and John Tigertail 384.

Women 60 and older: 1. Mabel Osceola 592, 2. Maydell Osceola 449, 3. Addie Osceola 438. Men 60 and older: 1. Damon Wilcox 551, 2. Dan Osceola 449. Women 50-59: 1. Mary Micco 419, 2. Vivian Delgado 412, 3. Judy Jones 357. Men 50-59: 1. David Jumper 562, 2. Moses Osceola 527, 3. Ronnie Doctor 419.