Thanksgiving Youth Basketball Classic Tournament

By Lila Osceola

HOLLYWOOD — The long awaited Thanksgiving Youth Basketball Classic was finally upon us. The Seminole youth never looked forward to such an event before. Youth of all ages swarmed the Hollywood Gym on Nov. 18–19. The atmosphere was filled with anxious lil’ ballers and the smell of brand new shoes.

The 17 & under boys and girls had to be moved to the next weekend because one court was not going to accommodate the number of teams that needed to play.

The 7 & under Coed teams consisted of Big Cypress, Hollywood 1 and Hollywood 2.

The 10 & under Coed teams consisted of Big Cypress, Hollywood 1 and Hollywood 2.

The 14 & under Girls teams consisted of Big Cypress, Del Ray Waves, and Lady Seminoles.

The 14 & under boys teams consisted of Big Cypress, Del Ray Waves, and Hollywood Xtreme.

If you have never seen a “7 & under” basketball player try as hard as possible, you are missing out on some good healthy entertainment. As the coed teams of youngsters took the court their proud parents observed from the stands. The games are intense, out of control and very amusing.

Diving on the floor for loose balls is something this age division has no trouble with; the trend for the shoes is untied of course. But the outcome is always the same. For this age division, all the participants are champions. Each participant received a medal, because the focus is, getting out there and trying you’re hardest, having good sportsmanship and most of all, having fun!

The 10 & under coed teams are all about the competition. In the big showdown for bragging rights, Big Cypress and Hollywood 2 were the two powerhouses to make it to the championship game. A never-ending match up that would take place in every youth basketball tournament.

The championship game was all but boring; the crowd was very enthusiastic as they cheer on their favorite teams as the bitter rivalry draws to a close. Big Cypress had a balanced attack with seven different players scoring efforts. While the Hollywood team only having five kids, with no subs, Big Cypress showed no mercy.

An outstanding effort by Hunter Osceola who led all scorers with 10 points, four steals and Ethan Cypress chipped in for the other four points that were made in the game. The final score was after a long day of tough competition was 14-17. The final outcome granted Big Cypress to be the champions of this year Thanksgiving Classic Basketball Tournament.

Watching the intense action of the 14 & under girls’ teams play are worth every penny. Bumps, bruises, blood, sweat and yes some tears are a mere token of the dedication that these young ladies possess.

Every team that stepped out on the floor had something to prove. Whether its pride or hard work, all the young ladies’ took it personal when they got fouled, blocked, or turned the ball over. It’s nice to see the level of girls basketball and competition rise with every basketball tournament that the Recreation department hosts.

Del Ray Waves dominated the Lady Seminoles with their tall girls and rough style of play. The Lady Seminoles were not able to use their finesse to creep by the mighty Del Ray Waves team.

Ariah Osceola led the way with six points and three steals. Lacey Jordan hit five points and pulled down six rebounds. Del Ray Waves had one player with 11 points. The final game came down to a screeching halt for the young Lady Seminoles after they lost to a challenging Del Ray, Waves team.

Just like to the girls’ teams the boys are eager to show off their talent. The 14 & under boys’ prepare to become men. The battlefield for them is “The Court”, and they show very serious dedication to improving their skills.

It’s quite the thrill to watch as the young men fly through the air to get a rebound, stop on a dime and give change, try to dunk, and most of all grow into their ever so changing bodies. Some of the shorter guys from the last tournament are now some of the tallest. At this level it is easy to see who has been putting in time at the gym trying to improve on their skills.

The Hollywood Xtreme comprised of some tribal members and non tribal members, jumped on the Del Ray Waves team as soon as the buzzer started the game. With their dominating defense and outstanding rebounding of Kareem Roach, they flew past the quick Del Ray team.

Chris Hunter and Terrell Lane gave the Hollywood Xtreme team a one two punch combining for 14 points. What an exciting finish to a great tournament at the Hollywood gym. The Hollywood Xtreme team drove right past the Del Ray Waves with a final score of 40-25.

The day was a great success as all the teams had fun and played hard. So in the end they are all winners.

The special awards given at the end of the tournament are as follows: 10 & Under All Stars: Hunter Osceola-Hollywood, Maleah Baker-Hollywood, Michael White-Big Cypress, Malory Baker-Big Cypress, Trevor Jackson-Big Cypress and Chassidy Harjochee-Hollywood; Champions: Big Cypress, Runner-Up: Hollywood 2; Ms. Hustle: Maleah Baker-Hollywood, Mr. Hustle: Trevor Osceola-Hollywood, Sportsmanship: Malichi Baker-Big Cypress, Defense: Chief Billie-Big Cypress.

14 & Under Boys All Stars: Kareem Roach-Hollywood Xtreme, Hurley Johnson-Big Cypress, Mike Gass-Hollywood Xtreme, Chris Hunter- Hollywood Xtreme, Trent McInturff-Big Cypress; Champions: Hollywood Xtreme, Runner-Up: Big Cypress; Mr. Hustle: Josh Cypress-Hollywood Xtreme, Sportsmanship: Hunter Osceola, Defense: Terrell Lane.

14 & Under Girls All Stars: Lacey Jordan-Lady Seminoles, Sasha Bernard-Del Ray, Whitney Osceola-Lady Seminoles, Morgan Grain-Del Ray, Rene Townsend-Del Ray; Champions: Del Ray, Runner-Up: Lady Seminoles; Ms. Hustle: Whitney Osceola Sportsmanship: Briana Robbins-Big Cypress, Defense: Ariah Osceola.