Legends Take the Court for Howard Tiger Tournament

Native Ladies, Brighton Emerge Victorious

By Tony Heard

HOLLYWOOD — When the Annual Howard Tiger Memorial Legends Basketball Tournament rolls around, the legends start wiping off their shoes and pulling out their knee braces. And don’t forget the Icy Hot — anyone playing more than two games is going to need it.

The legends, all 35 and older, play two 12-minute halves during the Howard Tiger Tournament. This year’s tournament brought three men’s teams and two women’s teams back to the court.

The two women’s teams were the Native Ladies and the Old Skool Ballers. Two women’s teams playing in the tournament always means there’s going to be a best-out-of-three series.

The Native Ladies won the first game. They used tough defense and fast-break baskets to gain a nice size lead and keep it. The Old Skool Ballers looked as if they got a bit tired with about seven minutes to go, and just did not have it in them to try to make a comeback.

The ladies had time to get some rest because the men were taking the court to show off some old school razzle dazzle. Even though it was more like “raz” and “daz,” the effort and the competitiveness were clear and present.

The men’s bracket had three teams and they played regular tournament style. The Old Tamiami Trail team did not make it to the championship this year. After two tough games, they were eliminated, and Brighton would have to face Hollywood in the championship.

This game was guaranteed to be a good one considering the competition. In this game, Brighton defeated Hollywood for the first time ever. The game was everything the spectators had come for, diving on the floor for loose balls, fast-break points, amazing passes and big shots at crucial times. These two teams were playing the game the way it is supposed to be played; minus the crazy collisions and timely turnovers from not playing on a daily basis.

All of the mistakes were easily overlooked because of the effort and competitive spirit showcased by these two teams. Unfortunately, one of the teams had to lose, but there were numerous lead changes and game-changing plays before the end. The Brighton team made fewer mistakes and knocked down free throws until the final seconds of play.

In the end, Brighton walked away with the championship and the bragging rights until next year rolls around.

When the ladies hit the court again, the game got much more intense and the Old Skool Ballers weren’t going to go down without a fight. The Native Ladies started off the same as in the first game, but it did not last this time.

The Old Skool Ballers decided to get back on defense and stop the easy fast-break points by the Native Ladies. Their defensive energy carried over to the offensive end and the Old Skool Ballers made a lot of shots they missed in the first game.

This time around, the Old Skool Ballers displayed great ball movement and teamwork. With about four minutes to go, the roles were reversed and the Native Ladies were the tired and winded team. The Old Skool Ballers held on for the win, forcing a tie-breaker game.

The championship game went back and forth; neither team wanted to go home without the championship. Shirley Clay led the Old Skool Ballers in shooting. But the Native Ladies kept it close. With only three minutes to go, they maintained their lead, thanks to the rebounding and scoring of Vodne Chapoose.

The Native Ladies went on a run at the perfect time and captured the championship victory.