A Taste of Southwest History

March is creeping up on us with each passing day.  For generations we have encountered some of the most thrilling moments during these times. No, I’m not going to pull any punches here. I’m itching to feel the madness. I’m not much of a history  buff myself but I do put things in persepective that requires some historical reflection.

You all know that the Southwest Basketball Association of the Deaf and other deaf club regions are about to push full throttle for regional superiority.  Down here in the southwest there’s a bit of history of how things once were.  The 60th Annual Regional Tournament for SWBAD has a long list of had-beens and used-to-be.  For instance, in the inaugural season of then known, Southwest Athletic Association of the Deaf (SWAAD), a team from Houston won the region decisively.  Defeating San Antonio 58-33 and Dallas 96-30.  I’m assuming the region only had a hand full of members.  After that year there was only one winner for the next 12 years, Little Rock.

Most definitely you can call this a dynasty.  Little Rock upended the Houston team in 38-36.  This had to be a thriller of a game. Not only did they win that game by two but in their opening game they pulled off another two point win over Dallas, 72-70.  One can only imagine the excitement in the gym that weekend.  The home team keeping their fans on the edge of their seats.  For the next 12 years there were only a few challenges amongst their dynasty. Little Rock held steadfast and stood upright.

During those 12 years six championship games were against Dallas and five versus Houston, respectively. Both those clubs for years ended up on the bitter end of defeat. You can only fathom what the deaf region felt like every year that Little Rock won another title. Like most clubs, people hate to see the “same” winner. The haters grow more and more against the dynasty. Fans start to get sick of it and want a new winner. While those players winning want to keep sticking it to their opponents and proving regardless they are indeed the team to beat. Ruthless, isn’t it?

 Again, I’m not a history buff but I assume from what little knowledge I do have the famous Clyde Nutt was on a majority of those teams. I’ve heard stories from the old-timers about Nutt. He was an all around athlete and always a winner.  He’s one of the most endeared deaf athletes during his day.  Clyde also had a deaf brother Houston who provided addition support during Little Rock’s hey days.

From 1949-1960 Little Rock dominated the southwest region. Over 60 years they were crowned champions 20 times, the most recent coming in 2003. I’m pretty sure Little Rock hopes to channel back through time and dig out some of those past victories.  No club has matched their dominance over the years. The closest to acheiving this feat is the Houston club with 14 Southwest titles. 

During the early ’80’s Houston won six straight and seven of eight during a stretch.  Still noone was able to match what Little Rock had done. Dallas did manage to win a hand full of titles and they too had their on stretch of wins. They won sparingly over the years but nothing like the aforementioned clubs.

Who will the next dynasty of the SWBAD?  Can history be repeated? Will any club match 12 straight titles? All of these questions are debatable but only can be answered one way, on the hardwood floors of the SWBAD Regionals Tournaments.  Bring on the MADNESS!

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Extravaganza is nearing.  You don’t want to miss this night of fun filled entertainment in Austin.  Hosted by “Yo” Moore, the much anticipated bazaar is expected to lure the largest crowd yet.

Dating back to his college days Moore was known to throw some of the most live parties. He is ecstatic about the big bash coming in March.  For more information contact Yo at YoMoore111@aol.com. Hope to see you on March 3, bring your mask and party mood. It’s gonna be off the hook.

Austin Deaf Toros Basketball

 

 The Austin Deaf Toros basketball team resume their second season together under the name.  Coached by Austin’s own Lawrence Smith.  Smith helped put together a formidible group of ballers who won their respective region, Southwest Basketball Association for the Deaf (SWBAD), last year.  The Toros went on to place fourth at the national tournment held in St. Louis, MO. 

 The Toros are led by a mixture of young and old players.  Headed by 24 years old,  forward/guard Anton Jackson.  Jackson hit the national spotlight with a bang. With an array of skills, he was depended upon to carry the team.  He’s in his second year with the Toros and third season on the deaf club circuit.  Jackson is looking to continue his SWBAD most valuable player performance this year at the regionals.  Leading the team in scoring and rebounding was expected from the team’s best player. 

Complimenting the young stud Jackson is veteran shooter, Darnell Woods.  Woods is in his second stint with Austin, having won the SWBAD (SWAAD) MVP in 1995. Woods going into his 15th season carries a long list of accolades which include four national championships, a gold medal with Deaflympics in 2001, and a silver in the World Deaf Championships in 2002. Having played on the east coast for a majority of his career,  Woods has adapted to the southwest style of play.  Woods leadership is unmeasureable yet he still manages to keep up with the ages at the ripe age of 37 (38 in March).

Joining Woods in the backcourt is Chris Hamilton. Hamilton another veteran trying to capture another championship, having winning his first in 1996 for the Maryland Stars.  Hamilton brings a heady game.  A native of New York, he affords a great deal of hard nose play, possessing a knack for making open jumpers and finishing hard drives at the basket. 

Another backcourt mate for the two veteran guards is the quick and fiesty point guard, Termiea Bowers of Houston, TX.  Bowers has played on the circuit for 10 seasons, this is his second year with Austin.  Having led his Houston Untouchables for as many seasons, he made the change to make his nationals aspirations come true. Bowers attributes to the squad is constant energy and push.  He makes things happen when he’s on the floor.  He’s most dangerous in the open court when chances avail to create for himself and others running with him. Bowers has grown over the years and continue to improve with each opportunity.

In the front court there are a several key guys that are expected to carry the load around the rim.  RJ Kaufman is a key here. Near the basket he has the ability to make the game that much easier for other rebounders.  Along with Jackson, Kaufman has to the ability to score double-doubles in both scoring and rebounding on any given night.  Struggling with age Kaufman is reserved to the fact he no longer has the desire to play as often.  His play shows otherwise. He’s the once removed MVP of SWBAD, helped save a game into overtime at the nationals last year. Showing shot blocking ability in crucial a moment. With the game on the line Kaufman block the shot of Carolina’s giant, 6′9 Tim Teeters, from behind to seal the win in the waning moments.   When the moment arrives Kaufman will pull his end of the deal.

Also in the front court is a pure picture of toughness, “Yo” Moore. Moore not much of a scoring threat but the intangilbles he contribute are thankless works of bodily sacrifice.  Moore provides rebounding against all shapes and sizes. The diminutive foward only stands at 5′11 possesses a heart many men twice his size lacks.  Moore in his 13th season continues to search for that elusive first national championship.

 Alex Tyler of Mississippi is a well traveled players around the southwest region.  Formerly of East Memphis, Little Rock, Houston and now Austin. Tyler has been to the nationals with each of his former team. In his first stint with Austin, he hopes to make this the most extensive trip to the national tournament.  Listed at 6′4, the forward/center brings, rebounding, scoring, and shot blocking to a team in need of all three.  Tyler runs the floor well and plays above the rim. He’s a one time Deaflympian in 1997 and the reigning rebound and scoring champion for SWBAD.

Kelvin Etkie returns for another season with Austin. Etkie is a reserve guard. He possesses a lethal outside shooting touch.  Etkie brings a positive approach to the team and takes full advantage of his opportunities.  Another reserve returns to the his former mates, David Tomlinson.  Tomlinson is a dead eye shooter with gritty defensive skills.  He too will be a reserve for either of the guard slots.

 The most valuable reserve with the most credential to his resume, Shannon Simon.  Simon has played on five national championship teams.  He’s used in reserve role and his experience is always needed.

 Two othe reserves round off the squad, Geoff Moore and Archie Savannah. Both will be used sparingly.  These two guys are most commited to assisting the club in everyway possible. Moore stands at 6′5 has improved over time and expects to crack the playing rotation.  Savanah will vie for time on the court.  He’s a valued contributor in practice weekly. 

Look for the Toros to bring their best each time they touch the floor. They feel they can play with anyone. SWBAD is just around the corner like all other regional tournaments.  March is truly madness.