SWBAD is Just Around the Corner

The annual regional tournament is just about to heat up. There is already a buzz about the participating teams in the mix.  Who will step up out of the pack and challenge the repeat champions the Austin Deaf Toros?  There are speculations that a couple of teams are up for the task.  The Deaf Toros are still a hungry bunch of ballers who look to prove their mettle and solidify their place in history as a dynasty in SWBAD regional history. 

Also for the two straight seasons Tulsa Hawks have finished a strong second and are destined to take their shot at the crown.  The Tulsa team brings a bit of flare and moxy with their team. They’re likely to remain at the top of the heap for those “playing for second.”  Until anyone proves otherwise the tournament will end in the same results as the two previous years.

Let’s take a look at the rest of the bracket:

Archie Savannah has brought back the Doughboyz of Texas. There are few questions about this squad’s athleticsm. David Webster is expected to lead this team along with Lurendran Blackice.  Both these young guards are quick and fast and presents a formidble backcourt.  As they say “speed kills.”  Also playing with the Doughboyz is Reggie Green. He is capable of making plays on a team that is likely a running team. The are no real post threats in the paint so rebounding and post defense might be an obvious weakness amongst them.

Dallas Fort Worth Texas Boyz were once two teams. Now they have formed one unit.  We can’t say much right now about the chemistry on this team.  They most recently decided to conjoin the two clubs. It looks as if they’re attempting to put together a team for the sole purpose to beat the Toros. Hmmmm, possible? Highly unlikely.

The Southern New Orleans team brings a gutsy crew. Last year they scrapped their way back in to the tournament despite being a year removed from the catastrophic hurricane Katrina.  There might be a surprise or two with this team. As mentioned they’re a scrappy bunch and relentless when faced with similar talent.

A team that’s steadily rebuilding is Houston All Stars. Every since the Untouchables’ demise there has not been much hype in the big city.  One of the best things about them is they stick together and have a competitive attitude. Look for them to be active but nothing more than the latter saying.

Jackson, Mississippi team has boasted for the last few years that they’re ready to make their next move.  With renewed dedication and youth this could be a team to watch for in the future.  Young and athletic but lacking in experience all around the board, it will be a while before they can prove they’re worthy of some serious consideration as regional contenders.

The Tulsa Hawks, two time runner-up of SWBAD. Led by their big guy and bruiser yet agile big man, Tracy Willis. Willis is expected to continue to lead the team in scoring and rebounding. He hasn’t had much help when the competition became strong.  The guard play for the Hawks will be significant for them to keep their second place status.

Finally, the two time champion Deaf Toros. Look for them to be crowned once again. Nothing in the region suggest they will lose any ground on anything they have established to this point.  Expect no less from this veteran crew who aspire to make a strong run at the national tournament in Florida. Rest assure they know their first task is to put an end to any doubters out there that they have lost a step.  The Toros will maintain their reign and come away with their third straight title in as many attempts.

The Deaf Toros are Back and Eager

The Austin Deaf Toros are set to bull their way through the SWBAD regionals tournament in a couple weeks.  Poised to maintain dominance at the 61st annual event in Shreveport, LA. The Deaf Toros will bring the core group that has also finished 4th at the USADB national tournament the last two seasons.

 Coach Larry Smith in his third season at the helm of the team has assembled a team which might have more depth than the two prior years.  Leading Scorer Anton Jackson returns with another year of experience. Jackson has become an outstanding player on the circuit. This past summer Jackson helped lead the USA Men’s team to a bronze medal in Guangzhou, China at the World Deaf Basketball Championship. Coach of the national team Keith Westhoelter said “AJ was the most consistent contributor on the team last summer.”  This is definitely the same Anton Jackson the Deaf Toros are used to having. Jackson has been their best player and athlete since joining the organization.

Also returning is veteran guard Darnell Woods. The ageless wonder continues to make an impact despite aging. Woods will continue to give his all whenever he’s on the floor. He has led the team in three point shooting and fills in at the point guard when needed. His vocal leadership is irreplaceable considering the quiet personalities the Deaf Toros has amongst the unit. Sharing the backcourt with Woods will be point guard Termiea Bowers.  Bowers has trimmed down physically to gain some old foot quickness from years past. Bowers along with veteran Chris Hamilton have combined to lead the team in assist. Both are active in their own rights when commanding the floor.

RJ Kaufman who has contemplated retirement but appears to be on a year to year basis will be a force around the basket yet again. It’s known that when March arrives madness turns into a form of tranquility for Kaufman. He has been the most consistent scorer in the paint. With a knack for being in the right place at the right time his services are much needed especially in the rebounding department. 

Coupling with Kaufman in the front court is Shannon Simon. At the nationals in Indianapolis last April Simon played a significant role defensively and rebounding. Understanding his role has always been his forte. He’s the Deaf Toros most consummate team player on the roster.  The two big men will play a vital role as the team progresses.

The Toros will probably be without an Austin favorite player due to an achilles injury. Yo Moore has been a major part of the organzation through the years. His hustle and relentless ability around the basket will be missed until he is healthy again.  The Toros gritty play and toughness is centered around Moore’s ability to command the paint regardles of his deminiature size.

Another proven veteran returns to his reserve role, Kelvin Etkie.  He chips in wherever needed contributing in a variety of ways. His versitality allows the Toros to use him the front and backcourt. Etkie has also shown the ability to knock down timely three pointers and collect loose balls when in position. Also, in reserve for the Toros will be Geoff Moore. He’s a mainstay over the last couple of years participating in all team functions, practices and games. Moore is a reliable contributor when called upon. 

Newcomers are expected to make the Deaf Toros an even more formidable group than before. Former Deaflympian, Frank Jackson brings his gangly repertoire to the Toros. Frank, the older brother to Anton, is the most athletic of the two Jacksons. He plays above the rim and possesses a deadly outside shooting touch.  Standing at 6′4 gives the Toros that added third scorer that will free up Woods and Anton even more than before.  Frank won’t be available until the national tournament due to legal issues being resolved.

Other newcomers for the Toros are Chris Chanin, a former Gallaudet reserve, Mick Freeland of Fremont, CA.  Both will contribute as much as possible when minutes are available. Cast no doubt they’re two sleepers for the Toros that cannot be overlooked.

Two former Texas School for the Deaf standouts have joined this verteran group to round out the 14 man roster. John McMahon provides added size and rebounding. He’s officially the rookie on this squad looking to start his young career off on the right foot. Evidently McMahon chose the Toros which places him head and shoulders above the other rookies out there. 

Last but not least, William Spencer completes this team. Spencer was expected to be a major contributor, providing athleticsm and speed. Due to a motorcycle accident last summer Spencer is nursing a bum knee which has been slow to heal. When Spencer returns to full strength he will be a lethal addition to the team.

The Deaf Toros begin tournament action on Friday, February 29, at 5:30pm against a team to be determined. As the number one seed the Toros have a bye in the opening rounds. Keep an eye open for new post ups on this site. The Deaf Toros will be stampeding through once again.