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.

Southwest Basketball Associates for the Deaf Regional Champions-2007

 

(Kneeling) Yo Moore, (Standing first row l-r) Coach Larry Smith, Chris Hamilton, Darnell Woods, David Tomlinson, Termiea Bowers, Archie Savannah, Kelvin Etkie, (Back l-r) Shannon Simon, Geoff Moore, Alex Tyler, RJ Kaufman, Anton Jackson

Spring Fever or March Madness?

Yes, it’s that time. All the talk about basketball and the downright highs of the month of March which is all but here. I’m chomping at the bit to cook up something to haggle over.  You know that barbershop talk is where some of the most subjective not to mention objective debates occur in the world of sports.  For us deaf folks we make use of modern technology.  Let’s get to the heart of the notion here. 

 Starting in the Farwest, some of you don’t know what the story is but a group of mavericks have disassembled the former Farwest Athletics Asssociation for the Deaf.  Dynamingles will not be putting their title on the line.  The favorite will be Arizona Dessert Fire, featuring David Hamilton and Gerald Brown.  They have group of young followers hoping to return the old guards back to the top of the heap once again.  Riverside Club for the Deaf led by Mike “Doc” Torres.  Doc also has surrounded himself with youth.  The two teams look to finish as one and two in the new USADB-FW region.  My pick here is AZDF in a nail biter.

In the Northwest Basketball for the Deaf region there appears to be parity up there.  Last year Utah Glaziers had put together a bomb squad of elite players which included Robert Roth and Robin Johnson.  Both have been searching for the right team for years.  This year the Johnson, Roth and Cory Fletcher have jumped ship and joined (ARCD) of Sacramento.  Bay Area Club for the Deaf  is still one of the favorites.  The transition of the trio expects to weaken the Glazier.  Look for BACD to return to the top and everyone else vie for second place.

Midwest Athletic Association for the Deaf is another region where parity seems to be an issue.  Year in and year out Kansas City seems to win.  Led by Ron Wyatt and his clan. Robert Love has joined St. Louis along with Chris Woodside.  Omaha have lost the big kid in the middle, Eldin Dorn now with Indiana (GDIC).  The prediction here is KC will win it and St. Louis will place second.

Now that I mentioned Dorn I might as well jump to the Central Athletic Association for the Deaf (CAAD).  Indiana has been the perennial favorites for the last few years especially since the demise of the old Chicago team.   Chicago is back.  Only now they will suit up with WSAD-Orange.  Kevin Smith, Shawn Stringfellow, and Brenton Holliday take their numerous national championship experience and combine it with some hungry young bucks.  They’re hoping to remove the crown from GDIC. Prediction, Brian Bippus and his crew will roughshod through this region.  With the national title up for grabs the only thing on the minds of these Hoosiers is winning it all.

Let’s move down south.  In the Southwest Basketball Association for the Deaf (SWBAD),  Austin Deaf Toros have won the last two years.  Over in Dallas the youngsters have put together a strong group with thier sole purpose, end the Toros streak.  Okay, I’m in a biased state here.  The Toros and reigning MVP, Anton Jackson will win handidly.  Dallas and Tulsa will play for second place, no questions asked.

Over in the Southeast Athletics Association for the Deaf (SEAAD), Carolina will be given a run for their money. Another Carolina team, Wilson Athletic Association for the Deaf (WAAD), was put together to oust SEAAD’s greatest club ever.  Henry Dorsey and Howard Gilbert have joined forces to put an end to Carolina’s strangle hold on the title. Look for Orlando to play a role in this mix.  This will be a region to watch. Prediction, Fred Thompson, Tim Teeters, and Mark Hedrick will walk away with the crown once again.

In the East Athletic Association for the Deaf (EAAD), a new breed of ballers fresh out of college look to upend New Jersey with Dee Brown and Vernon Lane.  Washington, D.C., East Zone featuring Robert Haney, Cy Saunders and Matt Johnson.  This group went to Indiana and beat up on the old guys of GDIC.  Pulled out a close game, winning by 7.  This puts them in the forefront as national contenders.  Look for them to take the east but not without a fight. New Jersey has a group of veterans that expect to make East Zone earn everything.

Finally, in the Northeast Athletic Assocation for the Deaf (NEAAD), Bridgeport owns this region.  Led by Ben Demario and Justin Brooks, this duo will try to get them past the second round at the nationals. Their only competition will be either Vermont or Providence. Both teams don’t possess much firepower.  It will be pretty much be a cake walk for BPT. 

 There you have it.  Of course you probably think, “what does he know?” I’m just a measley old writer blogging about everything and anything.  It’s time to dance and the parties are about to get under way.  I’ve got my ticket to the dance.  Do you have yours?

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.