FBC Defenders

Coach Andre’ Williams and the 14U team registered to participate in a time honored tradition, Tom Dowd Memorial tournament. This tournament has been attended by the Defenders program since the beginning as it honors a man (Tom Dowd) lost in the 911 world trade center attack. Two days before the tournament started, the administrator got an urgent request from the tournament director asking if the 14U team could help them out by playing in the 15U bracket. When asked about the move up both coach Williams and coach Sessoms responded ‘we don’t mind, we will play anyone’. It was then that the stage was set for a dramatically explosive weekend of play. Like a storm the Defenders landed in Woodbury on Saturday morning and began unleashing their fury on their opponents. When the dust finally settled on Sunday, the Defenders were once again standing mid-court holding the championship trophy! Please join all of us in the program as we congratulate our ladies, coaches, parents, and fans!

SOLDIERS!!!!SOLDIERS!!!!SOLDIERS!!!!SOLDIERS!!!!SOLDIERS!!!!

FBC Defenders – (Coach Stone) The Defenders ended up on the wrong side of 2 hotly contested battles at the Rose Classic on Sunday, May 20th.  In the early game, The Defenders faced the NYC Lady Warriors, and loss 40-34.  Taryana Tia Kelly who was “renamed” “B.I.G.” by the resident announcer for her dominant play in the paint, led all Defenders with 12 points.  Jasmine Walker, Marissa McCabe, Brionna Pettus & LaRhonda Womack also scored 5 points each.

In the second contest, the Defenders fell to the NJ Blitz of Willingboro, 49-44.  An absence of offensive rebounds, and cold shooting from the field was the recipe for disaster for the Defenders.  Tia Kelly managed to lead all Defenders in scoring with 10 points, and Jasmine Walker and Alyssa McDonaugh contributed with 8 points each.

Coach Brown’s Defenders 13U team started its 2012 season with three games as part of the Rose Classic in Brooklyn during the weekend of April 28-29. Sunday’s first game, a loss to the Lehigh Valley Heat, had the Defenders start out strong underneath on the defensive boards. The Defenders showed good ball handling skills with Alexzandra Walker driving to the basket and Imani Lue setting good picks. The Defenders were up against a strong press throughout the game. Shauna Randolph experienced early foul trouble, while Gabrielle Turner came in, played aggressive defense and made some quick passes to Imani.

As the game progressed, the girls showed they were able to cut and run some of the plays Coach Brown had called. The Defenders were able to force a number of turnovers, but were unable to capitalize on their opponents turnovers.

During the third quarter, Alex helped the team again, scoring after a strong drive and following a technical foul by the Heat. Shaunna Randolph also contributed by scoring from inside for the Defenders. The team became more comfortable in the quarter with a number of good passes to Brianna Rodrigues who scored with a jump shot. As the Defenders pressed harder, they were able to force more turnovers. Final Score: 32-11 Heat.

In their second game on Sunday, the Defenders 13U team came out victorious against the Staten Island Stingrays. The Defenders were more aware of the ball, anticipating opportunities for turnovers. Aahmira Brown forced three quick turnovers and Alex Walker scored an early three pointer. Shaunna Randolph scored two quick baskets in a row followed by a strong score by Roshanna Lewis underneath.

Imani Lue converted a steal for a layup, followed by another steal and another forced turnover. She was very quick on the floor and able to move quickly and fearlessly from end to end. Jewel Walston turned a rebound and a fast break pass into a score by Imani. Gabrielle Turner and Imani were able to read the opponents offense, making multiple steals and forcing turnovers in the second quarter. Imani provided a nice assist to Jewel Walston inside for the score. Aahmira Brown followed with a quick layup.

In the second half, Jewel Walston scored a few times from inside. Shaunna Randolph added to the score with a short jumper and a foul shot. Aahmira forced a turnover showed she can be persistent after scoring off multiple offensive rebounds. Imani continued to hustle, working to keep the ball in play and making yet another steal. The Defenders continued to force turnovers including a Stingray three second call. Gabrielle Turner, able to read the defense even better in the second half, prevented the fast break by the Stingrays. The crowd enjoyed a stronger defense inside during this game, including a clean block by Jewel Walston and another by Roshanna Lewis. Final Score: 33-10 Defenders

What are some lessons learned from the play during these two games? Work on being able to rebound more, box out, always expect the pass (especially if you are cutting) and play hard no matter what the score.

FBC Defenders – (Coach Stone) suffered a tough, 2 point loss to Pittsburgh Rockers this past Sunday. The Defenders returned to the Rose Classic’s main stage gym, for a wildly competitive, battle of basketball wit, and athleticism before an electrified audience of about 150 spectators. The resident DJ, humorous announcer, and hip-hop hits blasting through the sound system were not nearly as entertaining as the “on court” action. Defenders watched an 8 point second half lead evaporate in the final minutes of play, when the Rockers were able to take their first lead since the first half, with just 46 seconds remaining. Jackie Rodriguez’ hot shooting from behind the arc was enough to help her lead all scorers with 16 points.  Jasmine Walker, Adriene Small, and Taryana “Tia” Kelly provided plenty of “wow” moments for the electrified, crowd with exceptional all around play – finishing with 8, 7, and 6 points respectively.  Alyssa McDonaugh also delivered a solid performance with 2 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

The FBC Defenders – (Coach Stone) invaded the planet of Brooklyn on Sunday, and managed to fend off a feisty Baseline squad for a hard fought, 52-46 win. The Defenders were led by Jackie Rodriguez’ 11 points, and were bolstered by a balanced scoring attack from Ashley Pina – 10 points, and Alyssa McDonaugh’s 9 points. The Defenders were able to maintain a comfy 10 point lead until late in the fourth quarter when Baseline made their move and managed to get within 2 points of tying the score, before Jackie Rodriguez hit both free throws with 7.8 seconds remaining. The Defenders’ were able to gain control, and finish off Baseline thanks to a relentless defensive effort from Brionna Pettus, Kyra Fox, Nicole Burns, and Ariel Donza.