HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Young basketball players showed their love for the sport at the For the Love of the Game Youth Tournament. Fourteen teams – boys, girls and co-ed – vied for championships in early August at the Howard Tiger Recreation Center.

“I hope this tournament continues to grow and teams from all over Indian Country come down to participate,” said tournament director Courtney Osceola, “and also a special thank you to Hollywood Councilman Chris Osceola for his gracious support of this tournament and his dedication to the youth of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.”

In the 10U division, Lil Dribblers, coached by Cassandra Jones, won the championship. Rising Stars, coached by Issiah Billie, finished runner-up.

Guided by former college star DeForest Carter as its coach, Unconquered captured the 14U division. McDonalding, coached by Paul Buster, took runner-up.

Lady Native Soldiers, coached by Nova Southeastern University player Skyla Osceola, won the 18U girls division. Runner-up was Swoopz, coached by Claudia Gore.

Plainzmen, coached by Russell Archambault, took home the 18U boys title for the second straight year while Canes, coached by Ethel Huggins, finished second.

The tournament’s top individual accolades – the MVP awards – went to Jayce Archambault on the boys side and Jolie Woods on the girls side.

The adult section of the tournament will be held Oct. 6-7 in Hollywood. Registration deadline is Oct. 2.