Champions feast in Turkey Bowl tournament Sports by Kevin Johnson - December 8, 2016 BIG CYPRESS — A one-day, double elimination tournament hosted by Big Cypress Recreation proved to be a popular stop for youth basketball players before the Thanksgiving holiday. Champions were crowned in five divisions Nov. 12 in the Turkey Bowl Basketball Tournament at the Herman L. Osceola Gymnasium. Kai’s Squad was the first
Amid pipeline tensions, water’s importance is stressed Community by Kevin Johnson - December 8, 2016 FORT LAUDERDALE — For the first five years of his life, Sam Tommie was surrounded by water. Growing up as a young boy in the Everglades made a lasting impression on Tommie, who spoke about the importance of water during the second night of a three-day Native American Heritage Month program
Skyla Osceola signs with NSU Sports by Kevin Johnson - December 1, 2016December 12, 2016 PLANTATION — Skyla Osceola arrived for basketball practice Nov. 16 sporting a smile under a dark blue ball cap whose three letters revealed where the American Heritage School standout will play her college ball: NSU. Skyla, a hard-working 5-foot-9 senior who can play any position for the Patriots, signed with Nova
Tribe players conclude University School football careers Sports by Kevin Johnson - December 1, 2016December 5, 2016 DAVIE — When it came time for senior night hugs, University School football coach Daniel Luque saved plenty of his tears for Brady Latchford. “I cried on his shoulder like I haven’t cried for a long time,” Luque admitted. One reason for the emotional farewell during a ceremony before University seniors played
Florida State softball team cherishes first game on Seminole reservation Sports by Kevin Johnson - November 18, 2016 HOLLYWOOD —Before they joined their teammates for postgame pizza in the airnasium, Florida State University softball players Anna Shelnutt and Jessica Burroughs soaked up the final moments of the team’s trip to the Hollywood Reservation. They realized that their fall exhibition game carried far greater significance than the final score. FSU
Seminoles provide spark for Moore Haven Middle School football Sports by Kevin Johnson - November 16, 2016 MOORE HAVEN — It took all of about five seconds for a Seminole to make an impact in Moore Haven Middle School’s football game against LaBelle Middle School on Oct. 13. On the opening kickoff, Jaylen Baker sprinted straight ahead and made a thunderous solo tackle as he drilled the
Seminole trio shines for Okeechobee JV Sports by Kevin Johnson - November 16, 2016November 16, 2016 FORT PIERCE — A versatile trio from the Seminole Tribe recently completed their first volleyball season for Okeechobee High School. Freshmen Jacee Jumper, Janessa Nunez and Brienna Brockman played pivotal roles on the Brahmans’ junior varsity squad, whose season ended in October. “They did super,” said Okeechobee JV coach Todd Jones. With
Native billiards players right at home with the pros Sports by Kevin Johnson - November 16, 2016 HOLLYWOOD — The sea of light blue billiards tables that filled the floor of the Hard Rock Live arena was a welcomed sight for Native American players. As part of the Tornado Open tournament, which featured pros and amateurs, a division for Natives proved to be popular. The division drew
Ninth Tigertail Tournament brings out most teams ever Sports by Kevin Johnson - October 18, 2016October 18, 2016 BIG CYPRESS/HOLLYWOOD — The Tigertail Brothers ninth annual Memorial Basketball Tournament keeps getting bigger each year. In fact, this year an additional gym was required because so many teams signed up. While most games and all the championships were held at the tournament’s usual location -- the Herman L. Osceola Gymnasium
Two Seminoles hit the lanes on American Heritage’s first bowling team Sports by Kevin Johnson - October 18, 2016October 18, 2016 TAMARAC —As the catcher for the state champion American Heritage School softball team, Ahnie Jumper knows a thing or two about catching strikes. Now the Big Cypress teen is trying to throw strikes, not as a pitcher, but as a bowler. Ahnie and her class of 2017 classmate Raini Cypress comprise two-fifths