Rivalries renewed as NASA softball crowns champions Sports by Kevin Johnson - September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 STUART — As players took the field for the final game of the Native American Sports Association (NASA) Softball Tournament, dark clouds hovered nearby, but they proved to be more of a tease than a threat. Hosted by the Seminole Tribe Recreation Department, the tournament featured nearly 40 tribal teams and
Softball teams play for more than wins at annual NASA tournament Sports by Kevin Johnson - September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 STUART — After battling on opposite sides for a championship during the Native American Sports Association (NASA) Softball Tournament, two women’s teams filled with Seminoles and sentimental determination met in the infield for photos. Their uniforms – the grey shirts of the champion Onna B’s adorned with a purple ribbon on
Seminole women, men team up to clinch NASA coed title Sports by Kevin Johnson - September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 STUART — When Elton Shore organized a coed team for the Native American Sports Association (NASA) Softball Tournament, he knew he didn’t have to worry about the half-dozen women on the squad. "All of them can hit. It doesn’t matter where you put them in the lineup," Shore said. "And all
Formation of all-Native pro team excites veteran players Sports by Kevin Johnson - September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — A trio of 30-somethings brought more than their gym bags to the Howard Tiger Recreation Center in August. After sweating through an upbeat morning of shooting and passing drills, the three players shared their enthusiasm about being part of a local all-Native American professional basketball team set to
PECS volleyball primed for home debut in new gym Sports by Kevin Johnson - September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 BRIGHTON — Asked why their new gymnasium is superior to their old digs, the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School girls volleyball players served up plenty of answers. Brighter, larger, shorter walk, more volleyball-friendly court, easier to slide, locker rooms and concession area led responses that summed up new advantages. "It’s awesome," eighth-grader Janessa
Lady Seminoles work overtime to capture NAYO’s 16-17 title Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 30, 2015 ATMORE, Ala. — For two days, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians softball and baseball fields in Atmore, Alabama were filled with hundreds of players, coaches, officials and spectators who sweltered as the heat index soared past 100 degrees, just a bunt away from the Florida Panhandle. Seminole Recreation Department Director
NAYO runner-up honors go to two baseball teams Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 30, 2015 ATMORE, Ala. — After only one inning in the Seminoles’ 9-10 baseball opener at the Native American Youth Organization (NAYO) tournament, Ramone Baker’s No. 23 uniform contained enough dirt to look as though it had seen an extra-inning war. That’s what happens when a player is involved in a rundown
Lady Seminoles roar back to capture second Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 ATMORE, Ala. — Challenges don’t come much more daunting for softball teams than the one the Lady Seminoles 11- and 12-year-olds faced July 18 at the Native American Youth Organization (NAYO) tournament. A two-game split the previous day meant the Lady Seminoles needed an unblemished Saturday to successfully defend the title
Basketball series unites reservations Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Kyle Alvarado couldn’t have picked a better time to soar through the lane and swat the ball away from an opponent in mid-air. The powerful highlight-reel rejection brought spectators in the bleachers and his teammates on the bench out of their seats. The defensive gem would have been
All Native pro b-ball team in works for upcoming ABA season Sports by Kevin Johnson - July 30, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — Basketball administrator, evaluator and recruiter are among the many titles that belong to Federico Brodsky. Finding players and building teams are part of the repertoire for the 2014-15 American Basketball Association (ABA) general manager of the year. Brodsky, 44, has visited reservations enough times to watch "amazing untapped talent."