Hoop dreams

Published 10:44 pm Tuesday, January 19, 2010

While those who have been playing for many years were playing the game of basketball all around the world Tuesday night, there were a few players on the court learning the game for the first time.

The Bulls and the Magic, in the eight-and-under league, both took the court Tuesday night at the Troy Parks and Recreation gym with both looking to learn the game and more importantly – have fun.

After the final buzzer sounded, it was the Bulls who finished on top with a score of 20-11, thanks to the play of Laertis Brantley, who finished with a game high eight points.

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“We got a pretty good team,” Bulls’ head coach Chris Stallworth said. “These kids work pretty hard.”

While the coach said his team works hard, it’s getting them to that point that is the hardest.

“Keeping the kids motivated is definitely hard,” Stallworth laughed. “But once we get them focused they really seem to enjoy playing the game.”

The win improves the Bulls to 2-0 on the season.

On the opposing end of the court, despite the loss, Magic head coach Wilbert Caple said his kids are playing hard.

“[The season] is going. It could be going better though,” he added with a laugh.”

“They kids practice hard but when it comes to games, it’s a different story, but we will keep working on shooting and passing and get better.”

However, regardless of the score at the end of the game, the main point is for the kids to have fun – and that was something both coaches agreed on.

“That’s what it is all about,” Stallworth said.

The Bulls will be in action again this Saturday against the Lakers at 11 a.m. while the Magic will be able to rest until Monday night when they take on the Lakers at 5:30 p.m.

The 10-and-under rec. basketball division is also underway, and the Suns look to be one of the top teams in the league.

They are 3-0 currently, and head coach Shane Griffin said he is pleased with the team so far.

“So far, we’re 3-0, and we haven’t had much practice time,” Griffin said.

“So, I’m real proud of the way we’ve played thus far, especially since we haven’t practiced a whole lot. With the way things are right now, I would say we’re going to end up having a pretty good season.”

The Suns’ most recent victory came Tuesday night when they defeated the Hawks by a score of 25-11.

In that game, Ja’Cori Wilson had 13 of the Suns’ 25 points.

Griffin said Wilson will be the leader of the Suns for the rest of the season.

“They key for us right now really is in the post, and that all starts with Ja’Cori,” Griffin said.

“We really have an advantage having him because he is the tallest kid in the league. With his height, there’s not really nybody that can stop him.”

The Suns will be back in action Thursday night at 7:30 when they take on the Sixers on Recreation Court 2 at the Troy Sportsplex.