IYAA Hosts Basketball Bash

Anne Sutherland Posted March 29, 2009 5:15am IYAA Basketball

Image: IYAA Recognition Program — Bryce DeBorde literally looks up to his coaches for guidance and instruction this basketball season. It’s all worth it when you see his face light up when he gets his trophy. — IYAA Recognition Program — Bryce DeBorde literally looks up to his coaches for guidance and instruction this basketball season. It’s all worth it when you see his face light up when he gets his trophy. (Anne Sutherland)

CiCi’s pizza boxes lined the front foyer of Italy’s old gym Saturday afternoon. Italy Youth Athletic Association hosted the end-of-the-year basketball bash for all the participants in this year’s season. With pizza, drinks, cookies and, of course, basketball time, the season just wouldn’t be over without the announcements, trophies and honors.

Each basketball player received a trophy and pat on the back, “job well done” by their coaches. All was emceed by Basketball Commissioner, Glen McClendon. The children range in age from 6 to 12 and they learned teamwork and basics of basketball this season. This is the beginning of an Italy Gladiator. IYAA officer, Gary Wood, said, “We had over 90 kids play basketball from this area. It was a great season and we are looking forward to next year.”

Kudos goes to a few teams in particular. Coach Michelle Bravo had first & second graders and they took first place. Coach Elizabeth Evans took first place with her 3rd and 4th grade girls. Coach Ken Norwood was in charge of one of the 5th an 6th grade boys teams, nicknamed Norwood’s Net-Poppers. “I’ve coached these boys for along time. They are gonna make one heck of a ball club!” They also earned a first place trophy. Coach Barry Byers with a team of 5th and 6th grade girls went undefeated 9-0. “I am very proud of the these girls. They practiced hard and earned the Championship.” Coaches Andi Windham’s and Scott Conner’s team took 2nd place in the division. Windham said, “We are very proud of all the boys and their hard work.”

All of these young athletes are to be congratulated for a great 2009 season. They have played their hearts out and learned a lot.

Also present at the party was the Parent Board and IYAA Board Members. They include:

Glen McClendon
Deborah Perry
Sandra Norwood
Barry Byers
Michelle Walton
Tina Haight
Becky Boyd
Misty Escamilla
Gary Wood
Jason Escamilla
Andi Hooker
Mickey Bland
Student volunteers- Brianna Perry and Jake Escamilla

IYAA thanks the parents, coaches and players for their continued support. The Italy School District also has helped the city league and its players be successful. The board would like to extend a special thanks to Tina Haight. Without her, so much could not be accomplished.

Petry’s players — Michelle Petry’s players had a ball while receiving their trophies recognizing their efforts playing in the IYAA this season. (Anne Sutherland)

C.C. & Jacob — Cornelius Jones and Jacob Davis represent their teammates as they accept their 1st Place trophies along with their coaches Michelle on the left and Maylen on the right and Commissioner Glen “Kilroy wuz here” McKlendon in the middle. (Anne Sutherland)

Rogers’s Lil’ Rascals — Coach Scot Rogers’ troops line up and display their trophies. (Anne Sutherland)

Coaches recognized — Elizabeth Evans accepts her award for her participation in 2009 basketball season. Each coach received a beautiful etched glass paperweight. (Anne Sutherland)

Undefeated for 2 years — Elizabeth Evans and her talented squad went undefeated 2 seasons in a row and receive their 1st Place trophies. (Anne Sutherland)

Haight’s Hoopsters — Head Coach Tina Haight and her Assistant Coaches Casey and Shawn Holden pose with their team. Haight’s Hoopsters played in one of the most exciting games of the 2009 season. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy 18 poses — Young Gladiators from Italy 18, coached by Jordan Hugghins, are presented their trophies and pose with the 2009 IYAA Basketball Commissioner Glen McLendon and IYAA President Jason Escamilla. (Anne Sutherland)

Proud Gladiators — Head Coach Misty Escamilla and Asst. Coach Lyndsey Wallace are proud of their team as they pose with their trophies. (Anne Sutherland)

Walton’s Warriors — Head Coach Michelle Walton and her lovely Asst. Coach Bryant Cochran stand proud with their team after receiving their trophies. (Anne Sutherland)

Undefeated Division Champs, 9-0 — Kabreona Davis, Jaclynn Lewis, Coach Barry Byers, Jennifer McDaniel, Commissioner Glen McLendon and Madison Washington are all smiles as they accept their 1st Place trophies representing the “Girls In Gold.” (Anne Sutherland)

Team Walker — Head Coach Shedrick Walker, Asst. Glen McLendon and IYAA President Jason Escamilla are proud of their team as they accept their trophies. (Anne Sutherland)

Striking a pose — Head Coach Andrea Windham and Asst. Coach Scott Conner pose with their squad as they receive their trophies for a job well done in the IYAA this season. (Anne Sutherland)

Norwood’s Net-poppers — The undefeated, undisputed 5th and 6th grade Division Champs coached by Ken Norwood were a force to reckon with this season. (Anne Sutherland)

IYAA Parent & Board Members — (L-R back row) Commissioner Glen McLendon, Jason Escamilla, Sandra Norwood, Michelle Walton, Tina Haight, Deborah Perry, Bryant Cochran, Misty Escamilla and Gary Wood.
(L-R floor) Student volunteers Brianna Perry and Jake Escamilla. (Not pictured is Becky Boyd, Andi Hooker, Mickey Bland and Barry Byers) (Anne Sutherland)

Trophies galore — A sea of trophies await the excited hands of IYAA basketball participants. (Anne Sutherland)