NEW YORK METROPOLITAN BOYS BASKETBALL REPORT 2011

In 2009 and 2010, we realized substantial growth over the previous years. This year our numbers were down slightly in terms of teams participating in District Championships and National Championships. Our overall membership increased during 2011. All district qualifying tournaments were completed without encountering any significant problems. We aggressively maintained eligibility standards and as a result, had little to no issues in that regard. Our overall participation was basically flat although there was a significant shift in the divisions where teams participate. Division lll is growing at a rate of 25% while Division l is down 20%.
In all, AAU Boys Basketball is alive and well in the New York Metropolitan area.
Here are the final statistics for 2011:
l- DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
• TOTAL TEAMS PARTICPATING – 319 (a 1% decrease from 2010)
• DIVISION l – 78 TEAMS (a decrease of 20%)
• DIVISION ll – 149 TEAMS (a decrease of 7%)
• DIVISION lll – 92 TEAMS (an increase of 25%)

ll- NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPATION
• TOTAL – 86 TEAMS (a decrease of 20% FROM 2010)
• DIVISION l – 20 TEAMS (decrease of 50%)
• DIVISION ll – 28 TEAMS (decrease of 10%)
• DIVISION lll – 19 TEAMS (same # as 2010)
• SUPER SHOWCASE – 19 TEAMS (decrease of 20%)

lll – MEMBERSHIP
New York Metropolitan had a total of 6679 members registered to Boys Basketball. This is an increase of 2% over 2010.

lV – TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT NATIONALS:
• 3rd Grade D ll – NY GAUCHOS – 9th Place
• 3rd Grade D ll - RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 10th Place
• 4th Grade D ll – RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 6TH Place
• 4th Grade D ll – NY Gauchos – 8th Place
• 5th Grade D l – RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 4TH Place
• 5th Grade D ll – NEW HEIGHTS – 2ND PLACE
• 5TH Grade D lll – EAST COAST HAWKS – CLASSIC CHAMPION
• 6TH Grade D l – JUICE ALL STARS – 7TH PLACE
• 6th Grade D ll – LI LIGHTNING (DIASPARRA) – CLASSIC CHAMPION
• 8th Grade D l – THE CITY – 9TH PLACE
• 10TH Grade D l – NY GAUCHOS – 4TH PLACE
• 10TH Grade D ll – LI LIGHTNING(Pursoo) 5th PLACE
• 10th Grade D ll – LI LIGHTNING (AHERN) – 7TH PLACE
• 11TH Grade D ll – WESTCHESTER WARRIORS – 3RD PLACE
• 8TH Grade SUPER SHOWCASE – RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 1ST PLACE SILVER BRACKET
• 8TH GRADE SUPER SHOWCASE – LI LIGHNITNG – MCNEIL – 2ND PLACE BRONZE BRACKET
• 9TH GRADE SUPER SHOWCASE – TEAM UNDERRATED – 1ST PLACE COPPER BRACKET

V- ORGANIZATIONS SENDING MOST TEAMS TO NATIONALS:
LONG ISLAND LIGHTNING – 15 TEAMS
NY GAUCHOS – 11 TEAMS
RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 11TEAMS
WESTCHESTER HAWKS – 5 TEAMS

REPORT SUBMITTED BY:
JIM FOX, BOYS BASKETBALL CHAIR
NY METROPOLOITAN AAU
October 10, 2011

Every Memorial Day since 1994, New York Metropolitan AAU Boys Basketball has held its Championship Monday. That is the one day when championship games are held for every age group and division level. It is unquestionably one of the best days of basketball in all of New York each year. Virtually every major star who has come through New York in the past eighteen years has played on AAU Championship Monday.
It also is a day when teams are competing for seeding for the AAU National Championships that will be held throughout the country this coming summer. Every team playing on Championship Monday has already qualified to participate in the Nationals.
This may have been the best Championship Monday yet.

The results were as follows:

The following games will be played at Island Garden on May 30.

9:00 AM 6th Grade Division ll Semi-Finals Brooklyn Kings 37 v Rising Stars 51
LI Lightning 29 v New Heights 47
3rd Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos 43 v Staten Island Stingrays 16
10:10 AM 10th Grade Division ll Semi-Finals Staten Island Stingrays 41 v Minutemen 38
Rising Stars 75 v NYC Jaguars 45
5th grade Division ll Final New Heights Westchester 40 v New Heights NYC 58
11:20 AM 8th Grade Division ll Semi-Finals Rising Stars 45 v Newburgh Zion Lions 56
Abyssinian 67 v Harlem Jazz 56
6th Grade Division ll Final Rising Stars 60 v New Heights 42
12:30 PM 10th Grade Division ll Final Staten island Stingrays 68 v Rising Stars 62
5th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos 57 v LI Lightning 30
4th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos 28 v Riverside Hawks 35
1:40 PM 4th Grade Division lll Final Nor'East Lightning 44 v LI Lightning (Richardson) 47
8th Grade Division ll Final Newburgh Zion 67 v Abyssinian 80
7th Grade Division ll Final Blue Bombers 53v Nor'East Lightning 44
2:50 PM 5th Grade Division lll Final LI Lightning (Walsh) 22 v Harlem Elite 25
6th Grade Division l Final Juice All Stars 54 v Canarsie Blue Devils 31
4th Grade Division ll Final LI Lightning (Nuss) 36 v LI Lightning (Wagner) 33
4:00 PM 9th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos 47 v Kendal Madison 39
11th Grade Division ll Final LI Lightning (Nick) 59 v Westchester Warriors 57
5:10 PM 9th Grade Division ll Final Team Underrated 63 v Rising Stars 69
8th Grade Division l Final The City 35 v Team Scan 33
6:20 PM 11th Grade Division l Final LI Lightning (Dingle) 84 v Riverside Hawks 69
7th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos 70 v New Heights 63

The 10th Grade Division l Final was played on June 1. NY Gauchos beat Long Island by the score of 60-52. The following games were played at the Brewster Sports Center on May 30.

10:00 AM 7th Grade Division lll Semi-Final LI Lightning (Schneider) lost to Team Elite
NY Pride lost to Playmakers
9th Grade Final LI Lightning (Wagner) beat Hackley Hornets
11:15 AM 6th Grade Division lll Final Nor'East Lightning beat East Coast Panthers
8th Grade Division lll Semi-Final LI Lightning (Fiore) lost to LI Lightning (Richardson)
8th Grade Division lll Semi-Final NY Falcons beat the Riverside Hawks

12:30 PM 7th Grade Division lll Final Team Elite downed the Playmakers
12:50 PM 8th Grade Division lll Final NY Falcons were victorious over LI Lightning Richardson

Every Memorial Day since 1994, New York Metropolitan AAU Boys Basketball has held its Championship Monday. That is the one day when championship games are held for every age group and division level. It is unquestionably one of the best days of basketball in all of New York each year. Virtually every major star who has come through New York in the past eighteen years has played on AAU Championship Monday.
It also is a day when teams are competing for seeding for the AAU National Championships that will be held throughout the country this coming summer. Every team playing on Championship Monday has already qualified to participate in the Nationals.
We invite every basketball fan in and around New York to come to Island Garden this coming Monday.
The schedule is as follows:

The following games will be played at Island Garden on May 30.

9:00 AM 6th Grade Division ll Semi-Finals Brooklyn Kings v Rising Stars
LI Lightning v New Heights
3rd Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos v Staten Island Stingrays
10:10 AM 10th Grade Division ll Semi-Finals Staten Island Stingrays v Minutemen
Rising Stars v NYC Jaguars
5th grade Division ll Final New Heights Westchester v New Heights NYC
11:20 AM 8th Grade Division ll Semi-Finals Rising Stars v Newburgh Zion Lions
Abyssinian v Harlem Jazz
6th Grade Division ll Final Winners of 9:00 AM Semi-Finals
12:30 PM 10th Grade Division ll Final Winners of 10:10 Semi-Finals
5th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos v LI Lightning
4th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos v Riverside Hawks
1:40 PM 4th Grade Division lll Final Nor'East Lightning v LI Lightning (Richardson)
8th Grade Division ll Final Winners of 11:20 Semi-Finals
7th Grade Division ll Final Blue Bombers v Nor'East Lightning
2:50 PM 5th Grade Division lll Final LI Lightning (Walsh) v Harlem Elite
6th Grade Division l Final Juice All Stars v Canarsie Blue Devils
4th Grade Division ll Final LI Lightning (Nuss) v LI Lightning (Wagner)
4:00 PM 9th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos v Kendal Madison
11th Grade Division ll Final LI Lightning (Nick) v Westchester Warriors
5:10 PM 9th Grade Division ll Final Team Underrated v Rising Stars
8th Grade Division l Final The City v Team Scan
6:20 PM 11th Grade Division l Final LI Lightning (Dingle) v Riverside Hawks
7th Grade Division l Final NY Gauchos v New Heights

The 10th Grade Division l Final between LI Lightning (McNeill) and NY Gauchos will be played on June 1 at 8:30 at the Island Garden.
The following games will be played at the Brewster Sports Center on May 30.

10:00 AM 7th Grade Division lll Semi-Final LI Lightning (Schneider) v Team Elite
NY Pride v Playmakers
9th Grade Final LI Lightning (Wagner) v Hackley Hornets
11:15 AM 6th Grade Division lll Final Nor'East Lightning v East Coast Panthers
8th Grade Division lll Semi-Final LI Lightning (Fiore) v LI Lightning (Richardson)
8th Grade Division lll Semi-Final Riverside Hawks v NY Falcons
12:30 PM 7th Grade Division lll Final Winners of Semi-Finals at 10:00 AM
12:50 PM 8th Grade Division lll Final Winners of Semi-Finals at 11:15 AM

It was another great weekend of AAU basketball at Island Garden where we hosted the 11th Grade Division l, 4th Grade Division ll and 7th Grade Division ll AAU District Championships.

In the 11th grade Division l, LI Lightning -Dingle ll and Riverside Hawks will advance to the championship game on May 30. Both teams are regarded as the strongest in New York. Other teams that qualified for the AAU National Championships as the result of their strong showing this weekend were Brooklyn Ballers, Team Buckets and Westchester Hawks.

In the 7th Grade Division ll, the Blue Bombers will face Nor'East Lightning on Championship Monday. Other teams that qualified to participate in the AAU National Championships were Riverside Hawks, Team Underrated, Brooklyn Kings, NY Pride, LI Lightning Leighton and LI Lightning DeVerna.

In the 4th Grade Division ll, LI Lightning Wagner will take on LI Lightning Nuss on Championship Monday

AAU season has started in full force and we here in New York are very proud of one of we hope will be several national victories.

One of the strongest and most active AAU teams in our District is an 8th Grade squad based in Brewster that plays under the name of Nor'East Lightning. The squad is coached by Franco Foti and plays over 80 games during the course of the year. The team won a National Divison lll AAU Championship two years ago and moved up to a top 10 finish in Division ll last year at the AAU Nationals. The team continues to progress this year. They have already won the championship of the 8th Grade Division of the NY Metropolitan AAU Super League, which included a number of Division l teams. The team continued to add to this impressive record of accomplishments this weekend when the Nor'East Lightning - Foti team won the Spring Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Disney World. They rolled through their pool and the proved they were the best team at the tournament by likewise marching through the playoffs and coming back to New York with the AAU Spring Championship. This team will continue their highly competitive and demanding schedule at he Hoop Mountain, Super Regional and Providence Jam Fest during the month of April.

We are certainly very proud of this terrific Nor'East Lightning team. Congratulations to this squad and their coaches as well as their proud parents. Keep up the great work.

It was a great weekend of basketball at Island Garden, the Home of NY AAU Basketball. Three age divisions competed for the NY Metropolitan District Championships and there was plenty of talent and great coaching. The NY Gauchos placed teams in the finals of each of the three age divisions.

In the 4th Grade, the Gauchos finished 4-0 by beating the previously undefeated Riverside Hawks 35-30. Both teams will face off again on AAU Championship Monday, May 30 to determine who secures the First Seed out of New York for the AAU National Championships.

In the 7th Grade, it was New Heights finishing first with an impressive 65-58 victory. The two teams will play again on Championship Monday to decide the overall champion of NY Metropolitan.

In the 9th Grade, the games were all outstanding. Eight teams competed all weekend and only two remain standing. Kendall Madison from Suffolk County will take on the Gauchos for the NY Metro Championship on May 30.

All of these teams have qualified to represent New York at the AAU Nationals this summer. We fully anticipate that all of these teams will represent New York basketball very well on the national stage.

Click HERE for the championship flyer.

NY Metropolitan Boys Basketball To Offer Free Clinics and Showcases at Four Locations Throughout the District

NY Metropolitan AAU will be offering a series of four boys basketball clinics throughout the District during January and February. These clinics will be for AAU members and there will be no admission charge. We will be prepared to register both athletes and coaches with AAU prior to being admitted. Standard AAU registration fees will apply. (Athletes -$14.00 and Non-Athletes -$16.00 for extended benefits).

The clinic will have two parts. For the initial 20 minutes, there will be an educational session about AAU Boys Basketball which will include presentations on how AAU works, the various clubs, District and National Championships and the benefits of membership. That will be followed by a two hour clinic during which players will be put through a series of drills which will be under the direction of a highly experienced AAU coach.

Coaches and program administrators are welcome to attend in order to evaluate players and invite anyone interested to their team's next practice. The event is designed to be a training clinic as well as a showcase that will assist players in finding teams.

The dates and locations of the four clinics are as follows:

MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011 - AVIATOR SPORTS IN BROOKLYN - 10 AM TO 1 PM;
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011 - BREWSTER SPORTS CENTER IN BREWSTER - 1 PM TO 4 PM;
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2011 - HOOPERSTOWN IN MOUNT VERNON - 9 AM TO NOON ;
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2011 - ISLAND GARDEN BASKETBALL IN WEST HEMPSTEAD - 11:30 AM TO 2:30 PM.

Boys currently in Grades 3 through 8 are invited to attend.

All athletes will receive an AAU shirt.

These clinics are designed to introduce AAU to the hundreds of athletes who are not affiliated with an team for the upcoming season.

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call Jim Fox at 516-351-6642.

CLARIFICATION OF NEW AAU RULES REGARDING BASKETBALL AGE CATEGORIES


I have received a number of calls following the AAU announcement that they are changing the labels they place on age eligibility for the upcoming season.

The most important clarification that I must make is that virtually nothing has changed. The players you have had on your teams for the past several years will remain on your team. The changes that have been passed are in name only. No longer will there be age groups such as 13U or 14U; rather it will now be 7th Grade or 8th Grade. There will no longer be a limit on grade exceptions at any level. However, a player can only be left back once in order to be age eligible. (That is not a change). Also, a player with a late birthday (after September 1) who is in one grade higher can still remain on the team. The coach or team administrator must receive a waiver from AAU in those instances. I suggest that any coach facing that situation call me directly and I will work directly with you. Boys and Girls now have the same grade rules.

Finally, every coach and administrator will have to be certified with the Positive Coaching Alliance. This will be offered free of charge by the AAU following registration. From all accounts, this will be an excellent addition to AAU.

We will be holding a meeting in January to further explain these improvements in the way AAU administers basketball. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Jim Fox
NY Metropolitan Governor and Boys Basketball Chair
516-351-6642

NEW YORK METROPOLITAN TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL EAST COACH MEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL AAU CHAMPIONSHIP

On the weekend of March 19-20, the New York Metropolitan AAU in conjunction with the National AAU and Island Garden will be hosting adult men’s teams from Philadelphia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Boston, Connecticut and North Carolina. These teams will be competing for the title of AAU EAST COACH NATIONAL CHAMPION.
The teams are comprised of recreational level players but there will be plenty of competition. This event is open to all AAU registered adult athletes . For more information about how your team can compete in this unique event, please call either Ken Feeley or Jim Fox at 516-292-4956.

BROOKLYN AAU JR. PREP ALL STAR FOOTBALL GAME

New York Metropolitan AAU is beginning a football program. Under the outstanding leadership of Bill Solomon, our first event will be an All Star Game that will showcase the top 8th Grade football players in New York City. The game will be played on Sunday, December 19 at 1:00 PM at the new Erasmus Hall Football Field which is located at Avenue M and McDonald Avenue. It is expected that in excess of 300 people will be in attendance.

In 2011, AAU plans to operate a league in New York City. For more information about the game and plans for the AAU Football, contact Bill Solomon at brooklyntitans@aol.com.

2010 AAU NATIONAL CONVENTION REPORT - BOYS BASKETBALL
BY JIM FOX, NY METROPOLITAN BOYS BASKETBALL CHAIR

The AAU National Convention was held in Puerto Rico from October 24-30. This meeting, which is held once every two years and is attended by the large majority of AAU leaders from throughout the country, serves as the forum for rules and policy changes, national elections as well as a great opportunity for AAU leaders to network and share ideas.
The most important issues that were covered were as follows:
1- RULES CHANGES. The AAU has changed the terminology as far as eligibility is concerned . It will now be grade based rather than age. In other words, it no longer will be 10U,11U, 12U etc. Rather, we will refer to groups as 4th Grade, 5th Grade etc. This change is in title only and in no way changes the maximum age in each category. Also, there will be no such thing as “Grade Exception”. As long as the player is in the grade and has not been retained twice, he is eligible. There is no limit on what previously was referred to as “grade exceptions”. Also, a player with a late birthday (i.e. on or after September 1) who is in a higher grade ca continue to play with his team in the same way as last year. The coach and/or club administrator must obtain permission from the National AAU Office in order for the player to be placed on the roster.
2- There will no longer be “PREP SCHOOL EXCEPTIONS”.
3- Every coach and administrator will have to complete and receive a passing grade on the on-line certification course offered by the Positive Coaching Alliance. This program is an important part of the AAU’s effort to enhance the leadership abilities and sportsmanship qualities for our coaches.
4- Len Elmore, the newly appointed CEO of IHOOPS, spoke and warned that “ the storm clouds are brewing” in regard to the relationship between the NCAA and youth basketball. New rules are presently being considered that would eliminate the “live period “ For recruiting in the Summer of 2012. While this has not yet been adopted, a committee comprised of 31 Division l League Commissioners voted unanimously to eliminate the “Live Period”. Mr. Elmore remains very supportive of the AAU while maintaining that the perception by certain governing bodies that youth basketball is unregulated is an unfair and invalid perception.

In terms of where New York Metropolitan AAU stand in relation to the rest of the country, here are the numbers:
- We are 6th in overall Boys Basketball registration;
- We are 7th in regard to the number of teams that participated in AAU National Championships this past summer;
- We rank 9th in the number of tournament and practice sanctions that were issued by the AAU in 2009-2010.

There was much more discussed, debated and resolved during the Convention. In all, it was evident that the AAU is a vibrant, growing, well organized and closely regulated national organization that continues to make tremendous strides forward each and every year.
I will continue to report on all AAU matters on such websites as www.nymetropolitanaau.com and www.limetrohoops.com.

NY METROPOLITAN TO OFFER AAU BOYS BASKETBALL LEAGUE FOR GRADES 4-8.

For the first time in recent memory, there will be an AAU sanctioned league in Boys Basketball during the winter months. The league will be based at the Island Garden but teams can request home games if they prefer. It will be a 12 game schedule plus playoffs and will run from mid-November to early March. All teams and players must be AAU registered members. This is a great opportunity to provide your team with highly competitive games in a setting that is the same as the highly successful AAU District Championships.

Further details can be obtained by contacting Jim Fox at 516-351-6642 or by going to www.aauboysbasketball.org and www.islandgarden.com.

NATIONAL AAU CHANGES NAMES FOR ALL BOYS BASKETBALL AGE DIVISIONS

The Boys Basketball Executive Committee voted on September 15 to change the language used in determining age divisions. Effective immediately, competition in AAU Boys Basketball will be grade based. There no longer will be terms such as 13U, 14U, etc. Also, the term "Grade Exception" will not be used. However, regardless of these changes, there is no change in eligibility dates. An athlete may be retained (left-back) only once as has always been the case in the past. Also, an athlete with a late birth date who is one grade higher may still play with the team after filing a waiver request with the Boys Basketball Chair. The only substantive change is that there will no longer be a limit on grade exceptions at any grade level.
This all sounds complicated but the fact of the matter is that this is mostly a change in name only.
For further clarification, please email Jim Fox at governor@nymetropolitanaau.com or call me directly at 516-351-6642.

NY METROPOLITAN NOW HAS ITS OWN NESLETTER

The new leadership team is trying to do everything it can to increase communication with its membership. One of the initiatives is to send a newsletter by email to as many of its members as possible. The newsletter will contain information about upcoming events, results, national AAU news and whatever else pertains to AAU. If you are interested in receiving this newsletter, please contact us at jimfox@islandgarden.com and we will add your name to the distribution list. Act quickly as our next release will be October 1.

Best coaches teach more than sports

Over the past several weeks, an annual athletic rite has begun anew. Thousands of school coaches have the opportunity to make a meaningful and, in many cases, profound impact on the millions of eager student-athletes under their watch. The best of these coaches will incorporate into their "lesson plan" not merely a textbook knowledge of their sport but also a commitment to impart valuable life lessons.

Read More...

Terri Garrison, the NY Metropolitan District's Sports Director for Physically Challenged helped to sponsor a group of athletes from the Special Olympics at the district's final track meet.

All of the athletes performed well and received a standing ovation. After their races, each athlete was given a medal, they received lunch and participated in the other "Block Party" activities.

JEFF HAMMER TO RUN FOR NATIONAL TREASURER OF AAU

The NY Metropolitan Board of Managers at our Bi-Annual meeting in June nominated Jeff Hammer to run for the position of National Treasurer of AAU USA, Inc. The election will take place at the National Convention which will be held in Puerto Rico during late October.

Jeff has assumed leadership roles in AAU for over 25 years. He presently is the National Chairman of the Finance Committee, National Chairman of Investments and a Member of the National Board of Directors. He also is a past National Treasurer. Locally, he has served as a LT. Governor and is the District Treasurer. He is the two time recipient of the AAU Presidential Leadership Award.

Jeff is retired from Morgan Stanley where he worked for over 30 years in banking, principally in the national treasury area. He is a graduate from the University of Portland. He served three years in the Peace Corps in Grenada, West Indies.

In addition to his tremendous background and qualifications, Jeff brings a strong sense of independence and integrity to the position. He is not affiliated with any other governing organization or any one particular sport. Jeff has the availability and energy to devote his full time to work for AAU on both a national and local level.

Our New York convention delegates will be working very hard to communicate to all of the National delegates Jeff's outstanding background and qualifications for the position of National Treasurer.

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED TO LEAD NY METROPOLITAN AAU FOR NEXT FOUR YEARS

On June 7, 2010, NY Metropolitan AAU held its Bi-Annual Board of Managers at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale, New York. The following members were elected to four year terms:
GOVERNOR - Jim Fox
FIRST LT. GOVERNOR - Tracee Jamison
SECOND LT. GOVERNOR - RA Vernon
TREASURER - Jeff Hammer
REGISTRAR - Mike Neeley
SECRETARY - Rosemary Nies
BOYS BASKETBALL CHAIR - Jim Fox
GIRLS BASKETBALL CHAIR - Debbie Brajevich
MENS BASKETBALL CHAIR - Ken Feeley
ATHLETICS - Brenda Brown
KARATE - Bruce Hodes and George Aschkar Jr.
BOARD OF REVIEW - Bruce Eiber,
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS - Delores Brajevich

The Governor appointed the following:
CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE - Franco Foti
CHAIRMAN OF THE NOMINATIONS/ ELECTIONS - Delores Brajevich
VOLLEYBALL - RA Vernon
TAEKWONDO - Jeff Hammer (replacing Richard Brown)
INLINE HOCKEY - Anthony Flynn
TWIRLING - Karen Cammer
FOOTBALL - William Solomon
WOMENS BASKETBALL - Mary Lepore
PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED - Terri Garrison

In a subsequent Executive Committee meeting, the following appointments were made by the EC:
BOARD OF REVIEW - Terri Garrison, Rich Ferrara, Sonia Green,
Karen Cammer
NOMINATIONS/ELECTIONS - Joe Murphy and Joe Armenio

NEW YORK METROPOLITAN BOYS BASKETBALL REPORT 2010

In 2009, we realized substantial growth over the previous year but remained committed both to growth and improved services to our membership. In the report filed one year ago, we quoted Coach John Wooden “success breads satisfaction and satisfaction breads failure”. We worked very hard in 2010 to attract more teams to both the District Championships and the Nationals. It is with great pride that we can report that we realized tremendous success in reaching those goals. Specifically, there was a 13% increase in teams participating in District Championships and an amazing 42% increase in teams competing in the AAU National Championships in 2010. We attribute that success to the quality of events offered on both a district and national level. In these times of economic restraint, teams are seeking high quality events that provide excellent organization, equal but strong competition and an opportunity to play teams from throughout the country in front of college coaches. The AAU, especially on the National level, is providing such a setting for our athletes.

Here are the final statistics for 2010:
l- DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
• TOTAL TEAMS PARTICPATING – 322 (AN INCREASE OF 13% FROM 2009)
• DIVISION l – 95 TEAMS
• DIVISION ll – 159 TEAMS
• DIVISION lll – 68 TEAMS

ll- NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPATION
• TOTAL TEAMS – 107 (AN INCREASE OF 42% FROM 2009)
• DIVISION l – 31 TEAMS (INCREASE OF 2 TEAMS)
• DIVISION ll – 34 TEAMS (INCREASE OF 17 TEAMS)
• DIVISION lll – 19 TEAMS (INCREASE OF 5 TEAMS)
• SUPER SHOWCASE – 23 TEAMS (INCREASE OF 8 TEAMS)

lll – MEMBERSHIP
As of August 7, New York Metropolitan has a total of 6586 members registered to Boys Basketball. This is an increase of 1% over 2009 at the same point in the membership year.

lV – TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT NATIONALS:
• 10U D ll – RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 3rd Place
• 13U D ll – WESTCHESTER HAWKS – 10TH PLACE
• 14U D l – JUICE ALL STARS – 5TH PLACE
• 14U D ll – TEAM Underrated – 3rd PLACE
• 14U D ll – RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 8TH PLACE
• 14U D ll CLASSIC – LI LIGHTNING –LAW 3RD PLACE
• 14U D lll – NY EMPIRE - 3RD PLACE
• 15U SUPER SHOWCASE – NY GAUCHOS – 2ND PLACE GOLD BRACKET
• 15U SUPER SHOWCASE – LI LIGHNITNG – MCNEIL – 3RD PLACE BRONZE BRACKET
• 16U SUPER SHOWCASE – RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 5TH PLACE GOLD BRACKET
• 16U SUPER SHOWCASE – BROOKLYN BALLERS – 2ND PLACE COPPER BRACKET
• 16U D ll CLASSIC – NY VIPERS 2ND PLACE
• 17U D l – LI LIGHTNING – DINGLE – 6TH PLACE
• 17U D l – NY GAUCHOS – 11TH PLACE
• 17U D l – TEAM NEXT – 13TH PLACE
• 17U DI – LI LIGHTNING – DINGLE BLUE – 16TH PLACE
• 17U SUPER SHOWCASE – WESTCHESTER HAWKS AND LI LIGHNTING DINGLE GOLD TIED FOR 5TH PLACE IN THE GOLD BRACKET
• 17 U SUPER SHOWCASE – LI LIGHTNING – DINGLE BLUE FINISHED IN A TIE FOR 5TH PLACE IN THE SILVER BRACKET
• 17U D ll CLASSIC – LI LIGHTNING – SMOCOVICH – 4TH PLACE
• 17U D ll - MINUTEMEN WHITE - ADVANCED TO ELIGHT 8 AND FINISHED 11TH PLACE IN THECHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

V- ORGANIZATIONS SENDING MOST TEAMS TO NATIONALS:
• LONG ISLAND LIGHTNING – 19 TEAMS
• RIVERSIDE HAWKS – 10 TEAMS
• NY GAUCHOS – 8 TEAMS
• WESTCHESTER HAWKS – 6 TEAMS
• RISING STARS – 4 TEAMS

REPORT SUBMITTED BY:
JIM FOX, BOYS BASKETBALL CHAIR
NY METROPOLOITAN AAU
August 8, 2010

There is still terrific opportunities to play in competitive tournaments in June and July.

In June, ISA in Sayville is offering a tournament for both boys and girls during the weekend of June 11-13. This tournament, the Long Island Knights Shootout, has a pool play format with a championship round at a very reasonable price of $365.00. The event is open to all AAU teams. it is designed for the mid-level ability level although there will be plenty of competition for the stronger teams.

Tracee Jamison and her Gosh Warriors are offering their "GOT GAME" tournament on July 17 and 18. This event will be held at the sacred heart High School in Yonkers and Hooperstown in Mount Vernon. The age groups are 13-16U for boys only. This is the first tournament of its kind that is being offered by this highly experienced coach who has run an outstanding AAU organization for many years. This is a great opportunity to either gear up for the nationals or extend your season.

Information about these tournaments and all other tournaments can be found at www.acahoops.com or by contacting Jim Fox, AAU Boys Basketball Chairman at 516-351-6642.

It has been the tradition of New York Metropolitan AAU Boys Basketball to host all of iys Division l and ll Championship games on Memorial Day each year. This year we will have not only all of the finals but also some of the semi-finals on May 31. It is a tremendous day for youth basketball here in New York. All of the teams competing on Monday are eligible to move on tot he AAU National Championships that will be held throughout the country this summer.
Games begin at 9;00 AM and continue until 9:00 PM at the Island Garden. We invite everyone to come down and watch the best players in AAU compete for their respective championship.

NEW YORK TRADITIONAL KARATE LEAGUE JOINS AAU

One of the most respected and successful karate leagues has agreed to become part of AAU.

George Aschkar JR, the President of the New York Traditional Karate League, will be bringing at least six of his Dojos with him to AAU.

Mr. Ashkar is one of the most respected leaders in the sport of karate both in the New York Metropolitan area and the country. His league will be hosting a series of events at the Island Garden during 2010 and 2011.

Special thanks is given to Richard Brown, the NY Metropolitan Taekwondo Sports Chair, for bringing this respected organization to AAU.

NY METROPOLITAN AAU TO HOST FIRST WOMEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Governor Jim Fox is very happy to announce that for the first time ever New York Metropolitan will have a Women's Basketball League.

The Commissioner of the league will be Mary Lepore, who is a former Adelphi player and very active AAU girls basketball coach with Long Island Lightning.

The league will begin in mid-June and continue into early August and will be played at the New York home of AAU, the Island Garden Basketball Arena in West Hempstead.

For further information about the AAU Women's League, you can call Mary Lepore at 516-993-7065 or Jim Fox at 516-351-6642.

NY METROPOLITAN TAEKWONDO INVITATIONAL SET FOR APRIL 24

All is now set for the New York Taekwondo Championships that will be held at the Island Garden Arena in West Hempstead on April 24.

Click HERE for registration and additional event packet information. You can also contact the Director, Richard Brown at 917-309-2790.

On Saturday February 13, NY Metro AAU will be one of the sponsors of a very special event. Several organizations are joining together to raise money for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. 100% percent of the monies raised on this day will be donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund which in turn sees to it that every penny they collect goes to the Haitian people.

The event will be held at the Island Garden in West Hempstead and will begin at 11:00 AM. There will be several basketball skills contests and a 3 on 3 tournament. There also will be a silent auction featuring tremendous sports memorabilia items as well as tickets and restaurant gift certificates.

Come join us for a few hours of fun for a great cause! You can contact Jim Fox at 516-292-4956 for further details.

NY METROPOLITAN ANNOUNCES THE DATES OF THE 2010 BOYS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR DIVISIONS l, ll AND lll

This should be a great year for AAU Boys Basketball here in New York. We are working hard to expand the District Championships to as many teams as possible. Attached is the entry form for all ages and divisions. Please do not hesitate to call Jim Fox at 516-351-6642 if you have any questions or need assistance in registering your team.

Click HERE for the registration form.

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, January 11, 2010 - iHoops, the official youth basketball initiative of the NCAA and NBA, and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) have agreed to have the AAU become an official program partner of iHoops and to endorse iHoops educational and overall basketball programming efforts.

As part of the partnership, AAU will play a prominent role in promoting the iHoops coach education program and will encourage its member basketball coaches to participate in the online education program through www.iHoops.com. The partnership also includes cross-promotional opportunities through each organization's websites and opportunities for exposure at select AAU basketball events.

"We're pleased that the AAU has chosen to work with us to develop educational and basketball programming for iHoops.com," iHoops CEO Kevin Weiberg said. "The AAU Board of Directors is very serious about improving the quality of non-scholastic basketball and in showing leadership in making a positive difference for coaches and student-athletes."

AAU President Bobby Dodd said, "The AAU is pleased to become an official program partner with iHoops. We are in full support of the iHoops initiatives and look forward to initially concentrating on the coaches' education program. The AAU applauds the efforts of the NCAA, NBA and WNBA in taking steps to enhance and expand the amateur basketball experience. "

Currently at www.iHoops.com, coaches can find a variety of information and best practices for teaching the game, training tips, tools for team communication and other helpful information. Future program offerings will include the opportunity for coaches to take online coaching courses and receive a certificate of completion of the course through iHoops.com.

About iHoops

iHoops is the official joint youth basketball initiative of the NCAA, WNBA and the NBA. Its mission is to establish a structure and develop programs to improve the quality of youth basketball in America in order to enhance the athletic, educational and social experience of the participants. For more information on iHoops programs go to www.iHoops.com.

About AAU

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 and conducts over 38 sports at the grassroots level ranging from ages 3-99. In the youth program, a $12 membership allows participation in over 38 sports. The AAU partnered with the Walt Disney World Company in 1995 and serves as one of the anchor tenants to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Sports For All, Forever. www.aausports.org

Richard Brown, the District Sports Chair for Taekwondo, has announced that he will be hosting the METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIP on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Island Garden. The event has already been sanctioned by the National AAU. For further details and registration information, contact Richard at 917-309-2790 or 516-505-0601.

.The Prospect Park Youth Running Club returned from Orlando, Florida where 25 athletes competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

Most of the athletes ran their personal best times.

Four athletes were awarded medals on the podium.

Medallists were:

JC Rice finished second and was awarded the silver medal in the 3000 meter boys championship.

Brandon Freeman finished fourth in the 3000 meter boys championship.

Sage Niamoli finished 9th in the girls 2000 meter race.

Ethan Rice finished 17th in the boys 2000 meter race.

The best athletes from all 50 states were represented. Each race has over 150 athletes entered.

The top 25 were awarded medals

Men's Basketball is one of the most popular recreational sports in the country today. The AAU Men's Basketball League that is played at Island Garden has been benefiting from that interest and has been flourishing for the past several years. Based on that growth as well as the quality of the league, the AAU National Office has granted New York Metropolitan AAU the right to host a new event entitled the AAU Men's Basketball East Coast National Championship. The tournament will be held from March 28 to March 30, 2010 at the Island Garden Basketball Arena in West Hempstead, New York. The AAU will be assisting in recruiting teams from throughout the Northeast. The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency will also be assisting us in locating hotels and identifying points of interest in the area during the off hours. Our goal will be to attract teams made up of players who enjoy playing basketball as a recreational and fitness activity. The tournament will be structured as a three game guarantee that will have two games in pool play and the third as the first round of the playoffs. Teams can choose to play Friday evening and Saturday or just Saturday. The playoff rounds will be played on Sunday. AAU Championship medals and sweatshirts will be awarded.
For further information, contact Jim Fox or Ken Feeley at 516-292-4956 or email us at jimfox@islandgarden.com.

We are making every effort to publicize our terrific programs for both youth and adults. We invite everyone to sign on to Facebook and go to NY Merto AAU and become a fan. We will be using Facebook to announce events, tournaments, our scholarship program, membership drives and special offers for our membership.

Jim Fox, the CEO of Island Garden and Excecutive Director of Long Island Lightning, has been elected the Governor for the entire New York Metropolitan Region of the AAU. The membership is approximatley 18,000 athletes and coaches. AAU covers 30 sports for children and adults. New York is one of the largest and most active districts in the entire country. AAU national membership exceeds 600,000.

Jim has been affiliated with the AAU for 15 years. His clubs (Long Island Lightning, Island Garden and FE Hoops) have over 2,000 members and actively participate in both boys and girls basketball. He also had served as Treaurer of NY Metropoliatn AAU for the past 8 years. On a national level, Jim is a member of the AAU Finance Committee and Law and Legislation Committee.

Jim has pledged to work hard in the development of all sports in the area. He will also serve as Boys Basketball District Sports Chair. Boys Basketball is the most active sport in the District and also the most successful in terms of membership as well as participation in both District and National Championships. Jim has assisted in the operation of Boys Basketball in the District for the past 12 years.
Please do not hesitate to call Jim at 516-505-0601 or 516-351-6642 if you are interested in learning more about becoming part of AAU which is one of the largest sports organizations in the world.

Len Chenfeld is a bright, unimposing high school senior with the slightly spotty skin of a hormone-challenged teenager and the crystalline agenda of a Zen master: a Zen master addicted to basketball. On a recent Tuesday, he was icing his neck in preparation for two hours he lives for: basketball practice at Poly Prep Country Day School in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Read More...

Cecil K. Watkins
December 13, 1929 - October 10, 2009

CECIL K. WATKINS

Cecil Kenneth Watkins passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2009, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Valerie Morgan Watkins, daughters Kara Watkins Tillman and Keri Watkins, sisters Caroline Townes and Ruth Ross, sisters-in-law Dorothy Watkins, Shirley Mack and Ruby Rolle, brothers-in-law John Mack, Anthony Rolle and John Townes, son-in-law Emmanuel Tillman, granddaughters Amadia Tillman and Elysia Tillman, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his brother, LeRoy Watkins, Sr., sister, Henrietta "Mazie" Smith, and nephew, Michael Velazquez.

Cecil was the President and CEO of the National Pro-Am City Leagues Association, Inc., a national organization that develops both players and referees for the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Governor and Boys Basketball Director of the New York Metropolitan Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and an active board member for several organizations. During his 18 years with the NBA, he served as Director of Community and Special Programs and as an Assistant Supervisor of Officials. He was also a co-founder and former executive director of ELMCOR Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., a community service organization serving East Elmhurst, Corona and Jamaica.

He was respected nationwide for his knowledge and leadership in sports and community recreation. His efforts were largely responsible for providing countless inner city youth with positive outlets to express themselves and grow through their participation in sports. In recent years, Cecil was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Adelphi University and selected as a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Mannie Jackson-Basketball's Human Spirit Award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for NYS Basketball, NYC Basketball, ELMCOR and Adelphi University.

Most importantly, he made a difference in the lives of so many people. Cecil was a gentle giant who transformed communities with his uncanny genius and touched the hearts of those who knew him with his candor, his humor and his generosity.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 3:00 in Adelphi University's Center for Recreation & Sports.

Directions: http://www.adelphi.edu/visitors/directions.php
Campus Map: http://www.adelphi.edu/visitors/campusmap_2009.pdf

Memorial Contributions

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cecil K. and LeRoy J. Watkins National ProAm Foundation, 7001 Brush Hollow Road, Suite 214, Westbury, NY 11590.

CECIL WATKINS' MEMORIAL SERVICE SET FOR NOVEMBER 1

The Memorial Service for Cecil Watkins, the Governor of New York Metropolitan AAU, will be held on Sunday, November 1 at 3:00 PM at the Adelphi University Gymnasium.

Cecil passed away on October 10. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Cecil was a legend in New York City Basketball and served the AAU for three decades.

We regret to inform the AAU Family that our Governor, Cecil Watkins, died this morning after being seriously ill for several months. Up until literally his last days, Cecil made every effort to contribute to the mission of AAU'

We will post the funeral arrangements as soon as they are made available.

2009 METROPOLITAN AAU BOYS BASKETBALL REPORT

Despite the challenges posed by the economy, 2009 proved to be a record breaking year for NY Metropolitan Boys Basketball teams.

A total of 294 teams competed in the District Championships. The breakdown was as follows: Division I - 103 teams, Division II – 157 teams, Division III 34 teams.
This was a 12% increase over 2008.

A total of 75 teams competed in the Division I, II, III, National Championships and National Showcase events. The breakdown was as follows:
Division I 29
Division II 17
Division III 14
Super Showcase 15
NY Metropolitan realized tremendous success as reflected in the following accomplishments:
? Westchester Hawks won the 12U Division III Championships.
? The City won the 12U Division I Classic bracket.
? LI Lightning finished second in the 16U Gold Super Showcase.
? NY Gauchos finished third in the 15U Super Showcase Gold bracket.
? Riverside Church finished third in the 9U Division II Championship bracket.
? NY Gauchos finished third in the 17U Division I Championship bracket.
? GOSH Warriors finished third in the 17 Div II Championship bracket.
? Westchester Hawks finished fourth in the 16U Division I Championship bracket.
? Orange Country Crusaders finished fifth in the 17U Division II Championship bracket.
? Minutemen White finished eighth in the 17U Division II Championship bracket.
? NY Gauchos finished ninth in the 13U Division II Championship bracket.
? NYC Jaguars finished ninth in the 15U Division II Championship bracket.
? Team Underrated finished eleventh place in the 13U Division II Championship bracket.
Other teams reaching the Sweet Sixteen were Rockland Rockets in the 14U Div II, Juice All Stars/LI Trotters in the 13U Div I, Rising Stars in the 16U Division I, and the NY Gauchos in the 13U Div I.

The highest number of teams that each NY Metropolitan club sent to the Nationals was as follows:
(1) NY Gauchos 11 teams
(2) LI Lightning 10 teams
(3) Westchester Hawks 4 teams

2009 was a year when several records were broken including the number of teams competing in the District Championships (75), National Championships (75), as well as our membership which reached an all time high of 6,521, an increase of 6% over 2008.

Finally, Coach John Wooden consistently warned his teams that “success breeds satisfaction and satisfaction breeds failure.” The words of Coach Wooden will stand as a constant reminder that we all must work even harder in 2010 to improve our AAU organization.

Submitted by Jim Fox