LATINA POWER "CON GANAS"

I was born and raised a product of a predominantly Hispanic community and environment rich in Hispanic Culture and Tradition.

One thing with outmost certainty, a strong Hispanic female was a mainstay in our lives and was always in the center of our universe. One that nurtured us, mentored us, worked odd jobs, did all the family chores including all the cooking and aaahhh, those hand made tortillas. She kept the family going under duress situations, instilled family values and Hispanic Traditions. Seemingly never tiring no matter what and always "Con Ganas".  

All the while, there was also a sense that females supported their men, sons, males or guys in their endeavors. Some of those endeavors included Sports. Unequivocally, it was taboo for a Hispanic female to participate in sports much less play basketball. Heck in my barrio, football and baseball were king.

So let's fast forward many years. And I say many, admitting my age.

San Antonio, rich in Hispanic Culture and Tradition, home of the World Champion Spurs! Hispanic, yes Latina kids, are participating, competing and thriving in the sport of Basketball in record numbers.

Just look around anywhere in the city, Middle schools, High Schools, AAU Club Organizations, Playgrounds, gyms, very talented, strong Hispanic Female basketball players! And almost ironically, just look in the stands, Dads, men, guys, males supporting them and their endeavors unconditionally!

All the while, these young ladies are expanding Culture and instilling new Traditions.

BASKETBALL, empowering Latinas like never before into Future Leaders, Professionals and yes Mainstays for future families.

As a Dad and Basketball Fan, I love to go see and support..
LATINA POWER on full display on the basketball court, seemingly always "CON GANAS"!!!!

SA ISLANDERS 2015 ARIANNA CRAVER

In two short years, Arianna Craver has developed into a basketball player you love to have in your team. She brings ton of energy, she is always encouraging her teammates, a very hard worker, a strong competitor and just gives it 100% throughout practice and games.

She carries around a positive outlook and is working hard to help her Clark HS team reach the playoffs. She has grown and matured leaps and bounds in just 2 years of playing Club ball.

She runs the floor exceptionally well, has developed a midrange shot and attacks the basket relentlessly.

I am very proud of how far she has come with the limited time she has been playing Club ball.

Click below for some of her highlights.

SA ISLANDERS ARIANNA CRAVER

SA ISLANDERS 2015 LUNDEN PATTERSON

So the game is tied or you are down by a bucket or you just need a quick score, who are you going to call? 
No not Ghostbusters...
How about adding Lunden Patterson's name to any list that you can think of.  She has come in to her own this past year and she is ready to help contribute in helping her Clark HS team make a run to the playoffs. With her confidence high, she can shoot lights out.

And not to be outdone, Academically, she is around the Top 2% in her Class of over 600 students. 

Her shot is smooth and effortless. She has hit over 4 three pointers in numerous games this Club season with the SA Islanders. She has a knack of scoring in spurts just when you need it.

Below is a link to highlights showing her doing just that. Scoring 8 points in 2 minutes in a very close game. Last 3 helped seal the deal.

Click below to see her nice form

SA ISLANDERS LUNDEN PATTERSON

2014 SA ISLANDERS SEASON SLIDESHOW

I don't know where to start. 

Let's start with this, I have players Tara Molina, Julie Hernandez, Erin Ashley, Erin Wimberley and Alexia Torres since day 1 of SA Islanders practically out of elementary school. Belle Tovar, Brianna Lane since middle school and Ashley Adaszczyk since practically out of elementary school as well.

I had kids playing and committed this season from San Angelo, Bri Soliz and Jordan Brooks, from Beeville, Audrey Carranco, from George West, Alison Shanklin and Corpus Christi, Alexis Worley.

We had new additions in Victoria Pena, Cindy Si, Marissa Regino, Jennifer Sullivan, Analisa Arguello, Jenna Villarreal, Nancy Jones, Audrey and Jordan.

And a very special group in my seniors Hannah Murray, April Matthews, Lunden Patterson, Arianna Craver and Marissa.

I have seen most these kids grow up from wearing pony tails to driving their own cars to practices!

Also, a great big THANK YOU to Coach Oscar Antopia for all he does for the girls and the Organization. His commitment is second to none. I owe him a lot. He is a great person and I have nothing but gratitude for his dedication and loyalty.

I want to thank Israel "EZ" Garcia for all his time, training and coaching during the season. He also brought a lot of energy to the Organization

I want to thank all the players and Parents for the Basketball Season! I appreciate tremendously all the hard work, commitment and dedication with everyone involved. It is not easy and I know it takes a lot out of everyone. 

I espeacially want to thank team moms for everything they do to make things easier for everyone. It is not always easy to put up with me. Mel Molina and Michelle Lane are very much appreciated! I sincerely want to thank both of them for everything! What about moms that make everything go, Sylvia Adaszczyk, Deann Wimberley, Brenda Tovar, Kathy Pena, Jessica Carranco, DeShae Ashley, Eliza Arguello, Arlene Murray, Carol Ann Shanklin, Lydia Craver, Xia Si, Stephanie Brooks, Theresa Soliz, Karen Hernandez, Linda Villarreal and Marylin Regino helping out in any manner in the best interest of the team especially in fundraising, cooking, clinics etc.  

Sean and Arlene Murray for letting us host get togethers at their home.

A great, special Thanks to Hugh Patterson. 

And How about the Big Dawgs! No introductions needed!

And last but not least, Super Mom, my wife Bibi. Still battling and fighting, taking treatment every 3 weeks with countless medical exams in between, working, mom at home to kids and still managing to  help with everything to help out the Organization!!!!! You are the best and I, as well as the Organization, are extremely lucky. 

I know everyone expects a lot and standards are high, but realistically, our kids have to work 2 to 3 times as hard just to compete with teams that are sometimes loaded with great skill and talent. What makes it even tougher is that those very same teams have high work ethics and dedication as well.

Time and time again, opposing coaches come up to me and congratulate me on the players performance, their fight, their skill and their overall play! Referees are always asking me where we are from and complimenting our players game! Opposing parents come up to me and tell me how much they enjoy watching us play, win or lose. Again, a credit to all the players and Parents commitment to the Oranization.

I can't explain the gratification of seeing these young ladies perform at their respective High Schools once school basketball gets underway. 

I just want everyone envolved with the Organization to know, that no matter what, we are FAMILY!

Thank you for another great year!

Following is a sample of some of the good times during the season. 

Last song was recorded on my phone by SA Islander Parents, Derrick Craver with the bass guitar, Linnell Lane with the tamborines and Abe Hernandez on the drums. No Practice, First and only take! I thought it was fitting to be part of the slideshow.

CLICK BELOW

SA ISLANDERS 2014 SEASON

SA ISLANDERS 2016 BELLE TOVAR

So you have heard the saying that you can tell who your true friends are when you are dealt some adversity.  Well, you can also tell the Character of a person of how well they deal and cope with adversity.

Belle Tovar was dealt a setback when she injured her ACL right as soon as the Showcase Tournament season was underway in July. That same day of the injury, she was upbeat, smiling and in good spirits.

While some might be thinking and dwelling on "Why me", Belle has just been using her energy and focusing on what she needs to do to get back on the court! She is on a MISSION to get back Stronger and Better than ever. 

As the recruiting season for the Class of 2016 gets in full swing as of September 1st,  numerous Coaches are actively pursuing her. She is still receiving offers after her injury, which speak volumes of the Coaches and Universities doing so.

The last Tournament she played in before getting injured was back in May.  Here is a little something of what she can do. And oh yeah, she usually makes sure she is behind all 3pt lines and then some!

Click below for highlights

SA ISLANDERS BELLE TOVAR