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Serving the Round Rock, Pflugerville & Austin Areas
HUSTLAZ AAU BOYS BASKETBALL ORGANIZATION
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Hustlaz MissionThe "Round Rock Hustlaz Organization" is a Non-profit 501(c)3 organization and an AAU Affiliated Level 3 Club Member dedicated to the youths of Central Texas and is in its third year of operation. We accept all basketball players that have the desire to improve and work hard to maximize their athletic potential. All players will be treated equally and we will work with each player to help give them the confidence and skill to help them play competitively. As a Hustlaz player, we stress teamwork, discipline, camaraderie, and unselfishness. No one player is bigger than the team, and the team is only as strong as its weakest player. If you think your child is a star and deserves star treatment, then maybe this is not the team for your child. If our "Mission" meets your goals and aspirations, please contact us at 512-351-2818. WELCOME!
Coaches Comments (July 2008)
With the season coming towards the stretch, we're optimistic that this will be a month that this organization takes another step forward that players and parents want to be a part of. All of our teams will be playing in the All American Sports Nationals in San Antonio on the 19th of July. We will be spending the night in San Antonio and that will cost an additional $25.00 per player per night that we stay. I want everyone to know that all our teams received invitations to Primetime, MAYB, USSSA, and NTC to play in their National Tournaments. I was tempted to send a couple of teams to the Primetime Tournament, but it is about a 5 day commitment. It would be a bit much for the Coaches at this time, especially Coach Joe Francis because he just had a baby and needed to take time off for that.
I had a meeting with my Coaches last week and I informed them that I will not be coaching any teams next season. I will continue to work with the coaches and players individually, but I will concentrate more on other issues like fundraising, tournaments, write-ups on games and players, and having our own tournament. Coaching two teams and trying to handle those other responsibilities was too much and it left me lacking on both ends. I was not happy with my coaching because I could not give it my full commitment, and maybe my style does not work with todays kids and parents. I'm not gonna change, so I'd prefer to let the youngsters handle it for me. All of our teams will run the same schemes from now on though, and all our teams will be aggressive, uptempo, and entertaining, and our kids will be proud to wear that Hustlaz uniform.
3 PEAT!!!
Pictured Standing: Coach Francis, Logan Mangold, Rileigh Linville, Jhordan Mason, Delranado Hall, Stacey Johnson
Kneeling; Stephen Manago, Tony Thompson, Lindsey Wilson, Andre Taylor
The Hustlaz JV1 team continued their domination over the competition this past month and extended their win streak to fifteen (15) games and won their THIRD CHAMPIONSHIP in three weeks. The team has played very consistent. Coach Francis has pressed all the right buttons with his players and it seems like every game different players step up and make big contributions when other players have an off game. The team is solid from top to bottom. A new player was added to the team, 8th grader Logan Mangold, and he fit right in, contributed and received alot of playing time.
After having an easy time in their first game against the Bastrop All Stars, they had a tougher time of it against the Anderson Trojans. They were a fiesty team that never quit and game us some problems with their press. When they tried to get back in the game, they actually cut our lead to under 10 points late. On Sunday we played the Texas Extreme and Coach Francis took it easy on them because he didn't want their Director to get too upset because they put their 9th grade team in this tournament and they're tired of losing to us. People need to realize that the 9th -10th graders are going to play in the same tournaments and it's no need to cry about it because it's going to make those younger players better. If you don't want your 9th graders to get beat, don't put them in a JV tournament. Our JV2 team has played the Extreme 10th grade JV team four times this year and have beaten them every time even though most of the players on our team are 9th graders. It's a rivalry because of the history of our programs, but I've tried to keep it friendly, but some people don't know how to let go of the past. The Extreme have a very good program and some very talented kids. I hope in the future we can learn to work together instead of trying to put the other's program down. We won 49-34, and the highlight was a dunk by Delarando "Dunkenstein" Hall. (pictured below)
The best game of the tournament was against the Texas Bandits. They had alot of size and some talented big men, especially #32. Their size gave our outside shooters problems and we didn't hit many three point shots, But Stacey "Truck" Johnson was the MAN OF THE HOUR. He kept us in the game with some big baskets inside. At one stretch, he scored 6 straight points and got some huge rebounds. Stacey has really matured as a player and has worked hard on controlling his emotions this season. I'm really proud of him. The game went into overtime and we won despite some controversial calls by the referee. This was really the championship game because in tournaments like this they always stack all the best teams in the same bracket to knock each other off, so that a weaker team can slide into the championship in the other bracket. In the championship game, our JV1 team ran into the Anderson Trojans again to win the Championship. They've now won championships in three different tournaments, "The Ice", "Texas Basketball", and "Texas Gym Rats". The Coach and the Team have alot to be proud of, and despite what detractors may say, this is a BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT. All you can do is beat whoever is put in front of you.
"Dunkenstein"
BACK to BACK!!!
“Devastation Incorporated” was the theme this weekend as the Hustlaz JVI team DISMANTLED team after team this weekend on their way to winning their second tournament in two weeks. The team has won TEN games in a row thanks in part to a swarming defense that brings relentless pressure and an offense that has so many weapons, they’re almost impossible to stop. Coach Joe Francis has done a superb job of coaching, playing to each player’s strengths, and putting them in positions that optimizes their skills. The team has great camaraderie and the players push each other to perform at their best.
The first game was probably the best game in the tournament in the JV division. We played a quality opponent in the North Texas Bulls. We thought going into the tournament that these were the best two teams and felt that whoever lost would still make it to the championship game. The Bulls jumped out to an early 16 point lead, but Coach Joe UNLEASHED the “Tornado Press” and the lead was cut down to 4 points by halftime. The catalysts for the success of this press are the three at the top, lead by Tony “TNT” Thompson. On the wings are Lindsey “The Flash” Wilson, who is so quick that he can steal the ball, make the layup, and be back on defense before the player realizes the ball is stolen , and Andre “Dr. Dre” Taylor, whose also super quick and has the instincts for the passing lanes like a corner back. I call this trio the “Bermuda Triangle”.
The second half was a THRILLER as we overcame their early run and took the lead, but with three minutes to go we went into a stall and the momentum swung again. They came back and the lead went back and forth the last 90 seconds. With about thirty seconds things started to look bleak as “D” Hall was called for traveling and we were down by one. To make matters worse we only had three team fouls, so fouling wasn’t going to do any good. Coach Joe made the call of the day by calling for “Tornado Press”. The team needed a HOUSE CALL, and Andre “Dr. Dre” answered, using perfect timing on a cross court pass intended for a Bull player, and driving to the basket to make a layup with .65 seconds left on the clock. “BALL GAME”!!!!
The next game was against Team Next, and they were definitely next to feel the wrath of the Hustlaz. The highlight of this game was a steal by the “The Flash”, who passed to “TNT”, who threw it off the backboard, and jammed home by Delranaldo “Dunkenstein” Hall. We won by 20.
A couple of other players that played great through the tournament and really stepped their games up defensively were Jhordan “The Silent Assassin” Mason, Stacey “Truck” Johnson, Rileigh “AR-15” Linville, and of course “Mango Juice”. “The Assassin” may be the best pure shooter we’ve ever had, but he let it be known that he can play defense aggressively also and was all over the joint and getting steals and perfecting his mid-range jumper. “Truck” also made plays defensively on the back end, getting steals, inside scoring and rebounding. “The Juice” is the Dennis Rodman of the team. The guy plays with a lot of determination and it’s amazing how many rebounds he gets in a game.
On Sunday it was more of the same as the Round Rock Blazers and Liberty Hill were beaten into submission. We were surprised that the Bulls did not make it to the championship game. Instead, we faced the San Antonio Falcons. They were a team loaded with great shooters. Unfortunately for them, they never played against a defense like the Hustlaz. The game was close early until Coach Joe, who leads all Hustlaz coaches with technical fouls, got one. It seemed to ignite his team though as we went on an 8-0 run. Then Rileigh “AR-15” unleashed a shooting assault on the Falcons that killed them. With the defense running “300” and “Tornado” presses and giving their shooters fits, the Falcons Coach had no answers. Can’t wait till the next tournament!!!
----Jhordan "The Silent Assassin" blocking out for the rebound
More photos from weekend in the Photo Album.
Stacey "Truck" Johnson
Lindsey "The Flash" Wilson
JV I Gets Payback Against Austin Ice, Win Tournament
Pictured - Delranaldo "D" in Ambassadors game. Tony, Andre and Jhordan on the floor.
Coach Joe Francis had the perfect Father's Day. Early Sunday morning, his fiancee had their baby, a daughter, and later that afternoon his team gave him their first tournament win and also a huge win over our rival, the Austin Ice, whom we had never beaten before, in their tournament. Let me emphasize that this is more a rivalry for us than for them because we respect their team and their organization and we felt that our JV team has the potential to play and defeat the top teams in this area. This was a huge win for us. This also lets our parents know that all the practicing and hard work is paying off. Defeating them has been one of our goals this season and Coach Francis had the perfect game plan to offset their size. We were so up for that game that we struggled in the championship game against the Ambassadors but we pulled it out with a last second three pointer and game ending steal by Tony Thompson to secure the win.... But back to that Austin Ice game. The team was so focused and they played with the intensity needed to take their game to another level.
Guards Andre Taylor, Lindsey Wilson, and Tony Thompson set the tone for the game early with their pressing of their guards and causing numerous turnovers and getting easy fast break points off steals. Jhordan Mason and Rileigh Linville kept the Ice off balance by hitting long range three's when the guards penetration sucked in the defense. Stacey Johnson, Delranaldo "D" Hall, and Stephen "Mango Juice" Manago played tough interior defense, rebounded well and provided tough inside scoring and used their quickness against bigger and more physical front court Ice players. "D" Hall really stepped his game up a couple of notches caused numerous matchup problems defensively for the Ice. He consistently went past the bigger Ice players to the hoop for easy scores. Manago got alot of steals and rebounds. He does alot of things on the court that don't always show up in the stat sheet. Andre and Lindsey are two of the top point guards in this area and they're finally realizing it and are starting to play to their potential. That said, the player who made the biggest impact this weekend was Tony "TNT" Thompson. As Jimmy Walker used to say, this kid is "DYN-O-MITE!!!" If he wasn't burying three's all over the joint, he was creating turnovers on the defensive side, getting easy layups off transition, but most of all making the BIG SHOT or the BIG STEAL when we needed it the most.
As we did the previous year, we really enjoyed playing in the "Austin Ice" tournament. Once again I'd like to thank Johnny Moore and his organization for their hospitality. Also, I'd like to thank my homeboy and friend Kendall Isom for organizing the teams in the tournament. As I said before, we will always play in any function they have and I will recommend other teams in the future to attend because the tournament was well organized and the food was great. Maybe now the "friendly" rivalry can begin.
Trap by Rileigh and Stephen "Mango Juice"
Andre shooting the free throw
Iron Man Basketball on Sunday for RRH Varsity
June 18, 2008
Pictured- 8'3"... AKIEL
The Hustlaz Varsity Team came in Third place in the Father’s Day Classic held at Akins High School. We won both games on Saturday. However, on Sunday morning, we faced a big challenge. We only had 6 players. We lost the early morning game to the Georgetown Jammers 70 to 83, but the game was much closer than the score indicated. Every Hustlaz Varsity player DUG DEEP and gave Coach Thomas ALL THEY HAD and then some. Every player that played on Sunday stepped their game up three-notches. NOBODY gave up even though we took some very hard fouls, some bad spills, got some bad calls and some no calls, and exhaustion set in with no relief. Players fought through the pain, frustration and exhaustion. We got within 1 (30 to 31 Jammers) with three minutes to go before half-time but then our shots didn’t fall for a stretch. Adjustments were made and we were still in the game till the very end.
In the Third Place Championship game held at 4:30pm one KEY reinforcement was able to make the game and we had 7 players. We played the San Antonio Kings. Again we were outmanned, but everyone gave the same effort they had in the morning game. It was a thing of BEAUTY to the basketball eye. This game was close throughout, however in the end we wanted it more than the Kings....SO WE TOOK IT... 64 to 74 Hustlaz. Kudos to the Sunday Team IRONMEN for the Mental Toughness, Stupendous Effort and Character you displayed on the court: Akiel, Eric, Kquinton, Derek M., Uriah, Roman and Derrick A.
Player points against the Kings
Eric (11), Uriah (23), Derek M. (11), Akiel (4), Roman (5), Kquinton (2), Derrick A. (18)
To all the Men that Coach the Round Rock Hustlaz Teams, to the Men affiliated with the program, and for the Dads that make time to be at the games, have a GREAT FATHER’S DAY!!! We know it is not easy, but we all benefit and appreciate your commitment of time and efforts to instruct and train all our young men in more than the sport. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.
Author Charles Wadworth
Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes. Author: Chinese Proverb
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. Author: Charles R. Swindoll
RRH Varsity Discombobulates San Antonio Teams in the Gym Rats “Run and Slam”
May 26, 2008
Our San Antonio opponents in the Gym Rats “Run and Slam” tournament could not get a lock on us because they never knew where we were coming from. We mixed it up and showed our inside game and our outside game. When they thought we were going for the outside shot, we took it to the hole. When it looked like we were going to the hole, we made the outside shot.
On Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 2:30PM the Hustlaz Varsity played the San Antonio Celtics. We played this team before earlier in the season and lost to them by a buzzer beater. The Varsity played this game with such intensity that everyone knew losing was not an option. Trevares Lee scored the first four points of the game on put backs and the ALL-OUT HUSTLE of Kquinton Williams set the pace. Derrick Anthony was the high scorer this game with two mid-range shots and a 3-pointer to add to his points in the paint. Elgyn Chandler COMMANDED ATTENTION as he moved his feet and it was almost impossible for the opponent to get around his defense. Eric Rose had so many STEALS and DEFLECTIONS in BOTH the games that the opponents must have thought he was on their team and passed him the ball. Uriah Hall did not score until the SECOND HALF and when he did it was a HUGE SHOT in the arm for our team. We won the game 51 to 48.
On Sunday the Hustlaz Varsity played the San Antonio Spurs at 11:15AM. Delranado Hall and Stacy Johnson joined the lineup and made contributions in this game. The game was neck and neck during the first half, but we started to pull away and at half-time the score was 39 to 24 Hustlaz. The Spurs did not give up and at the end of the game our lead had dwindled. Uriah Hall was the high scorer this game and hit consecutive 3-pointers. There was a bad call made by the official with less than 2 minutes left and even though we were upset about it, everyone took it in stride and got back to the business at hand. We beat the Spurs 60 to 56. Hustlaz ASSISTS were all over the place. I hope that the Varsity keeps the same UNSELFISH SPIRIT for the rest of the season. It makes the team and everyone on it SHINE!!!
Player points against Celtics:
Trevares (7), Elgyn (6), Roman (7), Derrick A. (12), Eric (8), Uriah (11)
Player points against Spurs:
Roman (8), Kquinton (7), Uriah (16), Derrick A. (11), Antonio (1), Delranado (4), Eric (6) Elgyn (7)
Roman Whittaker going after the ball.
Coaches Comments (May 2008)
I apologize for not keeping the website updated, but this has been a very busy and tiring month since the Kingwood tournament. I have so many topics to talk about that I don't know where to start.
First of all, let me update you about the gym situation. We were suspended from practicing in the gym this week. They said we tore down a sound barrier, but I really don't think we did it because I closed down the gym and put all the chairs up and I did not see anything out of order. That said, we really have to be careful and really restrict our movements to only the gym, restroom, and water fountain. We are probably on our last leg so we really need to be on our best behavior when we're there. No drinks are allowed in the gym and everything must be put back in place after we finish. After practice, no one will be allowed to shoot any balls and everyone must exit outside.
Yesterday we had a meeting at Connally H.S. with Coach Sanders, the head coach at Connally. He invited us and other AAU coaches in the Austin area to attend so that he could talk to us. We have been invited to play in an "All Centex Sports High School Summer League". The games will be played at Connally in June and July, and at Crockett H. S. in August. The cost is $40.00 per player, but we will pay for it as long as everyone pays their fees and pays them on time. The lack of everyone paying their dues and paying them on time is really handicapping the program this season. It's imperative that everyone pay their fees on time and try to catch up. I plan on having all our teams in summer league play and that weekday game will be considered a practice. That way we can cut down on our gym fees and be able to pay for summer league ball.
We're already planning for next season and next year will be tougher to make the Hustlaz Varsity team. As of right now, I will only have a Varsity, JV, 8th Grade and 6th Grade team, with a bigger focus on the younger teams. There will be other changes also. Everything and everyone will be evaluated. More practice will be spent on fundamentals and less on scrimmaging each other. This way, we can play all of our teams in the same tournaments and we can support each other. I like to support my coaches and I like to cheer the kids on. Sometimes I like to sit on the bench with them and pump them up. If the team is struggling, I will be there to support them and see firsthand where the problem lies. What coaches need to realize is that if your team is struggling, the parents will come to me first and give me their concerns because this is my organization and in the end everything bad that happens falls on me. My job is to try and fix it if I can.
During the coaches meeting yesterday, Coach Sanders talked about the state of youth basketball in Austin, Texas. He said that basketball players are not recruited from this area for a number of reasons. Players that do get scholarships come back home in a couple of months. Reasons were because of grades, discipline, not working to improve, not being able to handle criticism or getting chewed out. The problem I see is that the kids are spoiled and the parents try to fight every battle for them. Parents need to realize that you will not be with them when they go to college and you can not protect them from everything so you should let them handle their situations on the team. Don't get upset if your son does not play as much as you think he should. Some games he may not play at all. Alot depends on how he does at practice. On some teams the competition is fierce and overloaded at some positions. Most college coaches look at the players in this area as D-2, D-3, NAIA, and JC caliber. We are going to try and change that.
Derek Mays in the Air!!
Outstanding Mother's Day Weekend Early Morning Games for RRH Varsity!
The Round Rock Hustlaz Varsity came to play on this past weekend tournament in both early games on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This was especially gratifying because it seems like we are not usually fully awake during early games. NOT SO THIS PAST WEEKEND!
Eric Rose was on FIRE!! on Saturday Morning and all day Sunday. He was in the ZONE! On Mother’s Day the Hustlaz won the early game 66 to 58. Eric put up 26 points that game. Uriah Hall was also SMOKING HOT!! He put up 24 points in the game and his defense caused several turnovers. They couldn’t have done it without the IMPRESSIVE play of Derek Mays who did everything, Roman Whittaker who was blocking shots all over the place, Trevares Lee who CLEANED UP!! and did the little things that often go unnoticed, and the contributions of Kquinton Williams, Antonio Thomas and Chris Goodsell.
The players had chemistry on the floor in the early games that had not been there before. Derrick Anthony would not be denied in the Saturday early game and racked up points in the post blocking shots and getting rebounds for the Hustlaz, however he was unable to play on Sunday. It is amazing how well known the players are and how the crowd knows who is supposed to be in the game. HATS OFF to the entire Hustlaz Varsity Team, the early games were OUTSTANDING!!
Coaches Comments (April 2008)
April 11, 2008
So much has been going on lately that it has been hard to keep up. First thing I want to let everyone know is that Pierce Simpson injured his ACL in a tournament two weeks ago and will have surgery this coming Monday. He is done for this season, but he is still a big part of this team and we will assist him with his rehab so he will be ready to play this coming school year. Our prayers will be with him that the surgery will be a success.
We have been getting a late rush on players trying to get on the team this week, so my advice to you is that you sign up quickly or you will be left without playing for a team this season. Our only need at this moment is a big man for the Varsity team. Other than that, all our teams are full. The JVII team is starting to look like a formidable team also. We are to getting some quality players on that team too. The one team that has my concern is the 7th grade team. They have been struggling this season and morale has been low. We want the parents to know we care about those young men and we will do our best to get them motivated, build camaraderie, to play hard and aggressive and more than anything...have fun playing basketball. We really need the kids that have not been coming to practice to start coming back so we can start building a winning program once again. Coach Eric is really working hard and we will get more aggressive defensively. The parents will enjoy watching their kids flying around out there.
Hustlaz "Attitude Adjustment" Camp Returns for 2008
April 8, 2008
Article Originally Written February 28, 2007
As an alternative for some parents that are at their wits end on what to do with their young men that are not doing what they're supposed to be doing in school or at home, I have come up with something that just may make them think twice about messing up at home or school.
Instead of taking them off the team as punishment, which has been the norm for most parents, I suggest that you send them to Coach Anthony for some "Attitude Adjustment" training that they soon won't forget. I guarantee you that they will think twice about messing up. I want to see our kids successful not only on the basketball court, but in the classroom and in society as well.
The camp will feature physically demanding exercises that will guarantee that the only thing your child will want to do when he gets home is to eat, shower and sleep. He will stay in the camp until the attitude is adjusted.
Busy Weekend For Hustlaz Teams
March 26, 2008
The Hustlaz teams will be playing all over the Central Texas area this weekend. Even though I will not be able to see all of our teams play this weekend, I'm expecting our teams to be successful in the tournaments they play in. I will try my best not to put our teams in the same tournaments where they end up playing each other because it is a waste of money and time. When we play in different tournaments, it gives our organization exposure to a variety of teams and it allows us to build relationships with new organizations. We will be distributing fliers to all tournaments we play in over the weekend and the coming weeks promoting our tournament "Hustlaz Spring Jam Fest", on April 26th.
This weekend I will be expecting our players to represent the Hustlaz aggressively, play with pride, discipline, and show good sportsmanship. Your conduct reflects not only on you, but your family and the organization as well. We expect all players to come to the gym already dressed and ready to play. Do not get to the gym on Saturday and not be ready to play. Varsity's first game starts at 8:00am and I will not be surprised if the gym is opened early. MAKE SURE YOU GO TO BED EARLY!!!
Players that have played in tournaments and have not caught up with their dues will not be allowed to play this weekend. Some players have played in a couple of tournaments and have paid little, if any, of their dues. Well, the good times have ended. If you have not paid your dues, you will not be playing this weekend. This does not apply to new kids whose parents have communicated their intentions and have paid part of their fees and have set up payment plans already. All players that are scheduled to go to Kingwood next month "MUST" have all dues paid before the 10th of April or they will not be eligible to play in another tournament until their dues are current. Please realize that we cannot function as an organization unless everyone pays their fair share. What we do and what your son will get out of it is worth the money you invest in our program. We really work hard with your kids and push them to their limits to help make them better players in the future.
Coaches Comments (March 2008)
A lot of things are happening this month, but next month will be a very busy month for our teams and the organization. Some of our teams will play at least three tournaments, and a couple of our teams will be attending the Kingwood tournament. Players that plan on playing in this tournament (Varsity and JV) will have to be fully registered and updated with their fees. We will be taking individual and team photos on the 20th of this month, so please bring your uniform to practice. We also need everyone to turn in their registration forms, if you have not already. We need to send a roster to Kingwood by the end of the week, so it is imperative that you get signed onto the team before the end of the week.
Coach Joe Francis will be doing a fundraiser for his team this weekend at Gattiland to help out some of his players that need assistance with their fees. Parents and players need to understand that this is not free and everything we do costs money. We are trying to be a self-sufficient organization that does not have to depend on fundraising all the time. If everyone pays their fair share, we can pay for our own gym time, hotel, tournament and travel fees. Compared to most organizations, what we do for our players is worth the investment. We have great kids and parents, and we plan to keep it that way.
The tournament for the Varsity, JV, and 8th grade team on the 29th of this month has been changed from Killeen, TX to Waco, TX. We would like to go there to play in that tournament as long as everyone is OK with driving there and back. It will give us an opportunity to see and compete against a whole different group of teams that we have not played against before. I want to play in alot of different tournaments so that our players can be exposed to different teams and styles.
We had to drop our 9th grade team because we were not getting enough kids to join in that age group, so I decided to develop another JV team consisting of 9th/10th graders because the 9th grade team was going to have to play up most tournaments anyway, and because we have alot of 10th graders that want to play. Players that I was going to build the team around decided not to play for us this season. It was disappointing for me because I really do care for them and wanted to see them succeed. I wish them the best in the future and hope they get a chance to play for someone this season. My concern now though are for the kids in our program.
Hustlaz Limp In Opener, But Future Looks Great!!!
February 26, 2008
Pictured with ball: Derrick Anthony
All four Hustlaz teams struggled in their tournaments, but I'm expecting our teams to be the "Hunter" instead of the "Hunted" very soon. The 7th grade team struggled again this weekend, but lots of help is on the way and Coach Eric is ecstatic about the new players. First Patrick Floyd called and said he is returning to the Hustlaz 7th grade team. He's a 5'-9" guard. Then a little after that, Coach Eric received news that 6'-3" 7th grade center Leonard Allen is finally coming to play with the Hustlaz. We are also very close to getting 6'-1" power forward De De Harris back in the fold. Add those players with Juwann Cannon and Corey Culbreath, and that is one of the best starting fives in the area, bar none. Now he has alot of depth and now his shooters will be able to get good looks because of the size inside. Now it's time for Coach Eric to get some payback!!!
9th grade team took their lumps this weekend also, playing up against Varsity, but they got alot of experience and learned alot of lessons this weekend. They learned that they can play against Varsity and not be intimidated, and they realized that they can compete against older kids. Help is on the way for them too. Joel Devastey will be returning this weekend to help out Muhammad Akbar and Max Lazos. Max will welcome him back because he logged alot of minutes this weekend. I also have a couple of guards signing up this weekend. We will be able to install our press this week and we'll play our grade level and see how we do.
The Varsity played at half strength this weekend, but almost made it to the championship game. Derrick Anthony put on quite a performance this weekend, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds a game and almost led his team to the finals, but a great shot at the buzzer by the San Antonio Celtics ended those hopes. Arthur Thomas played great, scoring a career high in points. I expect this team to dominate, with the additions of Uriah Hall, Elgyn Chandler, Duane Coleman, Adam Nawazo, and a guard we're picking up that played against us for Hoop Zone. (This guy scored 28 points against us in that game.) I expect to make some noise in Kingwood with our Varsity team this year.
The future looks great for the JV team this year also. Even though we let one player go this weekend because of disciplinary reasons, this team is explosive. Once Coach Francis learns his players and installs his press, this team should bring home alot of trophies this year. Delrnaldo Hall and Jhordan Mason are good enough already to play Varsity, and every player on this team is a quality player. They will make themselves better in practice just playing each other. Newcomer, Trevor Atchley has been a pleasant surprise and has made everyone step their game up a notch.
Coaches Comments (February 2008)
With the season fast approaching, we are anticipating numerous successes for all our teams. The older teams will participate in some of the most competitive tournaments we have ever played. Parents and players should anticipate some tournaments be replaced with more highly competitive tournaments. My job as Director is to try and expose our players to the best competition out there and make sure that they're prepared to play at that level. The talent level that we've recruited is the best since I started the organization. We have huge expectations going into this season. The Varsity team is full, and we're just waiting for a couple of our high school players (Uriah Hall, Duane Coleman, Adam Nawazo, Elgyn Chandler, and Glen Goloe) to finish their playoff run. The team has the potential to be special and we should be able to make some noise in Kingwood once again this season. The JV is nearly complete, with 2 roster spots still open, but we will go with what we have if we need to, but I would like another shooting guard/ point guard (Lewis Wright, we want you!!!) and another big man, but the depth is solid throughout this team. The 9th grade team has the least amount of players on it thus far, but I'm expecting this team to fill up quickly in the next week or two. This team will probably be the biggest team size wise with 5 or more players 6'-3" or taller. Even with all the great talent we have on our other teams, this team has the potential to be the best. The 8th grade team is a solid team and I think that they will play better as a team than the others and will be more consistent. We are waiting on decisions from a couple of top recruits for the 7th grade team that we hope will come aboard and make this team a very formidable team. Coach Eric is a very good coach and the kids that play for him will be fundamentally sound when they leave this program. The practice schedule is out for the rest of this month through the month of April. Just click on calendar, find the month and the team your son plays on. Starting March 1st, all of our practices will be at the 1st Baptist Church in Round Rock, right off FM620 and I-35.
8th Graders Win Presidents' Day Tournament
February 17, 2008
Pictured Standing: Bradley Scruggs, Coleman Seggeren, Meknba Henderson, Kollen Scruggs, Coach Anthony ... Kneeling: Xavier Malveaux, Robert Lewis, Josh Miller
The "Amazing 8th Graders" went out and won the Presidents' Day tournament. For me personally, this is one of my most memorable victories as a Coach. These young men are mentally tough and very coachable and adjust to changes quickly. They won a tournament in which they have not had one practice as a team yet, but they can execute 5 different offensive plays, two different presses (one being very complicated), and numerous other defensive sets. You just don't know how complex it can be sometimes trying to get a group of kids to execute one play, especially with no practice.
This was also done with only seven players on the team and every team we played had deep benches. We played three games on Sunday. This was a total "team" victory because every player played a huge role in the victories. These players are learning quickly to "think" the game and know what they need to do in certain situations in a game. This is the 1st time we have ever beat one of the local Texas Ambassadors in a game since our organization's inception. (We did beat the San Antonio Texas Ambassadors nationally one year.) The Ambassadors is the best organization out there and it’s something we're trying to emulate, so for me this win represents a step forward.
Coach Max, the Director of the Texas Ambassadors, is a great man and has been very helpful to me with his wisdom and experiences in this basketball stuff. He has also been very helpful to our organization in helping us get players. My goal for the Hustlaz organization is to have a reputation in the community like the Ambassadors i.e. great coaching and producing some of the best players in the area. The players in our organization now are helping us achieve this goal. I really cannot express how proud I am of these players.
Statistician Volunteers Needed!!
To the Hustlaz Organization:
For the 2008 Season, our organization would like to get our teams and individual player statistics on the website. The statistics would be located in the Game Results and Schedules section of our website. (These sections may be renamed.) This is something that will be valuable to our boys to know how they did and in showing possible scouts of what they accomplished this season. It will be enjoyable for all players to have their individual and team statistics displayed.
We are in need of parent volunteers or supporters of all ages to take statistics at all Hustlaz games. A spreadsheet to make this task easier is being created and will be posted on the website. Printed copies will be given to the coaches. However, a piece of paper with the appropriate information such as the teams playing, time and date, Hustlaz player number and stats, and game final result will help. If more than one person does this our statistics on the website will be accurate. Statisticians will be recognized on the website or can remain anonymous if they so choose.
During any game there is a lot of activity going on and the coaches are very busy with the team. We need a parent volunteer or supporter to be responsible for getting the information from the scorekeeper immediately at the end of each game to give to one of the Coaches.
You can email the statistical information to hustlaz.business@yahoo.com. The players once they see the stats posted can use the same email address for any corrections. Make sure to include the game played, time and date, player number and stat to be added or corrected. The following are some of the stats we are trying to post:
Basketball Statistics Abbreviations Player Stats
G - Game Played_______________
GS - Game Started_____________
3PT FG Made..........FTM - Free Throws Made..........FTA - Free Throws Attempted..........PF - Personal Fouls..........PTS - Total Points..........STL - Steals..........BLK - Blocks..........AST - Assists..........TOT - Total Rebounds..........TO - Turnovers.........
We can’t make this happen without your support! Thank you for volunteering.
The Hustlaz Join Planet Roundball
In another move that we think will benefit the organization and bring some entertainment to the players on the team, the Hustlaz were invited to join Planetroundball.com, which we did. Planet roundball has connections with both ARC (www.archoops.com) and NJB (www.njbl.org)and they help promote tournaments nationwide. It also gives us more tournaments in which to compete. There's also some nice PC video games that you can download, like Freestyle Street Basketball. There's also other great benefits that can help save us alot of money when we travel out of town.
Upcoming Events
| Tuesday, Jul 8 |
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Practice 7th, 8th, JVII
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6:00pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Practice JV and Varsity
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7:30pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Thursday, Jul 10 |
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Practice 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders
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6:00pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Practice JV and Varsity
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7:30pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Tuesday, Jul 15 |
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Practice 7th, 8th, JVII
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6:00pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Practice JV and Varsity
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7:30pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Thursday, Jul 17 |
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Practice 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders
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6:00pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Practice JV and Varsity
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7:30pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Friday, Jul 18 |
All American Sports Nationals
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Trinity University, San Antonio TX
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Saturday, Jul 19 |
All American Sports Nationals
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Trinity University, San Antonio TX
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Sunday, Jul 20 |
All American Sports Nationals
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Trinity University, San Antonio TX
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Tuesday, Jul 22 |
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Practice 7th, 8th, JVII
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6:00pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Practice JV and Varsity
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7:30pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Thursday, Jul 24 |
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Practice 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders
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6:00pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Practice JV and Varsity
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7:30pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Tuesday, Jul 29 |
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Practice 7th, 8th, JVII
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6:00pm |
1st Baptist Church
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Practice JV and Varsity
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7:30pm |
1st Baptist Church
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For a complete calendar listing, click here!
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