Winter Springs Blazers
News
Blazers Beat #1 Nationally Ranked Team: On June 8, 2002, the Winter Springs Blazers beat the #1 ranked 13-U AAU team in the nation, the Orlando Raptors. From the opening tip, the Blazers held the lead, which extended to as many as 13 points. The Blazers held off a furious Raptor rally by scoring on thier last four possessions and hitting their last six free throws.
2002 AAU Florida State Championship: The Blazers go 4-1 and take 3rd place in the Florida AAU State Championship. After going 3-0 in pool play, the Blazers beat a good Indian River Warriors team 73-35 in the quarterfinals, then lost to the #2 Nationally ranked and eventual 2002 Florida State AAU Champions Orlando Raptors 62-48 in a hard fought game. The Blazers continue to prove themselves to be a national caliber team.
2002 AAU National Classic: The Blazers qualify for the AAU National Championship by taking second place at the 2002 AAU National Classic. During the tournament, the Blazers had convincing wins over the #2 team from New York, the #3 team from Louisiana, and a team from Jupiter, Florida. The Blazers lost a nail-biter in the championship game against the #2 ranked team in the country, the Orlando Raptors. The Blazers led throughout the game, but lost a six point lead in the fourth quarter. Congratulations Blazers! Enjoy your trip to Memphis, TN.
Lakeland Shootout: The Blazers go 5-1, losing only in the championship game to the 2nd rank team in the Country, the Orlando Raptors, in the Lakeland Shootout. The Blazers sliced through the 16 team field by winning the first five games by an average margin of victory of 29 points per game. In the championship game the Blazers hung tough for three quarters, until the Raptor depth, height, and experience proved tough to overcome. Chris Warren and Ryan Clark were selected to the All-Tournament Team and Jordon Haile was voted Mr. Hustle.
for supporting youth sports. The Blazers welcome Mr. Brotman and Markhams into the Blazer family.
Sponsorship: The Blazers are proud and excited to announce that Markhams Sports Bar & Grill will sponsor the teams effort during the upcoming 2002 AAU/YBOA season. The players, coaches, and parents extend a special thank you to Les Brotman, Chairman/CEO of Markhams Sports Bar & Grill for supporting youth sports. The Blazers welcome Mr. Brotman and Markhams into the Blazer family.
Winning Ways: The Blazers went 8-0 and won the Winning Ways regular season 8th Grade Gold Division. During the playoffs, the Blazers advanced to the championship game, where they lost 60-56 to the talented 8th grade AAU Seminole Bulldogs. In preparation for the upcoming 7th grade AAU/YBOA 2002 season, the 7th grade Blazers went 9-1 against older 8th grade AAU caliber teams.
Fundraiser: The Blazers raised over $400 selling cheesecakes. The money will go towards three new uniforms, AAU individual membership fees, and AAU Spring Classic I & II Tournaments.
FBVA Playoffs: Blazers go 7-1 during FBVA 15-U Fall season and finish an impressive third in the 15-U AAA Tournament.
Winning Ways Club Team: For the 2001/2002 AAU/YBOA, the Blazers are excited to announce that they will play as a Winning Ways Club Team. As a club team, the Blazers will practice at least once a week at the Lake Brantley Field House and/or the Brantley South Gym. Indoor practices will commence by the second week in September. Practice dates and times are yet to be determined.
AAU Nationals: The Blazers went 2-3 during the 2001 AAU National Tournament, held in Virginia Beach, VA. The tournament was tarnished when two of the final four teams were disqualified for having over-aged players on their rosters. The Blazers received a bye on day four of the tournament due to the disqualification of a Louisiana team. Despite the overt cheating of many teams, the Blazers had a very memorable experience and played by the rules. The players enjoyed the beach, the surf, vicious games of spoon, bad popcorn, and each other. Many thanks to the Blazers, parents, family, and friends for their support during the entire season. Check out the slide show.
Fundraiser: The Blazers concluded their 1st Annual Raffle fundraiser on June 16, 2001. The proceeds from the raffle go directly toward the Blazers participation in the AAU National Championship Tournament, scheduled for July 13-20, 2001 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Please click on Raffle Results for a detailed list of prizes and winners.
6th Graders Qualify For YBOA National Championship: During the YBOA Florida State Championship Tournament, the Blazers went 5-1, losing only to the very strong nationally ranked Temple Terrace Titans 50-49. In the five wins, the Blazers had an average margin of victory of 18 points. As a result, the Blazers qualified to represent the State of Florida in the 2001 YBOA National Tournament. Special congratulations go out to the Titan players, coaches, and fans, who exhibited class and sportsmanship during an exceptional youth basketball game.
6th Graders Qualify For AAU National Championship: With a convincing victory over the nationally ranked Orlando Sharks (scoreboard), the Blazers secured a spot in the 2001 AAU National Championship. The Blazers took a well earned second place finish in the National AAU Spring Classic. The Blazers originally finished third, but were elevated to second when the Long Island team was disqualified for having an over aged player on the roster. The competition, which included four nationally ranked teams, was exceptionally tough. You can view the playoff bracket by clicking on Spring Classic Results