The Wide of World of Sports Complex in Disney World better be prepared for an invasion of rebels. Unlike the Guerillas of Colombia these rebel soldiers have a unique talent and skill for killing their opponent, hoops style.
The Coastal Crew Rebels 17U team head to the Disney Complex in another quest for a national championship. This is the Rebels fourth appearance at the national's tournament.
"Out of 300 and something teams we placed 76th last year," Ernie Walthour, the 17U Rebels' coach said.
The tournament is schedule for July 25 through Aug. 1, and while that is a month away Walthour said there is a lot of little things they need before they hit the road.
"I hope the community will help support us," Walthour said. "We will be down there eight days and most of the trip is being funded by the center and we have some sponsors this year. But one of the factors that effects us this year is the cost of gas and anyone who would like to make a contribution to help us with this aspect would be appreciated."
The team normally travels in three vans and a SUV.
"When you got big kids that need to travel you want to make it as comfortable as you can for them," the coach said.
Walthour said any additional funds donated would be used on attraction tickets so the kids can spend one day off the courts and have a little fun.
But for the Rebels the national tournament is serious business affording our local talent a chance to be seen by top college recruits.
"It means a lot to me because we have a lot of talented kids that were not getting the proper exposure here locally," Walthour explained. "By getting them out there and qualifying for nationals they get the opportunity to play in front of a lot of college scouts. It means a lot to me and our program."
Walthour said the competitors come from all over the country and the Rebels never know who they may be matched up against.
"We did run into a good team from New York that we played two- years ago and we just have to take them as they come," Walthour said. "There was a good team out of New Jersey and Boston as well. There is just so much talent and it's just great to be in the same arena."
As an added bonus the 17U Rebels will be joined by the 16U Rebels who also qualified for nationals after finishing second at the qualifiers held in Augusta recently.
"We played for the title but came out in second place," 16U coach Mike Brown said.
"I have five players that are starters for Bradwell Institute and First Presbyterian and they just have a wealth of playing skills."
Brown said that all the kids have improved in all their positions as they played tournament after tournament saying they are being more confident and stronger in their defensive and offensive capabilities. Brown coached the same group of kids when they were in the 15U bracket and said they qualified for national that season as well but were unable to go because they were held in Detroit and they lacked the funds to get the players there. Instead he took the team to a meet at Myrtle Beach and placed four.
Brown said his team is capable of placing in the top two spots at the disney Nationals.
Anyone wishing to support the Rebels as they head to nationals may call Walthour at 980-4559. The tournament information as well as results will be posted on their web site at www.coastalcrewrebels.com
The Coastal Crew Rebels 17U team head to the Disney Complex in another quest for a national championship. This is the Rebels fourth appearance at the national's tournament.
"Out of 300 and something teams we placed 76th last year," Ernie Walthour, the 17U Rebels' coach said.
The tournament is schedule for July 25 through Aug. 1, and while that is a month away Walthour said there is a lot of little things they need before they hit the road.
"I hope the community will help support us," Walthour said. "We will be down there eight days and most of the trip is being funded by the center and we have some sponsors this year. But one of the factors that effects us this year is the cost of gas and anyone who would like to make a contribution to help us with this aspect would be appreciated."
The team normally travels in three vans and a SUV.
"When you got big kids that need to travel you want to make it as comfortable as you can for them," the coach said.
Walthour said any additional funds donated would be used on attraction tickets so the kids can spend one day off the courts and have a little fun.
But for the Rebels the national tournament is serious business affording our local talent a chance to be seen by top college recruits.
"It means a lot to me because we have a lot of talented kids that were not getting the proper exposure here locally," Walthour explained. "By getting them out there and qualifying for nationals they get the opportunity to play in front of a lot of college scouts. It means a lot to me and our program."
Walthour said the competitors come from all over the country and the Rebels never know who they may be matched up against.
"We did run into a good team from New York that we played two- years ago and we just have to take them as they come," Walthour said. "There was a good team out of New Jersey and Boston as well. There is just so much talent and it's just great to be in the same arena."
As an added bonus the 17U Rebels will be joined by the 16U Rebels who also qualified for nationals after finishing second at the qualifiers held in Augusta recently.
"We played for the title but came out in second place," 16U coach Mike Brown said.
"I have five players that are starters for Bradwell Institute and First Presbyterian and they just have a wealth of playing skills."
Brown said that all the kids have improved in all their positions as they played tournament after tournament saying they are being more confident and stronger in their defensive and offensive capabilities. Brown coached the same group of kids when they were in the 15U bracket and said they qualified for national that season as well but were unable to go because they were held in Detroit and they lacked the funds to get the players there. Instead he took the team to a meet at Myrtle Beach and placed four.
Brown said his team is capable of placing in the top two spots at the disney Nationals.
Anyone wishing to support the Rebels as they head to nationals may call Walthour at 980-4559. The tournament information as well as results will be posted on their web site at www.coastalcrewrebels.com