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Kaeem Hill looks for a teammate to pass the ball to as opponent Koran Savoy defends, during the Pee Wee championship game. Photo by John E. DeFreitas
Andray Blatche during his return to action at the Verizon Center on Fri., April 1.
Nationals Host Jackie Robinson Day Celebrations - By John E. DeFreitasOn Friday, April 15th, the Washington Nationals and the 29 other teams in Major League Baseball celebrated the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American player to play in the modern era.
Before and during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Nationals showed vignettes from Robinson’s illustrious career and life. Also, the team honored the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars Program and children from the Benjamin Banneker Little League program met with Nationals players on the field during a pre-game ceremony.
Throughout the league, all players and team personnel on the field wore the number 42 to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Robinson’s major league debut. Since 2004, the sport has designated Apr. 15th of every year to honor him.
D.C.’s Team Takeover finished the first round of the 2011 Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) sponsored by Nike with a perfect 5-0 record.
Played at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Virginia the tournament features many of the top AAU teams from around the country.
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Team Takeover is the defending champion in the 17 and under bracket which is comprised of top upcoming seniors and a select few juniors. "I was a little surprised at going 5-0 in the first round," said head coach Keith Stevens. " The kids are starting to jell similar to the chemistry we had last year."
Manny Pacquiao (right) defeated "Sugar" Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Sat., May, 7, / Courtesy Photo - New America MediaPacquiao, the eight-division world champion, succeeded in defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Mosley on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The southpaw Pacquiao again showcased his trademark power-punching and hand speed in scoring a unanimous decision win over his American challenger.
A solid left by Pacquiao dropped Mosley in the third as the Filipino champion pressed his attack.
On the stage at the Wizards practice court was representation of the past and the future of the Wizards organization. Photo by John E De Freitas.On Tues May 10, the Wizards administration introduced their new home and away uniforms to a packed Wizards practice court of invited guests. The design of the uniform is intended to be a combination of past success and the future of the team. Included on the stage to discuss the past and future of the Wizards was present owner Ted Leonsis. Representing the success of the past were Bob Dandridge and Elvin Hayes, two of the 1978 Bullets Championship team. Representing the present and future of the team were President Ernie Grunfeld, Head Coach Flip Saunders and rookies John Wall and Jordan Crawford.
“I think it’s only appropriate that our teams, playing in the heart of our nation’s capital, wear red, white and blue,” said Ted Leonsis, on the new look. “It is gratifying that we are adopting a color scheme and introducing new team marks that illustrate our exciting future while reconnecting with our proud past.”
“Our players love the new red, white and blue look and they’re looking forward to wearing the new uniforms to represent our city, our fans and our franchise,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “It’s appropriate that the Wizards, Mystics and Capitals now share their colors and the goal of bringing a championship to Washington, DC.”
Kindall Warren attempts to catch a ball at first base during Banneker City’s T-Ball game./ Photo by John E. DeFreitasAnd with the creation and growth of the Banneker City Little League, children and parents have embraced the team as its own.
The arrival of the Banneker City Little League has been well received by parents who otherwise had to tote their children to Maryland or Virginia to play baseball. Such was the case with Fatima Warren, 36, whose son Brock plays for Banneker City’s T-Ball team.
“It was really hard for us to find a sport for Brock locally. Last year we tried soccer but had to drive all the way to Montgomery County because a lot of the local areas don’t offer sports for kids as young as him,” Warren said.
Thanks to the league, Warren said that at just four-years-old, Brock has taken a genuine interest in baseball and carries his ball and glove with him everywhere he goes, which includes trips to the grocery store.
“He loves it. It’s something that he really looks forward to. He actually knows that when Wednesday comes, it’s T-Ball practice day,” Warren said.
Washington Diva RB Kenyetta Grigsby (#29) fends off Nitro LB Laura Anderson (#8) during first half action at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., on Saturday, May 7. Grigsby scored three touchdowns in the team’s victory. Prior to joining the Divas, Grigsby spent seven years as an assistant track and field coach at Howard University. / Photo by John E. DeFreitas
Marissa Coats drove in six runs as Howard’s softball team dominated Maryland Eastern Shore (7-40, 2-13 MEAC) 15-5 in five innings on Saturday, May 7, at Banneker Field in Northwest. The Bison ended the regular season 16-26 and 8-7 in conference play and will now shift their attention to the upcoming MEAC Tournament in Ormond Beach, Fla., May 12 through May 14. At halftime during Saturday’s game, Howard University honored the team’s four graduating seniors. Graduates include: Jessica Hurston, Emily Johnson, Carly Martin and Christine Sborz. In this photo, Coats stretches full-length but is unable to catch the ball before Lauren Robertson (#5) makes it home. / Photo by John E. DeFreitas Washington Diva RB Kenyetta Grigsby (#29) fends off Nitro LB Laura Anderson (#8) during first half action at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., on Saturday, May 7. Grigsby scored three touchdowns in the team’s victory. Prior to joining the Divas, Grigsby spent seven years as an assistant track and field coach at Howard University. / Photo by John E. DeFreitasTeam Takeover (DC) after two rounds of play in the Nike Elite Basketball League is the only undefeated team in the 32 team tournament. The tournament features the top seniors and juniors in the United States. Takeover which won last years championship under head coach Keith Stevens is in a position to claim the title this summer. The second round was played at the Fieldhouse in Frisco, Tx.
“I am surprised with only one returning veteran (James Robinson) that the new kids have understood the system we employ so quickly.” Stevens said.
“As a veteran I explained to the players that the speed of the game is different at the 17 level than the 16 level .” Robinson said. “ The game is quicker than they realize until we start playing.”
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