Community Supports Local Select Team
BAY CITY- When there are events scheduled every weekend, travel arrangements that need to be made, and uniforms that cost an arm & a leg, select basketball can be somewhat overwhelming. With the school year coming to an end, practices have to be scheduled around family vacations, parent's/player's jobs, or other extracurricular activities. Expectations and coaching philosophies are laid out as coaches across the country attempt to filter out unwanted behavior and home in on players' overall skill.
Therefore, starting a team isn't as easy as people may think. Especially in a community where youth are often doubted and resources are scarce. However, Teri Saunders, known by the team as "Mama Saunders", along with her nephew, Coach Devin, have found interest in helping her husband's 8th grade basketball team.
"These boys just need to be loved on and deserve a fair shake at life", stated Mama Saunders during Saturday's fundraiser event. Saunders formed a team through her husband's affiliation with Texas Elite Adidas Basketball. The team has been practicing for the last two weeks in preparation for their first tourney May 27-28 in Frisco, TX. To help offset the overhead cost and tournament fees, Saunders organized several fundraisers to benefit her boys during the summer.
By far, Walmart is one of the most visited stores in town and the community definitely showed up for the bake sale this past weekend! After a six hour time slot, the team netted $1200 in donations. Saunders on the event: "I would like to commend Ray's mom and Quincy & Caleb's mom for their help. We couldn't have done it without them. Also, a special thanks to the members of Tyree Chapel and Odedrick's grandmother for baking those good ol' chocolate chips cookies!"
Next fundraiser will be scheduled a week before the next tournament. If you or anyone you know would like to donate to the team, click here. Otherwise contact Mama Saunders by email: marcus@txelitebasketball.com
