Houston Invitational

Last Sunday, June 10, I was sitting in my recliner watching television. I got a phone call from a good coaching friend of mine; and, he said, "KG, meet me at Hofheinz at 6 o'clock. Karima (Christmas) and Adaora (Elonu) are playing in a tournament."

I told my friend, "I'll be there."

While driving to my alma mater, I thought to myself "Tournament? I didn't know about any tournament taking place this weekend?"

Well, I got to UH; parked; and, I saw a lot of cars in the parking lot of the UH Athletics Center; so, clearly, people knew about this tournament and I was simply in the dark about it.

I met my friend inside Hofheinz; and, I found out the tournament had been going on all weekend. The tournament, the inaugural "MY Stars Houston Angels Houston Invitational", was for boys' and girls' teams from the fifth through 12th grade. Oddly enough, UH basketball legend Rickie Winslow and his ROWDY foundation, helped organize and run the tournament.

The tournament was actually an event:
*Special Guest Appearances by Kevin Cook & "Sweet" Lou Dunbar.
*Raffles: Signed Basketballs, Comets tickets & Gift Cert. & More!
*Coaches Clinic: Kevin Cook, former WNBA Coach.
*3 Point Shooting Contest (Winner gets trophy).
*Free Throw Shooting Contest (Winner gets trophy).

I was impressed with the talent on the court; but, I was also a little disappointed because I wasn't told of the tournament earlier. I'm not blaming anyone. The miscommunication simply shows I still have work to do regarding getting the word out to the people associated with girls AAU basketball in the Greater Houston area about The Houston Roundball Review and KCOH 1430 AM's Sports Rap show. However, from the three plus hours I attended the tournament, I made contacts with people and coaches which will benefit all of us in the near and distant future.

I mentioned Karima and Adaora in the opening paragraph; and, I did see them play basketball. Though I interviewed her in Cleveland at the WBCA High School All America Game, I didn't realize what a tremendous physical body Karima Christmas has! Her game matches her body, too. I wish Karima good luck and success at Duke University (yes, Duke) in the fall and throughout her future.

Adaora appeared on Sports Rap a few weeks ago; but, I had not yet seen her play basketball until Sunday. She's a natural. Adaora makes them game look easy; however, she needs to work on her passing and play with more aggression consistently. I'm sure Adaora's game will continue improving for the Houstonians 17 and Alief Elsik HS and whichever college she chooses to attend and further her education and her basketball career in the future.

The tournament was not NCAA sanctioned which means college coaches were not allowed to attend; however, the plan is for the tournament to be sanctioned next year and in the future. Ultimately, the hope is for the tournament to become the biggest girls' basketball tournament in Houston and the country. Sounds good to me.

I look forward to bigger and better things from the Houston Invitational in the future.