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Just can't say enough It was such an honor to travel with the 12-andunder recreation boys and girls basketball team these past two weekends. This wasn't the first time Bob and I have had this special opportunity, but it has been over two years. I can't begin to tell you about the wonderful coaches we had. It all started with coach Andrew Tinson and his assistant Darren Barber. They have spent weeks working with the boys and Andrea on numerous plays and special strategies to win ballgames. Coach Tinson has incredible integrity and his love for these kids just radiates in everything he says and does. I can't thank him enough for all the words of encouragement that he gave those kids, including Rhodes. Darren wasn't able to travel with us this weekend and he was truly missed. Next, coach Donald Bryant has been helping in every aspect since the beginning of this season. Coach Bryant is known for his "screaming" passion on the sidelines. Donald treats each and every player as if he/she was his own child. You have to love someone that has that much enthusiasm for young people. Coach Randy Isom was never far behind. He often sat on the opposite side of the game assisting players with constant encouragement and often much needed "feedback" from ECHS's basketball coach. Thanks Randy, for always being there, too. We were very fortunate to see some outstanding basketball this weekend. It all starts with our team "leader" Jacori Taylor who has led the team to big wins over the past two weekends. Jacori, or "Smiling Jacori" as he is called by Bob and me sometimes averaged 30 to 35 points a game. His technique is aweinspiring and his sweet manner makes him truly loved by all of us. One of the greatest things about Jacori is his humility. Jacori is always a team player! Ladonis Bryant or "LD" to us did a fabulous job of shooting a few crucial 3 pointers - one of which put us back ahead in the final game. LD's fast pace helped us to break the press and led us to victory. His commitment never stopped. He was still carrying our trophy the last time I saw him at 9 p.m. Saturday night. There aren't enough words to tell you about Dontavious Favors. Sometimes this weekend we found ourselves in foul trouble and our starters a little rattled. Anytime one of our leaders was off - another one stepped in and stole the show. Dontavious penetrated up the middle numerous times. Everytime he went to the free throw line he came up with two points. We should name him "Smooth" because all the other team saw was the net shaking. His balls never even touched the rim. He was a vital part of the big win Saturday. Brakari Isom is such a strong defensive player. You can always count on him to do his best. You can put him man to man against any player, and he always holds his own. Kendarius Williams was our man under the goal. If the other team tried to get Jacori, we could feed the ball to Kendarius for 2 points under the goal. He never gave up! Kendarius is always a little quiet but every now and then you would see that sweet smile appear. Shaq Severson or just "Severson" to us was seen numerous times jumping in the air and rebounding the ball. Severson stepped up to help when others became a little down on themselves. Severson's sense of humor helped keep his team upbeat. Sometimes things didn't go the way we planned them. It didn't help at the first game Friday night - we had to play not only the other team but the officials, too. Our second string responded to the challenge which proved it does take a "whole team" of committed friends to win. Caleb Morrell did an outstanding job defensively. He needs a new nickname, perhaps "Boomerang." Everytime Bob and I looked up Caleb was all over the court stealing balls and taking a "direct hit" for the team. He was like a ping pong ball. He did a super job for his team! Antonio "AJ" Jackson, Andrea Tinson and Rhodes Collier did a good job of coming in and helping out when the first team was floundering. AJ was quick on his feet. He was always anxious to help his team out. Andrea made baskets under the goal when the ball was fed to her - not to mention she was the prettiest ballplayer. Rhodes did a good job of passing the ball effectively taking time off the clock, and bringing the ball down the court. The second string really shined Friday night playing most of the game. This group represented Blakely with a lot of class. You would have been very proud of the outstanding character these kids represented. I sure was. The most important part of this experience is the love that was shared among friends and players. I can't say enough about "Moon" Tinson as she is called by the kids. She was truly a mother to the whole team. She is not only beautiful on the outside, but is more beautiful on the inside. She always made sure those kids whose parents weren't able to come had everything they needed. Keisha Isom was our resident cheerleader! Keisha and baby Bryce were always there cheering our team to victory and hugging everyone after the game. We can't forget Tonya and Dionis Bryant and the Reggie Williams gang. They were loud supporters at the games. It seems as if we have been playing ball together for a lifetime. This year we really missed Dee Hutchins and Ladonis Yarbrough and their families. This is the first time they haven't been with us playing. Dee did travel with us and kept us in stitches most of the time. We were very happy to have the Morrells with us for the first time as well as AJ's family. I can't thank all of you enough for being so good to my family. You have truly welcomed us and made us feel like a part of your family. The last few weeks have been filled with tragedy in Blakely. These last two weekends with all of you are memories that we will not soon forget. I hope you know how special you are to all of us - especially to Rhodes. He adores his teammates and their families. I hope God will continue to bless you for the goodness you have given to others. I hope that we will have at least five more years of ball playing together. With deepest sincerity, Bob, Ashley and
Rhodes Collier
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