FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nefertiti Austin (323) 846-1649

Brotherhood Crusade PASADENA YOUTH LEAGUE

(Pasadena, CA) – The Brotherhood Crusade Travel Basketball Team won the ARC/Slam-N-Jam National Championship Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 26-31. The basketball league offers developmental training for all ability levels from beginner to advanced. Self-esteem building, confidence, healthy nutrition and fun are strictly encouraged.

Coached by Craig Stove with Stacy Barnes, Drew Edwards and Scott Chamberlain the 13 and under teams upset the undefeated Honolulu Sharks from Hawaii. Last year’s champions, the Sharks are a physically dominant team with players as tall as 6’2”. Nearly one foot taller than the BHC Travel, they used half-court and full-court trapping defense to keep the big guys from getting the ball. This tactic proved crucial in their upset victory.

The BHC Travel won five games this season in the American Roundball Corporation (ARC)/Slam-N-Jam National Championship Tournament. The ARC host eight traveling teams from as far as Mexico, and all games are NCAA sanctioned. In it’s fifteenth year, the national competition rotates between high school gyms and the Tarkanian Basketball Gyms located in Nevada.

Each player made significant contributions to the game and all of the kids played at least half the game. Coach Stover said, “Michelle Lo (guard) is the only girl on the team and she held her own on the court. She is an exceptional player and one to watch in years to come.”

Charisse Bremond, President and CEO Brotherhood has dubbed the Pasadena Youth League one of Brotherhood’s premier community programs. As such, the Brotherhood Crusade and local sponsors like Washington Mutual, Luker’s Barbershop and other local businesses ensure that all players receive a full uniform and trophy at the end of the season after meeting 70% of the attendance requirement. Players practice once a week between the hours of 5:30 and 8:30pm, for a maximum of one hour. Games are played on Saturdays. The cost to join the BHC Travel is $80 per player. Go to www.bhcsports.org for more registration information.

Founded in 1968, the Brotherhood Crusade supports underserved communities by funding and assisting numerous vital agencies. The Brotherhood Crusade supports families and individuals through ongoing supportive services, economic development, health services and education programs. It also provides special programs in times of crisis. The Brotherhood Crusade created the Brotherhood Business Development and Capital Fund, the African American Unity Center and Mothers In Action, as well as other needed agencies.

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For more information About the Brotherhood Crusade, its programs, activities and supported agencies visit the website: www.brotherhoodcrusade.org