Team Gardner’s teens head to championship game

Team Gardner 40
Team Ray 32

Taking on the responsibility of coaching the youth at the Anna Maria Island Community Center is nothing new to the Center’s athletic department staff. This basketball season, Athletic Director Matt Ray coached two youth teams and Assistant Athletic Director Ray Gardner found himself heading up four teams. Their time and dedication make it possible for over 30 kids ranging in age from five to 17 to play with passion on the basketball court.

On Tuesday night, the two coaches once again found their teams meeting up for a spot in the championship game. The 14-to 17-year olds battled it out for two halves of play, ultimately finding Team Gardner on the top, clinching the final seat in the finals.

The game started with Team Gardner going on top with six quick points by Trent Boring and Burke Hill. Michael Latimer made a basket for Team Ray that was quickly matched by another basket by Boring, who was fouled. Boring made the free throw, taking the score to 9-2. Team Ray’s Sam Cuva made a two point shot, followed by a three point shot by Lane Burrnet.

In the remaining first half of play, Hill scored four more points, Burrnet added a basket and Jake Parsons scored four points for Team Gardner. Team Ray’s Cuva contributed 10 more points in the half, ending the play with the score at 27-22.

With a half of play remaining, Team Ray’s Latimer led the team in scoring. After a score by Burke Hill, Latimer was fouled and made one free throw. Josh Parrish rebounded and scored for Team Ray, bringing his team within four points of Team Gardner.

Team Gardner would pull ahead with eight unanswered points thanks to a free throw and three baskets by Parsons and a three-point shot by Boring. Latimer added three points for Team Ray, but his contributions would not be enough to win the game for Team Ray. The final score of 40-32 paved the way for Team Ray to go head-to-head with Team Gilman, lead by Alan Gilman, in the championship game.

The Sun Scoreboard
Tuesday, May 26

Adult Basketball

Team Kern 61
Team Ray 62

Team Mickan 33
Gator Man 38

Team Spacondra 65
Team Ray 67

Wednesday, May 27

Team Laade 21
Team Simpson20

Thursday, May 28

Adult Soccer Team Lion 6
Team 11ManGang 8

Eason Builders Team Unity 2
Island Pest Control Team smiledeep 6

Sato Real Estate Team powwowder 6
Wash Family Construction Team idigthisisland 2

Slims Place Team optimisticool 3
Team Rebellion 5

Friday, May 29

8-to-10-Year-Old Youth Basketball Championship

Island Real Estate 8
Team Calvary 12

11-to-13-Year-Old Youth Basketball Championship

Team Gardner 28
Team Laade 13

14-to 17-Year-Old Youth Basketball Championship

Team Gardner 28
Team A. Gilman 38