 D1 SPORTS & ATHLETICS BACKCOURT NEWS
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3rd Annual Loudoun Invitational Tournament
(Save the Date April 10-12)
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AAU RULE CHANGE
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On October 28, 2014 AAU posted new eligibility for AAU competitive play. All athletes to play in their age division must be that age by August 31, 2014 to compete at that age group; therefore division play will no longer be based on the school grade of the athlete.
AAU Website
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Time Out
with Coach Wiggins
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Here are some tips and tricks to help you become a better sports parent for your student athlete. The role of the parent is often not in youth sports. If we are asking our players to get better, then shouldn't we as parents work to be better as well. Youth basketball is a team sport and everyone has a role, even you the parent. Here is a video to help explain just how you can help. Interested in more information, email me at: Xtremeeffort@yahoo.com See you in the gym and
"Get off the Bench"!
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Resist the urge to Fix it...
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A multitude of basketball resources all together under one organization. LU has it all - the best of the best can guide your athlete to basketball success - now and in their future. Connected throughout the county to all things basketball - LU is all about OPPORTUNITY and EXPOSURE. Our boundaries go far past the lines of Loudoun - we bring local, regional, and even NATIONAL opportunities to your doorstep.
Check out the website to see how LU can help you.
- Player profiles
- Showcases
- the answer to your big question: What is next for my player?
www.LoudounUnited.org Loudoun United Tryouts: Fielding Boys and Girls 15U, 16U and 17U Teams for Spring 2015
(more info to follow)
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Become part of the group of Loudoun County Ballers called Loudoun Basketball Society. This society hosts special events to bring together competitors from all teams throughout the county; so friends, teammates and ballers can unite with a common love of the game. #ballslife
Join LBS! |
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OFF THE COURT BY THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
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This year, Spartan Invasion 2014 has seen much growth for the Spartan Nation. Our spring season began with over 400 student athletes battling to become a Spartan on one of our 26 spring season teams. These D1SA teams invaded local, regional, state and national arenas. With numerous victories, as well as some heartfelt defeats the Spartan Nation left its mark on courts throughout the region and up and down the East Coast. But more importantly as a Nation, D1SA developed into a stronger, quality basketball program and a unified family. The highlight of the season was the victorious rise of D1SA's showcase 8th grade Boys Elite team placing 3rd at the National Championship in August. With years of preparation and self-discipline this Elite team through victories and defeats became Spartans.
This class of student athletes is the cornerstone of our D1SA programming, as they exemplify the qualities and characteristics of a Spartan that is referred to as the Spirit of a Spartan. Being a D1SA Spartan is a way of life for these boys. The Spartan Indoctrination series officially began this fall to teach and develop skilled basketball athletes at all levels to become Spartans that embody the Spirit of a Spartan. The Spartan Indoctrination series is a year-round weekly practice series that develops the spirit of competition through intense basketball drills. It's the will to compete that drives a student athlete to go beyond their comfort zone to achieve success.
The greatest complement to the D1SA program was placing 26 freshman Spartans student athletes on their High School Varsity and Junior Varsity basketball teams. This did not happen automatically, the dedication of this class of athletes gives something for all younger Spartans to aspire to achieve. Hard work, dedication and sacrifice led these freshman athletes to the visualization of their goals and are proof that the D1SA program leads to success.
Continuing to bring quality basketball exposure to Loudoun County, D1SA again this year co-hosted the 2nd Annual Loudoun Invitational. Over 120 teams throughout the state came to Loudoun County in April to participate at the LIT. Also this spring D1SA hosted an AYBA State Qualifier, as well as the AYBA State Tournament. D1SA is proud to lend its support to AYBA, a nationally recognized quality, competitive basketball association.
Throughout the summer D1SA teams continued to battle in summer league and tournament play both locally and nationally. D1SA is extremely proud of the individual development and growth of its elementary boys and girls program. Additionally D1SA anticipates great things from it middle school athletic talent this forthcoming spring season.
Thanks to the support of the entire Spartan Nation, D1SA continues to unite our basketball community by providing more programming and outlets for both the developmental and competitive student athlete. As Athletic Director of this Nation, I am committed to seeking ways to prepare our athletes to compete at the next level.
Spartans, Rise Above in 2015.
Coach Eric Williams
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Hard work has paid off for 26 freshman D1SA student athletes who made their High School Varsity and Junior Varsity basketball teams this fall. "These athletes have worked hard to get there," says Coach Williams. D1SA congratulates starting point guard for Loudoun Valley Varsity, Jalen Williams, who has racked up an impressive 71 points in the first six games of the season. In the season openers D1SA Freshman girls have excelled at their craft. For Potomac Falls, starting Varsity point guard Jalyn Reid helped turn the game around to win against Dominion, scoring an impressive 22 points. In the season opener game Heritage versus Tuscarora, opposing D1SA freshman starting guards, Julia Ng, Heritage and Kennedy Middleton, Tuscarora were both leading scorers for their respective teams. Julia put up 18 points and Kennedy had 14 points. "Continue to follow this class of freshman; they are going to leave behind a legacy," Williams proudly boasts.
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 Way to go Spartans!
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Spartan Elite boys on winning the 3rd Place AAU National Title. D1SA Spartan Elite competed during the 2014 Spring and Summer Season to qualify and receive a bid to compete in the prestigious AAU National Championship July 29th - August 1st in Hampton, VA. At Nationals, the players competed against other teams from West Virginia, NYC, Long Island, Connecticut, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. During the National Championship, the 8th Grade D1SA Spartan Elite team won all of their games except for 1 loss to the 2nd place team by 4 points. Congratulations for your National Title as well as the many Tournament Championships you won around the DMV this past Spring and Summer season. Good Luck to these players as they start their High School careers in Loudoun County.
In the news at vivaloudoun.com |
D1SA Spartan Indoctrination
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 To be a Spartan takes preparation, this is our brand, but the Spartan Indoctrination Series is open to any athlete that seeks avenues to excel at their craft. Hosted by D1SA Coaches and Staff, the Spartan Indoctrination series teaches and develops the skills of the student athlete while developing the spirit of competition through intense basketball drills. It is the will to compete that drives a student athlete to go beyond their comfort zone to achieve success. Through this program the student athlete will be challenged at intense levels to play harder and stronger than ever before. The goal of this series is for the student athlete to transform and develop a skill-set that promotes self-discipline and hard work to embody the Spirit of a Spartan. In a word: preparation. Are you ready to work? More Info on the Spartan Indoc |
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D1SA Holiday Training Camp
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Spartans Winter Break Camp for boys and girls in grades 3rd to 8th. is now open for registration. Sessions will be conducted by the D1SA coaching staff with a special training session by Patrick Robinson aka "Pat the Roc" referred to as the World's Greatest Dribbler. His philosophy is built upon A.I.P. "
Anything is Possible," as he motivates young athletes to succeed in their goals of playing ball at any level.
Read more about Pat the Roc here.  Dates: Monday, December 22, Tuesday, December 23; Monday, December 29; Tuesday, December 30; and Wednesday, December 31st Full day, morning or afternoon sessions available. Full Day - 8:00am to 5:00pm Morning - 8:00am to 12:00pm
Afternoon - 1:00pm to 5:00pm Location: Loudoun Sports Training Facility 75 Lawson Road, SE, #205, Leesburg, VA Click Here for Directions
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D1SA proudly acknowledges Kevin Miller of Sciolex Corporation and Tony and Christine Frazier for their generosity. Donations help support our programming, but in large fund the D1SA Scholarship program. D1SA provided over twe nty scholarships to qualified student athletes allowing them to participate on our teams this year. D1SA is committed to helping the under-served visualize their goals through the sport of basketball competition.
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Support D1SA Programming with a donation. Donations can also be directed to a specified team or athlete . Each season D1SA has qualified student athlete applicants that need financial support to join our programs. Take this opportunity to support our programming, sponsor a D1SA team or Athlete. You can make a difference; no donation is too small.
Go Above the Rim: Sponsorships@D1-Sportsathletics.org
We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt
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 One of the pillars of D1SA is to instill in our student athletes a sense of community service. This holiday season, D1SA athletes are collecting toys for critically ill children at Inova Fairfax Children's Hospital. New toys for any age, books, coloring books or even just crayons may be dropped off at the Loudoun Sports Training Facility and at Douglas during the Spartan Indoc. D1SA thanks Carrie Jenkins for organizing and facilitating this worth while service project that encourages our student athletes to be socially responsible. D1SA athletes are also participating in the Make-a-Wish letter writing campaign. Macy's  will make a $1 donation for each letter to the Make-a-Wish foundation as they try to break the Guinness World Records Achievement for the longest wish list to Santa. Athletes have been gathering and writing letters to help sponsor this event that generates money for the Make-a-Wish foundation. Please encourage your student athletes to participate in this community service project.
Write your letter online here!
Don't forget to drop your toys off at Loudoun Sports Training!
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SPIRIT OF A SPARTAN
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D1SA seeks to highlight Spartan athletes that exemplify the Spartan Way of Life. D1SA honors the following student athletes for exemplifying the Spirit of a Spartan.
On and off the court these athletes have admirable qualities that
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPARTANS
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Chase Pavolic, 2nd Grade, Waterford ES
Chase, who is one of the Spartan's youngest athletes, followed his two brothers onto the D1SA courts. Coach Williams said, " He has great promise with a natural affection for the game; he just loves to play." "D1 has enabled Chase to grow as a student of the game. Though he is young, D1 teaches the fundamentals which has allowed Chase to grow tremendously over the past year," says his father Dan. Chase brings all his enthusiasm with him to the gym, Williams said, "his instinct for the game is rare; he's never afraid and he's just in the second grade! He is the future of D1SA." "Chase has made great friends outside of his normal day being a part of the organization. Through the game of basketball, the D1 coaching staff has enabled Chase to build confidence on the court and off the court," his father adds. |
Raquel "Rocky" Elardo, 4th Grade, Frances Hazel Reid ES
Rocky started playing as a Spartan on the first 3rd grade girl's team last spring. Rocky plays soccer, swims, does acro/tumbling and will ride any roller coaster anytime, anywhere! Coach Williams said, "Since Rocky began last year she has seen much improvement because of her relentless work ethic and she's a competitor. At practice she trains to get better; she's become a strong team player this year." As she has gained confidence being a Spartan says her father, she has also developed a competitive drive, not just on the court, but also in the classroom. Look for Rocky to be Spartan for Life as she has made friendships and that camaraderie has helped to build a better team. |
Jordan Jackson, 7th Grade, James Wood Middle School
Jordan is a.k.a. The "Truth" as he is fondly referred to by Coach Williams. Coach Williams said undeniably, "Jordan is an out-of-this-world athlete! The most amazing thing is that he doesn't really know how good he is." His dad Scott adds that being a Spartan has made Jordan more competitive, with that killer instinct, and more of a team player. Jordan comes to work and now understands the correlation between daily work in the gym and excelling in the game. His dad said, "he enjoys the competition level, the quality of the games played, and the coaching style. We believe D1SA is a top-notch organization. It's about the kids...and not the coaches' egos." I see great promise in Truth, he's a leader. He falls in direct line with my original Spartan warriors. I would take him into any battle on any court and succeed. He's real special, " Coach Williams said.
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Allison Traub, 8th Grade, Blue Ridge MS
For Allison being a Spartan is a way of life, as she's follows in all three of her older brothers' footsteps who for the past eight year have been Spartans. On the court and off the court... Mom, Dad and the entire clan are a D1SA Spartan Family. Perhaps Allison's first love and natural talent is for soccer, as she plays for Loudoun Travel Soccer O1G Red, ODP Northern District, but she just loves being a Spartan. Julia, her mom said, "D1SA has provided Allison with the confidence and determination that she applies to all aspects of her life...in school and on the pitch as well as the basketball court. She strives to be better at all that she does because in her opinion good is not enough...she wants to be the best!" Although you will never see her without a smile on her face, Allison truly personifies, the philosophy of No Fear, No Retreat, No Surrender. Coach Williams remarks that Allison steps on the court to do work, she wants to be better. Never backing down from a challenge whether that's making the honor roll at school or excelling in her sport, Allison has taken to heart the true spirit of being a Spartan. |
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Kayren Gaither, 9th Grade, Heritage HS
Kayren became a Spartan for D1SA's first girl's team in the spring of 2013. She continues to develop her game, as she is one of the founding members of the D1SA Overachieving Nation of Spartans. Kayren was recognized as a top contender in 2013 at USJN AAU Nationals in Washington, DC. Coach Williams said, "Kayren has a quite way of competing that comes out on the court with aggression and passion for the game." "My passion is basketball," she states emphatically, but also enjoys soccer and track & field competition. For two years, Kayren led the pack at Harper Park MS placing in the top five in the Hurricane Mile run. Coming from her family roots, she is committed to civic duty volunteering regularly with Central Loudoun Basketball League, First Mt. Olive Baptist Church and for the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Annual Child Safety Day. Her mom, Karen, who is also a D1SA coach, says Kayren feels blessed to be part of the D1SA family. D1SA has given her the tools to move to the next level making her a competitor, team player, giving her court vision and confidence to play the game of basketball, says her father Gary, who also serves on the Advisory Board for D1SA.
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 Billie Walker, 9th Grade, Dominion HS
Billie joined D1SA just this spring as a dynamic, defensive player for the original Spartan Elite boy's showcase team. "Billie is a natural athlete, that raw ability to compete is instilled in his core," said Coach Williams. Billie added an element of aggression to the team, but his real love and true talent is on the grind iron. Billie was the only freshman to make the Dominion Varsity starting football squad. Billie, who lost his father an early age, finds sports as an outlet for his life and has dreams and aspirations of playing college ball. But perhaps an even more admirable goal, Billie one day would like to coach young, under-served athletes. Billie, in his early life, understands that all kids need a role model and he aspires to be that for others. Billie recently wrote this in a school essay, "...many people have helped me in my life with sports, I want to be able to give back to young kids one day too." Although recovering from a football ankle injury, Billie recently made the JV Dominion basketball squad and can't wait to get back out there and compete. "Look for this boy's name in the forthcoming years, he may be one of the ones, that despite adversity, makes it. He's that kind of athlete," Williams said. |
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D1SA means Opportunity...
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D1 Sports & Athletics (D1SA) is a competitive and developmental,
non-profit Basketball organization founded in 2011 to bring the year-round
sport of basketball to life in Loudoun County.
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673 Potomac Station Drive #122
Leesburg, VA 20176
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Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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