Deon Hunter-Servant Leader

"Seeking World Changers"

2012-01-05T04:35:00.000-08:00

The bible says, In the beginning was the word and that the word was with God and the word was God. John 1:1

When I was 33, God called me into the youth sports ministry. Throughout my journey I continue to lean on the lord for strength, confidence, courage, patience, guidance and wisdom. There's no place I'de rather be today than serving the lord through youth sports ministry.

"I faithfully and fully believe in God and I pray that my walk in life will be pleasing unto Him."

I continue to seek world changers (coaches/trainers) who are called (by God) and who feel led (by God) and who are committed to serving the Lord by teaching Biblical Christian Principles, Christian Family Values and The Game of Basketball.

Seeking World Changers

" Reflections"

2012-01-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

This morning as I reflect on life I choose to remain hopeful that during mans life on earth all of us will come to recognize that the world needs more God fearing men and women who will stand firm against the wickedness of man and choose to be heirs of righteousness.

Our world continues to transcend into more unrighteousness, lawlessness, lack of moral judgement, dishonesty, foolishness, lack of regard for our sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers as well as our respect for race and humanity.

It's too bad that many of our great great grand parents and our forefathers are no longer alive and aren't able to lead us, guide us and shepherd us in the ways of righteousness. However they did put in place two foundational truths that we should all remember, "God Created Man Equally" and that we are "One Nation Under God Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All."

Reflections

My Christmas Wish for Kid's Who've Been Led Astray

2011-12-21T04:54:00.000-08:00

"My Christmas Wish is for All of God's Children who've been Led Astray- Come Home."

It's no secret that everyone who has children Hope that they'll always walk in the paths of righteousness. But we all know through our own personal experiences that that's not always going to happen.

Proverbs 22:6 tells parents to train up a child in the way they should go and if they walk away they will return. I believe it's one of the most important proverbs in the bible.

Many children and teens are losing their childhood purity and innocence to street gangs, violent behavior, drug use, poor self-esteem, lack of parental guidance, uneducated & educated peer groups, lack of respect for rules, lack of boundaries, feeling of loneliness, hopelessness and the ongoing desire to rebel against parental rules, rights and the laws of our land.

This Christmas Season if you have a child/teen or know of anyone who has a child/teen who has chosen or have been led away from their home and from the Lord, join me in prayer this holiday season as we give God the Glory for their return home.

Divorce The Worlds Way of Thinking & Marry the Kingdom Way of Thinking

2011-12-16T05:09:00.001-08:00

Today, I would like to suggest to anyone who smiles when others are looking but are really hurting on the inside, living in fear, who lacks financial bliss, who lacks healing, who deals with generational family discourse, who lacks marital & relational bliss, who lacks self esteem, who's debt is at the ceiling and who thinks it can't get any better. If you're thinking in accordance to the way the world thinks then you're a perfect candidate for a divorce from the worlds way of thinking.

As a Christian, my suggestion is to divorce the ways in which the world thinks and marry the ways that God has commanded us to think. Mark 11:23 says, "Whatever we ask for, Believe that we have received it, and it will be yours."

Let's start speaking God's truths and promises into every phase of our day to day lives. The key is whatever we ask God for we must have Faith and Believe we have already received it in advance. That's the Kingdom way of thinking, not the worlds way of thinking.

The worlds economy is not God's economy, it's mans. Don't limit yourself by believing that we are destined to fail when God says we are destined to succeed. Stop thinking like the world and start thinking like a child of a King. Renew your mind by speaking positive words into every single one of your life's situations. God wants us to take all of our mountains (problems) in our lives and cast them into the sea and let the sea swallow them up. Let's do it together!

"My Walk With Christ"

2011-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

When I was 33 years old, I fully surrendered my life to Christ, put away all of my foolish behavior and rededicated my life to Him. I asked God to forgive me for all of my sins and I asked Him to affirm my purpose in life, show me the way and order my steps. And with that I told God that I would serve Him faithfully until the end of my time on earth.

I then became dedicated to reading, studying, meditating, listening, fellow shipping, obeying and living a God centered life. Since then, I've never looked back (It's almost like I put the handcuffs on and threw away the key). Thank God for taking an ordinary man and giving him stewardship over an extraordinary Christian youth sports organization.

"Being a born again Christian is never easy but as long as we stay in constant fellowship with the father, we stand united in Christ". And to be in constant fellowship with Christ means that we must meditate on the word of God daily; it's food for our soul and gives us endurance for our journey. It also gives us hope, strength, wisdom, joy, piece, dominion over sinful thoughts, power, discernment, Godly favor, happiness and a genuine heart towards helping other lost sinners come to know Christ.

The hardest thing for man to do is to find the strength to surrender from the life of sin and choose to walk in fellowship with the lord! It can be done but it does take courage!

"My Christmas Tear"

2011-12-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

As I sit behind my desk meditating on how blessed I am to be able to leave work today, go home and spend time with my family. I'm reminded of the Hoop Hunter families who lost love ones and how much they're going to be missed this Christmas.

Our Hoop Hunter families are very dear and special to me. Words can't describe the level of impact that so many children and parents have had on my life, it's actually indescribable.

The past 2 years (2011), we lost 5 very special members of our Hoop Hunter Family that I thought would live to see the next 20-50 years. And each of them had a profound impact on me (including my family) that will never be forgotten.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our lord and savior, I'm reminded of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who gave their life to Him before going to heaven. For them, it's a win win because they knew the lord and are with Him. But again, there's still a tear this Christmas that will fall from my face because I truly do love them and they will be genuinely missed.

God bless each of you who have lost love ones throughout the years, just promise not to forget your love ones along your journey though this life.

My Christmas Tear!

Living the Happy Life

2011-12-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

"What Are We Chasing" when everything we need is Jesus. All we have to do is ask Him to come and live inside of our hearts and then choose to follow Him, not chase Him.

For those of you who are interested Living the Happy Life; I recommend that you get into a bible teaching church, fellowship with other believers, read and study the word of God daily, pray to God without ceasing and obey the commandments of God. This is the only way that I know to tell you how to gain access to Living the Happy Life!

P.S. "Life is bitter and life is sweat but with Jesus in our hearts we can't be beat". With Jesus We Win!

Nothing Is Impossible For God!

2011-11-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Only God Can Be God

2011-11-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

White Christmas-Wonder & Wishes

2011-11-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Things My Father Told Me As a Teenager!

2011-11-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

1. Respect your mother.

2. Don't stay out after midnight because bad things normally happens after midnight.

3. When you get paid, put some of your money back for yourself (save money).

4. Don't date but one girl at a time.

5. Don't play the dozen with others.

6. Always keep gas in your car.

7. Always put your keys where you can find them.

8. Read the word as often as you can.

9. Bad company corrupts good character.

10. Never forget where you came from.

Proper Training Involves Discipline Workouts & Commitment

2011-11-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hoop Hunter's Taking Pride During Training Sessions. It's The Desire, Discipline and Dedication that Eventually Shapes the Lives and Hearts of Each of These Players.

HHB 22 years and growing!

Winning with the Presence of the Holy Spirit During Training

2011-11-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

The bible dictionary tells us that the Holy Spirit is God's Spirit. It says that God's Spirit lives within all Christians to help them, communicate God's truth to them, convict them of sin, convince them that God's ways are right, and comforts them when they are sad (John 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-15). The Holy Spirit is also known as the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, the Counselor and the Helper.

God sent the Holy Spirit to guide us after Jesus left the earth (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit gives gifts and Godly Characteristics called the fruit of the Spirit (Romans 12:4-13).

Prior to each of my basketball training sessions I pray to God to give me the super natural ability to teach and learn about my students and their needs in ways that can only be explained by yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to order my words and my steps during training.

The best way that I can explain it: As if I'm the driver of a car on a two lane road and to the left and right of me are huge corn fields and grass but no roads. In the natural, I have the skills and I'm capable of driving and continuing on the road that I can clearly see ahead. But in the super natural way the Holy Spirit speaks to me and He tells me to get ready to turn left up the road. Bare in mind that in the natural, I realize that there's no path that can be taken off the road ahead because on sides of the road are huge corn fields and grass. But because I believe, trust and know to yield to the Holy Spirit, I veer to the left (off the road) as the Holy Spirit takes over and began to speak through me (this is when I say things that comes from the Lord and not Deon). After He's through speaking through me, He takes me back to the road in which I was previously on and my journey continues.

To win with the presence of the Holy Spirit, we must all learn to yield to God's voice and obey His command so that His message can be heard through us.

Just me!

Deon Hunter

The Original Hoop Hunter in Action

2011-10-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

The original Hoop Hunter in Action. Remember nothing is too hard to accomplish if you commit yourself fully to the task!

Deon Hunter

"Those who Trust in the Lord will be Strengthened"

2011-08-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Psalm 91:1

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:9-11

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.

I pray that each of you will remember to hold on to the promises of our Lord God Almighty. His words are the words of truths. No weapons formed against His children will prosper. Hold on and be strong in the word of God!

Respectfully,

Deon

Tired of Division & Politics in Youth Sports?

2011-08-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Adopt The “Community Connection Pledge”

The Community Connection Pledge” is an idea that together we must make a genuine effort to work with one another in a respectful and harmonious way towards building one another up and bridging the gaps that so often divides us and eventually causes people in the community to take sides. We must stop doing things that brings about decades of anger, hopelessness and generational and community bitterness.
This article is not meant to bash anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings but as a community leader, I have heard numerous stories regarding the mistreatment of children and the politics that school administrators, coaches and teachers play when it comes to the treatment of children.

Now on the other hand, I have also spoken to several veteran coaches, teachers and counselors who also feel like certain parents and kids are just a nightmare from “Elms Street”. They feel like parents and kids want to run things and make decisions for them. Some even want grades changed for no valid reason and preferential treatment because of their statues in the society. This is wrong! Everyone should be held to the same standard. And of course who loses? Everyone!

By chance, did you know that the average teacher, coach and or administrator prefer not to live in the community in which they work. Have you ever wondered why? We’ll, I’m sure you have the answer by now. Many don’t feel they’re wanted or loved by the community (now that’s a shame). And in addition to that they don’t want to walk down the isle of the grocery store, bank, nail salon or restaurant and run into an angry family or family relative who’s still upset about how their child or cousin was treated years ago. Now, who wants to live like this? No one!

As for children and their parents, they too must shoulder some of the blame. In my opinion, parents should teach their children to respect people of authority. And in many cases they too must be reminded that they don’t get to run other people’s business. There seems to be this ongoing power struggle between all parties and everyone who’s not involved in the issues are invited to be the jury. They too get caught up in taking sides. Now, if the two parties who have the problem become aware of others who are affiliated with the complainant or the perpetrators, they too can become victims or perpetrators to the division and politics that are being played. And again, who wins? No one, everyone loses. Let’s stop this nonsense!

The “Community Connection Pledge” is an idea that I would like to see adopted by all school districts. The main purpose would be to stop the division and politics in school classrooms, athletics and extracurricular activities. It’s time for everyone to unite, accept their roles and respect their differences. Everyone can’t be the CEO. Together we must respect rules and people of authority. Also school officials and parents shouldn’t discriminate, verbally abuse each other, disassociate nor hold grudges against each other because they don’t agree. It’s okay to agree to disagree. Let’s look at it this way, without the teacher there’s no learning, without the coach there’s no team, without the children there’s no job, without the parent there’s no booster club and without the community there’s no financial support. Let’s start by forgiving one another and asking God to change our hearts. It not too late!

Working together everyone wins!

Deon Hunter-Just Me!

Rebekah Beard "The Real Deal Coach & Mentor"

2011-04-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

Rebekah Beard is truly one of Hoop Hunter Basketball's most outstanding young talented coaches. She currently coaches our 2011 7th grade girls off-season club basketball team. She's a natural leader. Rebekah prepares well for practices and games. She has a very unique way of getting through to young players. Because of her extensive basketball experience working with kids in the inner city, she has developed the enormous ability to impact the lives of young ladies in a positive and creative way. And to top it off, she's a Christ follower and not ashamed of it.

Hoop Hunter Basketball would like to recognize Rebekah for her outstanding contribution to kids and communities throughout the country. Rebekah currently coaches in Southlake, Texas.

She's A Special Hoop Hunter

2011-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

C-A-R-A S-C-Z-E-P-A-N-S-K-I

(Cara Sczepanski)

Is the proud daughter of Bill and Carolyn Sczepanski and she has a very special brother that she loves and his name is Cain.

Cara began her athletic career as a kid and then found her way to Hoop Hunter Basketball when she was in the 6th grade. As a kid Cara always showed a liking for instruction. She was a student of the game from day one. Although she played basketball as an undersized 5'9 low post player, most people don't know that she's an above average 3 point shooter as well.

She's funny, quiet at times, smart, intelligent, focused, driven, responsible, articulate, friendly, goal oriented, Christ-follower, has a heart for special needs children and well educated.

Cara attended Marcus High School where she played a key role in the success of the program. She played varsity as a sophmore and later became the leader by example throughout her high school career. Some of her achievements in high school includes; McDonald's All-American Team (nominee), TGCA All-State (2006-2007), TABC All-Area, District Player of the Year (2006 & 2007), All-time leading scorer (1,561 points) for Marcus High School, TGCA All-State-Academic and TABC All-State-Academic.

As a young player, she played a lot of AAU summer basketball. She was very committed to personal growth and development in other areas of her life outside of basketball. She's has devoted her life to being a Christ-follower. As a young player, I can remember several moments when she was being challenged to be her very best that she would tear up because she felt that she wasn't measuring up to standards that had been established. She would always say," whatever you do, don't take it easy on me."

"In our organization, we believe that easy streets leads to dead ends, therefore we are always striving to help kids succed beyond their expectations even if the pain that comes from working hard leads to gains in other areas of their lives."

After graduating high school Cara chose to stay close to home and attend The University of Dallas to continue her eduation and love for game of basketball.

During her Freshman year (2007-08), she played 27 games for Dallas, averaging 16.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Some of her accolades for her first season included the 2007-08 AD3I First Team and Top 75 in scoring and field goal percentage in NCAA DIII. Letter winner.

During her Sophmore year (2008-09), she increased her production by averaging 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game. She was also named MVP, 2008-09 by the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC), All -Conference Second Team, 2008-09 AD3I First Team and was Top 50 in scoring in NCAA DIII. Letter winner.

During her Junior year (2009-10), she averaged 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game. She was again named as the MVP and earned 2009-10 NEAC All-Conference Second Team Honors, AD3I All-Independent First Team/Player of the Year and earned United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-American Honors. Letter winner.

She's currently in her senior year (2010-11) and is averaging 17 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. For her career at The University of Dallas, she's averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in 100 games. Way to go Cara!

The Records She Currently Holds are Listed Below:

Rebounds in a season: 270 (2009-10)

Games played in a season: 28 (2009-10); tied

Career field goals: 627

Career field goal percentage: 46.1

Career free throws: 513

Career points: 1,776

Cara's career goal is to become an optometrist!

Hoop Hunter Basketball would like to solute Cara for here many efforts on the basketball court and in the classroom. Keep up the good work.

Deon Hunter-President

Hoop Hunter Inc.

http://www.hoophunter.com/

Winning & Losing

2011-02-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

"Before winning can become a culture, losing must become a bitter taste that a team decides they don't want to define them."

In youth sports, losing can become a habit if those who are playing the game don't recognize the importance of being properly prepared for competition. Too often young players don't realize the importance of team work, communication, offensive and defensive team execution and carrying out the coaches game plan. Without a plan, teams fail. And when teams have a plan but chooses not to follow the plan, they fail.

Players must agree to work together in a harmonious way meanwhile respecting each others differences. And together with prayer, faith, determination and teamwork, they can develop a tradition of winning versus losing. No one wants to be a loser!

"Quality Time Well Spent by Two Fathers"

2010-12-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

For the last 8 years both Clint and Willis have been involved with Hoop Hunter Basketball. Both men are rich in spirit and they love the lord. No matter how difficult of a work schedule they have, you can always count on them being involved in the affairs of their kids. Both have son's who have either graduated college, attending college or is preparing for college. And the top it off the boys are interested in the medical and engineering field. This speaks volumes as to what education means to both families.

Both Clint and Willis are good friends, they once lived in the same neighborhood when the boys were little. They both still enjoy playing pick-up basketball. Willis even enjoys coaching a little during the off-season to help his son's high school program.

Throughout the years, I have witnessed both men spend countless hours mentoring their son's as well as their son's friends. Both men have wonderful wives who have been equally involved in raising their 3 son's.

"Hat's off to Clint and Willis for being good fathers, role models, mentors and for spending quality time with their kids".

About Last Night! What a Game!

2010-11-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

Last night, I got a chance to attend the Whataburger High School Basketball Tournament. I rarely get many opportunities to watch high school basketball games during the early part of the season because many times I'm training younger players and getting them ready to play. But for me, last night was different. And if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't miss it for the world. What a Game!

During the early part of the night as I walked into the gym, I noticed several current and former players getting ready to play with their high school teams. As I spoke with them and looked into several of their eyes, I noticed that we both had a look of "mutual respect" for one another in addition to high expectations.

About last night. As I sat and watched the games and ate my bag of popcorn, a parent came by to say hello. Let's call her Jane for this story. After Jane came over she took a seat and began the conversation by asking about Hoop Hunter Basketball and my family. For me, that was a healthy way to began our conversation. I began to explain to Jane that I'm seeing a record number of lives being impacted and changed by our commitment to training kids in a God pleasing way. "My recipe for reaching kids has always began by developing trust and "mutual respect" for one another". This is my purpose in life!

While speaking to Jane, our conversation moved from business and family to the word of God.

Finally, she mentioned how my personal walk with the lord has always been an inspiration to her children and her entire family. She later told me that she wants to know fully what God 's purpose is for her life. And that's the end of the story.

The next time you attend a game, social event, grocery store, shopping, personal or group workout, don't be surprised if you are being led there to be a witness to your brother or sister in Christ.

About last night. What a game!

Coaches & Teachers Bare Responsibilities To Teach!

2010-10-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

As you know, basketball is a game of learned skills, athleticism and talent combined with discipline, creativity, respect for others, team work, healthy contagious attitudes, competitive energy,respect for authority and personal responsibility.

In order for players to compete at a competitive level, players must continue to devote quality time towards understanding the fullness of the game. Players must be able to dribble, pass, shoot, rebound, play defense, set screens, run the floor, hustle, have good practice habits, compete, play as a team, respect their coaches and how they wants them to play, respect the rules of the game, respect the differences of their teammates and last be a good person on and off the court.

The best time to invest in a player's future is when he/she is young. The bible says, "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he won't depart from their teaching" Proverbs 2:6.

Throughout my 21 years of experience serving kids, families and communities, I continue to see kids with gifts and talents that are under developed. It's almost like growing up with a false since of identity. I believe that we owe it to the kids as well as to the Lord to make sure that they are fully educated and equipped with what they need without compromising their future.

When players are fully educated and learn to play the game, they tend to feel better about themselves, they do better in school, interact better with parents, teachers, coaches, communicate better, smile more often, attract better friends and are more self confident.

Success in the game of basketball involves a tremendous amount of teaching and learning. As coaches and teachers we must continue to provide young players with the available resources that will undoubtedly foster their learning needs and help them grow. Without the necessary tools for learning, kids fail!

In closing, as children become more interested in playing basketball, education and learning about faith, let's work together and give them the best opportunity for success that we can by fully teaching them the things that will make them complete. Let's train them while they're young and interested. As kids get older, let's encourage them to seek advanced training so that they too can someday develop to their fullest potential.

Please partner with me as an advocate for kids success in the classroom, on the field, on the court and in their walk of faith. And remember; "Success in life involves being fully trained."

"Coaches & teachers we bare a tremendous responsibility to teach the kids regardless of their learning styles and disabilites."

Deon Hunter

Hoop Hunter Travels to Santo, Texas

2010-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

During the late part of the 2010 summer, Hoop Hunter Basketball trainers and coaches travelled to Santo, Texas to conduct a middle and high school girls basketball camp. "It felt good getting out of our normal routine and working with the young ladies out in Santo."

Throughout the week, the gym was filled with eager to learn, hard working, team oriented, well-disciplined players. And to top it off the hospitality that we received from the parents was "off the chain". We were treated just like family all week long. Coach Raffaele has done a tremendous job throughout the years of developing a successful girls basketball program. Although they're young, there's a lot of hard working high school girls hoping for a chance to someday make their dreams come true and hopefully get to Austin.

As a result, Hoop Hunter Basketball has adopted Santo Girls High School Basketball Program as our program of choice for upcoming 2010-2011 basketball season. We wish the city of Santo, Coach Raffaele and the girls basketball program the best of luck!

"Go Get Em"

Deon's Summer Point Guard Camp A Success

2010-09-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Deon Hunter's Point Guard Camp was a total success. I was very pleased with both our middle school boys & girls camp and our high school boys and girls camp. The level of participation was really good. Players from cities all around Texas showed up and really put in a lot of work. And the talent level was very impressive as well. I'm also very proud of our coaches and players who assisted with the camp and former players who showed up to just to give words of encouragement to the players. Each of them played a huge part in assisting me in the development of the camp and making sure that everyone who participated gained sustainable knowledge and experience about how to raise their level of play while playing point guard.

"See You Down The Road"

Memories of My Father & Hero-Jimmie Lee Hunter II

2010-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

About my Father:

11 years ago, I lost my father who was killed by a hit and run driver. My father was a good man. Together he and my lovely mother raised 4 boys and 1 girl. He was well respected and loved by his family, friends, neighbors, church members and co-workers. He was a wise, quiet, friendly man of integrity who had a servant-mentality. He was a diesel mechanic by trade. When he wasn't at work he enjoyed spending time with our family.

As a kid my father took us to church, played musical instruments with us, helped us with homework and listened to us tell him about our day. He was known as a gentle giant.

How My Dad Impacted My Basketball Career:

When I first started playing basketball (3rd grade), my father told me to first learn the basic fundamentals of the game. He told me to practice and use my imagination until I became good enough to play on a team. After receiving my first rubber basketball and a pair of used converse tennis shoes, I begin to bounce the ball all day and night. I took that basketball everywhere that my family went. I even took the basketball to bed with me at night. My first basketball goal was put up in our backyard on a tree with a wooden backboard. I can remember my father working on cars late at night just to get enough extra money to give us lunch money for the next day. He would always come in the backyard to tell me it was time to come inside. I remember always saying, " watch this shot or watch this move dad". He would just smile and say that's good!

"My father enjoyed cooking barbeque, helping others in need, studying for Sunday school lessons, listing to baseball games on the radio and helping out with our family musical group".

I can remember while in high school coming home and telling him that I was going to be on channel 8 during the ten o'clock news. With a genuine smile, he said, you're kidding! That was the very first time that he saw me play and it was when I was on television. After seeing the interview I think he realized that I had developed the love and passion of a serious basketball player.

I miss my father but just wanted to write about some of the things that came to mind today as I reflect on the many memories from my past. As I get older, I'm becoming more and more like him. It's kind of cool to see myself becoming so much like him.

My Fathers Words of Wisdom :

"It's not the clothes that makes the man but the man that makes the clothes or It's not the truck that makes the man but the man that makes the truck. And last, it's not the home that makes the family but the family that makes the home".

Proverbs 3:1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

Memories of Jimmie Lee Hunter II, my father and my Hero

2010 Hoop Hunter Hustlers Spring Club Teams a Success

2010-07-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Putting together a team of loyal and trustworthy coaches is the first and most important thing that I could have done considering the level of play and competition in youth basketball for both girls and boys.

This off-season, our coaching staff consisted of several good Christian men and women with integrity who were passionate about training and development and mentoring youth through a team setting. Our teams consisted of 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th grade boys and girls. With two practices and a tournament every other weekend, our coaches were able to help players develop in areas that impacted their confidence and their overall game-time performances and their spirituality.

Our 2010 spring coaching staff included; Archie Myers 9th & 10th boys, Chad Nothe 9th & 10th boys, Wendell Williams 9th & 10th girls, Len Medcafe 8th boys, Reggie Seastrunk 7th boys, Roy and Jill Aaron 7th girls and Michael Eddy, director of club teams.

"What I feel makes our club teams a success is not only the players & coaches but the parents of the players". Parents can either make or break a program. That's why when we select players, we try to take into consideration the type of family we're getting. Getting a nice player is good but having a cohesive family unit is better.

I would like to thank everyone who attended our initial tryouts. Whether you made one of our teams or you chose to go elsewhere, I respect your decision and I pray that through all of your endeavours your needs were met. If not, I hope that you would not hold any grudges against anyone else for the lack of experience that you were looking for through off-season basketball.

Instead, I pray that you would forgive and ask God to continue to order your steps.

Best of luck in the upcoming school year!

Deon Hunter-President of Hoop Hunter Basketball

The Best Decision I've Ever Made

2010-03-29T05:10:00.000-07:00

As a child, I accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and personal savior. Romans 10:9-11 says, "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." As the scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

As a child, I attended church services at least 3 times a week. I played the drums, sang in the choir, ushered, taught Sunday school, led prayer service, cleaned the church on weekends, helped paint the church in the summer, attended vocational bible school and gave Easter and Christmas speeches in front of the church members each year. Proverb 22:6 say, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I thank my parents and grandparents for taking me to church and teaching me about Christ.

"The best decision I ever made was giving my life to Christ".

Is Sports Just a Game or Is it Life?

2010-02-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Is sports just a game or is it life?

Throughout my 21 years of coaching and training players, I've come in contact with thousand of athletic, smart, talented, skilled an unskilled players. And for the most part all of them have different personalities and learning patterns. Some are focused, passionate, determined, self-confident and aggressive and others aren't. I never know what I'm going to get when a child decides that he/she wants to play basketball. "All I know is that each player seems to play sports for different reasons".

In my gym, there's a sign that's posted on the wall that says "Basketball is just a game, not life".

And throughout the years, it has been brought to my attention by several dad's that basketball is more than just a game and that by playing sports, kids learn about life. Is that a true statement for everyone? I wonder how others feel about sports and the lessons that their kids are learning from being a participant? Are kids playing sports because of their parents? How does a parent keep balance in their kids life when they see sports as a way to gain popularity and fame rather than education being the way to a healthy and more benificial future? Do you feel sports teaches kids to be a good law abiding citizen or to be a person with good moral character? Oh, and what about those players who put all of their eggs in the basket of sports, how do you feel about them? Who's the blame when a player is injured and feels that his/her life is over because of what's been ingrained in their heart about sports? These are just a few issues in sports that I would like to discuss with you.

In your personal opinion, is sports just a game or is it something that should be used to equip children for life?

How I discovered my purpose in life

2010-02-13T20:22:00.001-08:00

I discovered my purpose in by committing myself to seeking and developing a personal relationship with Christ. First, it started off with my grand mother Lucinda Ward sharing her wisdom with me. One day while sitting on her front porch in Dallas, I remember her telling me shortly after a divorce that I must forgive, let go of the past, move on and not look back. She said that if I wanted true happiness that I would have to turn my life over to Christ completely. She was right! She also stated that everything that I needed to live a meaningful and purposeful life was in the B-I-B-L-E. And of course anytime that my grand mother told me something, I took it to heart and did it.

Back then, I didn't have the guts to turn my life over to Christ completely. For a long time I wondered what others would think of me if I were to change my sinful ways and start living for Christ! Back then, the devil had a strong hold on me.

After reflecting back on my life, I realized that the jobs, money, homes, cars and popularity that came from sports, partying and living life in a lukewarm way was pushing my spirit further into the sea of darkness. I later came to realize that although on the outside I appeared happy; on the inside I was empty and miserable.

I later cried out to God for help. One day while at home, I decided not to take any phone calls.
I spent the entire day on my knees seeking God. First, I asked him to forgive me of all of my sins. Secondly, I asked Him to take everything away from me that didn't glorify him. Thirdly, I asked him to cleanse me of unrighteousness. I told Him that I could no longer live for man but wanted to live for Him.

I discovered my purpose in life through re-developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I did that by repenting of my sins and asking for forgiveness and accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I then made a commitment to God that I would put Him first in my life and never be ashamed of him again. I began to read the bible daily. I kept one with me everywhere that I went. I bought bible tapes, Gospel and Christian tapes. I began to pray daily without ceasing. I started attending church services regularly so that I could hear the word of God and fellowship with others.

"After I developed a relationship with Christ I discovered my purpose in life".

"My purpose and lot in life is to share the gospel of Christ with kids and families through sports based initiatives". I am anointed. I have gifts to: teach, motivate, inspire, encourage, pray, be patient, offer hope to the hopeless, mentor young coaches, write, motivate others and speak.

In my opinion, it's hard to discover your purpose in life without totally surrendering to Christ and developing a personal relationship with him.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called acccording to his purpose.