"Those who Trust in the Lord will be Strengthened"

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?

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"

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

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

"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"

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!

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!