One Less Volunteer Needed
Taber Spani of the Kansas City Metro Mavericks has signed a letter of intent to play basketball with the University of Tennessee. Taber will join the Volunteers, the most storied women's college basketball program, in the fall of 2009. While she is excited about the opportunity to play for Pat Summit, she has Springfield Missouri on her mind. In March of 2009 Taber and her lady Mav teammates will travel to Springfield with a goal of winning a second National Championship Gold Ball Trophy and National Championship Ring. ESPN ARTICLE
Preseason All-American Candidates will be announced next week.
National's TV Sponsor and More
I was looking for a TV sponsor to pay for 7 games to be televised at Nationals this year. Not only did I find a great sponsor but that sponsor is offering a great way for every team to benefit, you need to read this.
I will give you a brief overview of the program and if you need more information please feel free to contact me directly.
Yahoo does approximately 7 billion dollars a year in Internet search engine revenue. While that sounds like a lot the fact is that it is only 25% and Google revenues are almost three times that amount.
Yahoo has designed a program for large nonprofit organizations, like the Red Cross, to develop a long term revenue stream for the nonprofit that assists Yahoo in reaching its goal of increasing market share.
Fund-It is the organization that is administering this program for Yahoo for Christian organizations.
Fund-It contacted me about being a sponsor of Nationals and will be the sponsor of the Homeschool Showcase including underwriting the cost to televise the All-American Games.
As part of the agreement all homeschool teams and organizations may participate under the National Basketball Foundation 501c3 status. While this program is reserved for large organizations, Fund-It has agreed to allow any team that we refer to them to participate.
Through this program everyone one can benefit in three key ways:
1. Teams make the money directly from Fund-It -- Our Nationals staff does not have the time to administer this type of program so we have worked it out that each team will sign their own agreement and be paid directly each month.
2. Players and teams that attend Nationals benefit because Fund-It is a sponsor that has agreed to renew each year if we are able to get enough teams involved and will even increase their financial involvement to help fund other things that we would like to add in future years.
3. Teams that cannot afford to attend Nationals will be able to afford to attend.
Where's the MONEY?
It is a very simple program that pays your team $.10 for every search (click through) that you make through the special Yahoo Fund-It/Benefit Bar.
What does that mean to your team? Fund-It estimates your team will earn $15,000 over the course of the year. This estimate is based on 50 computers using FUND-IT/BENEFIT BAR. Many families have 2-3 computers so add in friends, families and alumni and 50 computers is relatively conservative. There no fee to sign up, the installation is very easy less that a couple of minutes (unless you have Vista than it takes 5 minutes), and you are asking people to use basically the same service they have, which no one benefits form currently. There is really no reason for anyone that you ask not to sign up. Did I mention that there is one difference about the search? The Fund-It/Benefit Bar will not searching for pornography or "hate" groups. Even if their estimates are evangelistic and your team only earns one third of estimate that is $500 per family for travel for Nationals, or free uniforms plus whatever your team wants to use the money to buy. All for doing something that you and your friends already do. If you want more information just have a team representative contact me and I will send you Fund-It's direct contact information. Please make sure to tell me what team you are with. If your program has multiple sports no problem they all can sign up and be tracked separately.
Tim Flatt
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
New -- Program for Nationals
This year we will be revolutionizing the Official National's Program.
We are going to organize by program instead of age group. Each program will have the opportunity to have their own intro page with program history and picture and bios of their seniors.
Each team will have an opportunity to have a whole page or even a two page spread.
Including large team picture, season highlights and detailed team roster.
Bottom line is that when you get to Nationals and open the program you will be very disappointed if your team has one fourth of a page and your big rivals have a beautiful two page spread. Take a look at what it will look like
Team Program Sample
Plus your team can earn Free Team and Players Fees(see below).
Fundraising Project
This year I have taken on the responsibility to make sure every team can easily earn their way to Nationals. In July I put together a plan that I really liked but unfortunately it was too complicated. Cheryl reminded me, as she has many times over the last three decades, Keep it Simple, Stupid.
So I have gone back to the drawing board and I am going to provide you with a number of great ways for your teams to raise money. In this update I want to share with you the program that we have put in place that makes it a slam dunk for every team to attend Nationals for free.
Fundraising Link
Tim Flatt
Preseason All-American Candidate coming October 1st – coaches you can make nominations at Nominations
We are going to organize by program instead of age group. Each program will have the opportunity to have their own intro page with program history and picture and bios of their seniors.
Each team will have an opportunity to have a whole page or even a two page spread.
Including large team picture, season highlights and detailed team roster.
Bottom line is that when you get to Nationals and open the program you will be very disappointed if your team has one fourth of a page and your big rivals have a beautiful two page spread. Take a look at what it will look like
Team Program Sample
Plus your team can earn Free Team and Players Fees(see below).
Fundraising Project
This year I have taken on the responsibility to make sure every team can easily earn their way to Nationals. In July I put together a plan that I really liked but unfortunately it was too complicated. Cheryl reminded me, as she has many times over the last three decades, Keep it Simple, Stupid.
So I have gone back to the drawing board and I am going to provide you with a number of great ways for your teams to raise money. In this update I want to share with you the program that we have put in place that makes it a slam dunk for every team to attend Nationals for free.
Fundraising Link
Tim Flatt
Preseason All-American Candidate coming October 1st – coaches you can make nominations at Nominations
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Girls Pre-Season Power Poll
T- #1 KC Metro Mavs, KS
Last Year’s Gateway Regional Champions
Last Years Finish: 2nd
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Taber Spani (1st team), Tanis Spani (2nd team), & Whitney Schwab (3rd team)
The Metro Mavs will be heavy favorites to make a return trip to the national championship game this March. Led by Taber Spani who last year led her team the championship game despite a fractured vertebra. Taber is currently #13 in the 2009 class by Glen Nelson of ESPN HoopGurlz Article
and was ranked the best player of summer 2008 by ESPN’s Chris Hansen of HoopGurlz .
Top player story
T- #1 HCYA Warriors, TX
Last Years Finish: 3rd
Returning Starters: 4
Returning All-Americans: Emily Frazier (2nd team), Sarah McLeod (2nd team), Kristin Huff (Honorable Mention), and the addition of Elizabeth Arnold (1st team) from the FEAST Patriots.
Last year HCYA took the Metro Mavs to overtime in the national semi-final. This year the warriors will be looking to top the Mavs and with the warriors returning almost their entire core which includes the sophomore duo of Emily Frazier and Sarah McLeod. Additionally HCYA will be making the key addition of 1st team All-American Elizabeth Arnold from the San Antonio Patriots. This huge addition took HCYA from a championship contender to co #1 in this poll.
#3 THESA Riders, TX
Last Years Finish: 1st
Returning Starters: 1
Returning All-Americans: Anna Parish (1st team) and the addition of Sarah Blair (Honorable Mention) from the HSAA Blue Angels.
The THESA Riders are the two time defending national champions. THESA will look to rebuild this year after losing 4 All-Americans. With all four graduating starters playing college basketball this year the Riders will be facing an uphill battle to make their fourth straight championship game. But THESA is not completely rebuilding this year with the return of 1st team All-American Anna Parish and three key additions which include All-American Honorable Mention Sarah Blair & one of the top 14 year olds in the country. THESA certainly will not be a team that any coach will want to see on their side of the bracket in March.
#4 Okc Storm, OK
Last Years Finish: 4th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Lauren Parks (2nd team) & Chloe Farmer (3rd team)
The Storm girls will be returning three starters including two All-Americans from last years final four team. After spending the 2006 & 2007 National’s in 5a the Storm surprised almost everyone with their final four appearances. With a respectable 51-39 loss in the national semi-final to THESA the Storm will look to build on this as they return 6 of their top 8 players. This team will certainly be right back in the mix again and will hope to make consecutive final four appearances.
#5 KC East Lions, KS
Last Years Finish: 5th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Molly Brewster (1st team)
Last years 5th place finisher KC East Lions will be looking to Molly Brewster to lead the way to their first ever final four appearances. The Lions are one of the most consistent girls programs as they consistently find themselves in 6a. With a gut wrenching 39-31 loss in a very hard fought game against the Storm last year this is a team that will be on a mission. In the consolation game last year KC East made a strong statement with a 68-45 victory over SWMO.
#6 SWMO Eagles, MO
Last Years Finish: 6th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Kylie Williamson (3rd team)
The Eagles will be looking to build off their first ever 6a appearance. With the return of 3rd team All-American Kylie Williamson SWMO will be a legitimate final four contender. The eagles will have some opportunities to shake up the rankings this year and certainly will have the talent to do so. Additionally the Eagles have at least one key addition from the Springfield Knights.
#7 Austin Royals, TX
Last Years Finish: 7th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Abigayle Banda (3rd team)
Last year Royal’s qualified for their first ever 6a appearance and after a 70-44 loss to eventual national champions THESA Riders the Royals lost a 56-55 battle to KC East and managed to pull out a 40-39 win to earn their first ever win in 6a. Bottom line with the Royals is that this team will be looking to build off the momentum of their first 6a victory. With the return of last years 3rd team All-American Abigayle Banda and some key young players this will be a team to keep an eye on.
#8 HSAA Blue Angels, TX
Last Years Finish: 8th
Returning Starters: 2
Returning All-Americans: Janell Beacham (2nd team)
The Blue Angels last year made their first appearance in 6a in awhile. This year they will look to build off that and will look to get their first win in 6a. HSAA’s first game in 6a last year they drew KC Metro and lost a respectable game 65-52. After that HSAA lost a nail biter to SWMO 47-44 and then lost another heart breaker 40-39 against the Austin Royals. The good news for the Blue Angels is that 2nd team All-American Janell Beacham returns and will look to lead HSAA to consecutive 6a appearances.
#9 North Atlanta Flight, GA
Last Years Finish: 10th
Returning Starters: 2
Returning All-Americans: Danielle O’Donnell (Honorable Mention)
The Flight this year will have their mind set on fighting their way into 6a. Last year they came up just short of winning the 5a championship but ran into San Antonio in the finals. Last year Danielle O’Donnell was named All-American Honorable Mention and she will look to lead the North Atlanta Flight into 6a this year.
T- #10 SATCH Mavericks, TX
Last Years Finish: 11th
Returning Starters: 4
Returning All-Americans: 0
Last year the Mavericks finished 3rd in 5a and will be looking to build of their highest ever finish at nationals. This year SATCH returns 4 starters and with last years experience they will hope to turn that into a run all the way into 6a this year. It will not be an easy task but it is certainly within reach.
T- #10 Cincinnati Landmark Eagles, OH
Last Years Finish: 12th
Returning Starters: 5
Returning All-Americans: Anna Davis (3rd team)
Cincinnati Landmark returns all 5 starters from last years 4th place 5a finish. With the return of 3rd team All-American Anna Davis and the experience of a team that played all year together last season this is yet another team that has their sights set on 6a and will be right in the mix to make their first ever 6a appearance.
In Alphabetic Order here are the other teams that received consideration:
Central Missouri Saints, MO
Huntington Eagles, IN
Indianapolis Trailblazers, IN
MHEA Eagles, TN
Tulsa NOAH, OK
WCHSA Royal Eagles, WI
Last Year’s Gateway Regional Champions
Last Years Finish: 2nd
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Taber Spani (1st team), Tanis Spani (2nd team), & Whitney Schwab (3rd team)
The Metro Mavs will be heavy favorites to make a return trip to the national championship game this March. Led by Taber Spani who last year led her team the championship game despite a fractured vertebra. Taber is currently #13 in the 2009 class by Glen Nelson of ESPN HoopGurlz Article
and was ranked the best player of summer 2008 by ESPN’s Chris Hansen of HoopGurlz .
Top player story
T- #1 HCYA Warriors, TX
Last Years Finish: 3rd
Returning Starters: 4
Returning All-Americans: Emily Frazier (2nd team), Sarah McLeod (2nd team), Kristin Huff (Honorable Mention), and the addition of Elizabeth Arnold (1st team) from the FEAST Patriots.
Last year HCYA took the Metro Mavs to overtime in the national semi-final. This year the warriors will be looking to top the Mavs and with the warriors returning almost their entire core which includes the sophomore duo of Emily Frazier and Sarah McLeod. Additionally HCYA will be making the key addition of 1st team All-American Elizabeth Arnold from the San Antonio Patriots. This huge addition took HCYA from a championship contender to co #1 in this poll.
#3 THESA Riders, TX
Last Years Finish: 1st
Returning Starters: 1
Returning All-Americans: Anna Parish (1st team) and the addition of Sarah Blair (Honorable Mention) from the HSAA Blue Angels.
The THESA Riders are the two time defending national champions. THESA will look to rebuild this year after losing 4 All-Americans. With all four graduating starters playing college basketball this year the Riders will be facing an uphill battle to make their fourth straight championship game. But THESA is not completely rebuilding this year with the return of 1st team All-American Anna Parish and three key additions which include All-American Honorable Mention Sarah Blair & one of the top 14 year olds in the country. THESA certainly will not be a team that any coach will want to see on their side of the bracket in March.
#4 Okc Storm, OK
Last Years Finish: 4th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Lauren Parks (2nd team) & Chloe Farmer (3rd team)
The Storm girls will be returning three starters including two All-Americans from last years final four team. After spending the 2006 & 2007 National’s in 5a the Storm surprised almost everyone with their final four appearances. With a respectable 51-39 loss in the national semi-final to THESA the Storm will look to build on this as they return 6 of their top 8 players. This team will certainly be right back in the mix again and will hope to make consecutive final four appearances.
#5 KC East Lions, KS
Last Years Finish: 5th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Molly Brewster (1st team)
Last years 5th place finisher KC East Lions will be looking to Molly Brewster to lead the way to their first ever final four appearances. The Lions are one of the most consistent girls programs as they consistently find themselves in 6a. With a gut wrenching 39-31 loss in a very hard fought game against the Storm last year this is a team that will be on a mission. In the consolation game last year KC East made a strong statement with a 68-45 victory over SWMO.
#6 SWMO Eagles, MO
Last Years Finish: 6th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Kylie Williamson (3rd team)
The Eagles will be looking to build off their first ever 6a appearance. With the return of 3rd team All-American Kylie Williamson SWMO will be a legitimate final four contender. The eagles will have some opportunities to shake up the rankings this year and certainly will have the talent to do so. Additionally the Eagles have at least one key addition from the Springfield Knights.
#7 Austin Royals, TX
Last Years Finish: 7th
Returning Starters: 3
Returning All-Americans: Abigayle Banda (3rd team)
Last year Royal’s qualified for their first ever 6a appearance and after a 70-44 loss to eventual national champions THESA Riders the Royals lost a 56-55 battle to KC East and managed to pull out a 40-39 win to earn their first ever win in 6a. Bottom line with the Royals is that this team will be looking to build off the momentum of their first 6a victory. With the return of last years 3rd team All-American Abigayle Banda and some key young players this will be a team to keep an eye on.
#8 HSAA Blue Angels, TX
Last Years Finish: 8th
Returning Starters: 2
Returning All-Americans: Janell Beacham (2nd team)
The Blue Angels last year made their first appearance in 6a in awhile. This year they will look to build off that and will look to get their first win in 6a. HSAA’s first game in 6a last year they drew KC Metro and lost a respectable game 65-52. After that HSAA lost a nail biter to SWMO 47-44 and then lost another heart breaker 40-39 against the Austin Royals. The good news for the Blue Angels is that 2nd team All-American Janell Beacham returns and will look to lead HSAA to consecutive 6a appearances.
#9 North Atlanta Flight, GA
Last Years Finish: 10th
Returning Starters: 2
Returning All-Americans: Danielle O’Donnell (Honorable Mention)
The Flight this year will have their mind set on fighting their way into 6a. Last year they came up just short of winning the 5a championship but ran into San Antonio in the finals. Last year Danielle O’Donnell was named All-American Honorable Mention and she will look to lead the North Atlanta Flight into 6a this year.
T- #10 SATCH Mavericks, TX
Last Years Finish: 11th
Returning Starters: 4
Returning All-Americans: 0
Last year the Mavericks finished 3rd in 5a and will be looking to build of their highest ever finish at nationals. This year SATCH returns 4 starters and with last years experience they will hope to turn that into a run all the way into 6a this year. It will not be an easy task but it is certainly within reach.
T- #10 Cincinnati Landmark Eagles, OH
Last Years Finish: 12th
Returning Starters: 5
Returning All-Americans: Anna Davis (3rd team)
Cincinnati Landmark returns all 5 starters from last years 4th place 5a finish. With the return of 3rd team All-American Anna Davis and the experience of a team that played all year together last season this is yet another team that has their sights set on 6a and will be right in the mix to make their first ever 6a appearance.
In Alphabetic Order here are the other teams that received consideration:
Central Missouri Saints, MO
Huntington Eagles, IN
Indianapolis Trailblazers, IN
MHEA Eagles, TN
Tulsa NOAH, OK
WCHSA Royal Eagles, WI
Friday, September 05, 2008
Don't Be Left Out #1
Extremely Important please read
One of the hardest aspects of working in the homeschool community is that parents don't mind expressing their displeasure when they feel that their child has been slighted. It doesn't matter whether that child is 8 or 18 and it doesn't seem to matter where the blame lies. One of the things I have tried to do the last eight years is put the responsibility back in the hands of teams and parents to make sure they aren't left out. Last year we had a player who was absolutely 100% good enough to be a 2nd team All-American that didn't get to play in the All-American game because his coach did not nominate him. The parents were upset and the coach was upset but the problem was that he just had been too busy to read the e-mails about nominating his players.
With these thoughts in mind I would like to share a number of things with you that I believe are important for you to consider. First each of the four things that I need to make sure you know are so important that I am going to only write about one at a time.
Don't be left out #1
This year we will have 5 Regional Tournaments -- yes 5 we have added Atlanta (see information below).
Top Ten Reasons your team needs to attend:
10. Higher Seeding -- Teams that attend Regionals will end up seeded higher than teams they were equal with during the year that did not attend Regionals.
9. JR High All-Region Team -- this is the highest award available for JR High players, players must play at Regionals to be eligible. Awards will be presented at the special Award Night along with Varsity All-Americans. This is a great first step for future All-American Candidates to get on the radar.
8. Varsity All Region Team -- First Time for this award and this will also serve as a great step for players to move up to All-American in future years.
7. JR High All-Region Rings will be made available for a JR High players who are selected to the All-Region team. These are fantastic looking high quality Balfour rings that players will be proud to wear for many years.
6. Varsity All Region Rings --see above
5. Automatic Bids into Division 1 at Nationals -- each region will be awarded a certain number of Division 1 automatic bids, the best way to secure one is to attend Regionals and earn yours.
4. JR High Regional Championship Rings will be made available to Regional Champions.
3. Varsity Regional Championship Rings will be made available to Regional Champions.
2. All-American exposure and votes -- If you want to be an All-American you need to play in front of the coaches that will be voting for you.
1. Varsity Winners Guaranteed #1 Seed at Nationals and a 1st team All-American.
Here is how you can help make sure your team isn't left out next spring-
1. Contact your coach and/or board members and make sure they know about the regional tournaments, much of this is new and during the summer many coaches are tuned in. You want to make sure they don't schedule games on the Regional Tournament dates.
2. If your team would like to attend your Regional Tournament (not committing just planning or hoping), encourage your coach to go to http://nchbctournaments.com and reserve a spot right away. Four of the five Regionals are in new locations and we are trying to make plans for gym rentals and need to get an idea what to anticipate for the participation level at each tournament.
If you are planning to attend
How important are the Regional Tournaments? Ask Arkansas
Arkansas changed the date of their state tournament last week to make it so Arkansas teams could attend the Regional Tournaments either Oklahoma City or Shreveport, LA depending on what part of Arkansas they live in.
New Teams
We are getting a great response from new teams. Here is a list of teams that have already expressed plans to attend:
Hattiesburg,Miss
Jackson,Miss
Huntsville,Ala
Birmingham,Ala
Tuscaloosa,Ala
Baton Rouge,La
Minneapolis,Min
Medals
Last year half of the All-Tournament Medals were placed on back order. We have shipped all the medals that we have addresses for, if you are still waiting for a medal please contact ashley@flattmail.com tell here your team, the division and your address.
Girl's Top Ten
To be Released the week of September 15th
Preseason All-Americans Candidates
To be released the first week of October
One of the hardest aspects of working in the homeschool community is that parents don't mind expressing their displeasure when they feel that their child has been slighted. It doesn't matter whether that child is 8 or 18 and it doesn't seem to matter where the blame lies. One of the things I have tried to do the last eight years is put the responsibility back in the hands of teams and parents to make sure they aren't left out. Last year we had a player who was absolutely 100% good enough to be a 2nd team All-American that didn't get to play in the All-American game because his coach did not nominate him. The parents were upset and the coach was upset but the problem was that he just had been too busy to read the e-mails about nominating his players.
With these thoughts in mind I would like to share a number of things with you that I believe are important for you to consider. First each of the four things that I need to make sure you know are so important that I am going to only write about one at a time.
Don't be left out #1
This year we will have 5 Regional Tournaments -- yes 5 we have added Atlanta (see information below).
Top Ten Reasons your team needs to attend:
10. Higher Seeding -- Teams that attend Regionals will end up seeded higher than teams they were equal with during the year that did not attend Regionals.
9. JR High All-Region Team -- this is the highest award available for JR High players, players must play at Regionals to be eligible. Awards will be presented at the special Award Night along with Varsity All-Americans. This is a great first step for future All-American Candidates to get on the radar.
8. Varsity All Region Team -- First Time for this award and this will also serve as a great step for players to move up to All-American in future years.
7. JR High All-Region Rings will be made available for a JR High players who are selected to the All-Region team. These are fantastic looking high quality Balfour rings that players will be proud to wear for many years.
6. Varsity All Region Rings --see above
5. Automatic Bids into Division 1 at Nationals -- each region will be awarded a certain number of Division 1 automatic bids, the best way to secure one is to attend Regionals and earn yours.
4. JR High Regional Championship Rings will be made available to Regional Champions.
3. Varsity Regional Championship Rings will be made available to Regional Champions.
2. All-American exposure and votes -- If you want to be an All-American you need to play in front of the coaches that will be voting for you.
1. Varsity Winners Guaranteed #1 Seed at Nationals and a 1st team All-American.
Here is how you can help make sure your team isn't left out next spring-
1. Contact your coach and/or board members and make sure they know about the regional tournaments, much of this is new and during the summer many coaches are tuned in. You want to make sure they don't schedule games on the Regional Tournament dates.
2. If your team would like to attend your Regional Tournament (not committing just planning or hoping), encourage your coach to go to http://nchbctournaments.com and reserve a spot right away. Four of the five Regionals are in new locations and we are trying to make plans for gym rentals and need to get an idea what to anticipate for the participation level at each tournament.
If you are planning to attend
How important are the Regional Tournaments? Ask Arkansas
Arkansas changed the date of their state tournament last week to make it so Arkansas teams could attend the Regional Tournaments either Oklahoma City or Shreveport, LA depending on what part of Arkansas they live in.
New Teams
We are getting a great response from new teams. Here is a list of teams that have already expressed plans to attend:
Hattiesburg,Miss
Jackson,Miss
Huntsville,Ala
Birmingham,Ala
Tuscaloosa,Ala
Baton Rouge,La
Minneapolis,Min
Medals
Last year half of the All-Tournament Medals were placed on back order. We have shipped all the medals that we have addresses for, if you are still waiting for a medal please contact ashley@flattmail.com tell here your team, the division and your address.
Girl's Top Ten
To be Released the week of September 15th
Preseason All-Americans Candidates
To be released the first week of October
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