Miami Country Day, Pace basketball teams celebrate stellar seasons

The Miami Country Day School girls’ varsity basketball team captured its second consecutive state championship.

Last season, the girls’ varsity basketball team became the first MCD team to win a state title.

With the victory this season against Seffner Christian in the Class 3A final in Lakeland, the Spartans became one of only a few Miami-Dade County teams to collect back-to-back state titles in girls’ basketball.

They faced some of the top competition in the state throughout the season, playing a demanding schedule with mostly road games.

MCD, ranked No.6 nationally by USA Today, went 30-2, captured its fifth consecutive district championship and won its third straight regional title. They were paced by sophomores Channise Lewis and Kelsey Marshall, while seniors Michelle Berry and Ogechi Anyagaligbo provided a strong inside presence.

Seniors Stephanie Mackenzie and Jodi Bauson did a good job, and up-n-comer sophomores Ta’Kyla Austin and Dashaun Jackson look to help the Spartans maintain their success.

Eighth grader Maria Alvarez, who starred in the state finals last season as a seventh grader, was clutch all season from 3-point range, including a fantastic run through the playoffs and at states. One of the most improved players was junior Marsha Edwards, who solidified her spot on the team by rebounding and scoring inside.

Coach Ochiel Swaby and his staff had an uphill challenge to repeat as state champs, but through their discipline and tough scheduling, the team learned to fight through adversity and win again.

Repeat champs are Jodi Bauson, Channise Lewis, Michelle Berry, Ogechi Anyagaligbo, Marsha Edwards, Maria Alvarez, Stephanie Mackenzie and coaches Ochiel Swaby, Carlyle Lewis, Jenna Kochen, Oliver Berens and Jackie Smith.

The Miami Country Day School boys’ varsity basketball team flew under the radar for much of the season.

The Spartans finished 19-7 behind the play of sophomore Anthony Cambo, freshman Mick Lynott and seniors Sascha Kappos and Lorenzo Figueroa. Seniors Ryan Gomez, Matt Wendrow, Erick Alvarez and Juan Serralles provided sound leadership.

Pace basketball

Monsignor Edward Pace High School basketball did very well this season as both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams carried their successes from the regular season into district and regional tournaments.

The Spartans boys’ basketball team went 17-9 in the regular season and were ranked No.1 in its Class 4A district. The team’s fast offensive style, which earned them the moniker the “Runnin’ Spartans,” was led by senior guard CJ Fisher, the highest scoring playing in Pace boys’ basketball history.

The “Runnin’ Spartans” defeated Booker T. Washington 84-64 to become back-to-back District 15-4A champs.

In a rematch in the region semifinals, Pace (22-10) came from behind to edge visiting Booker T. 74-73 as Raul Paula sank the winning 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in the game.

The Pace girls’ basketball team had its own stellar season, going 19-4 overall and 8-0 against district teams, including a 47-28 victory over Booker T. Washington to win the District 15-4A Tournament. The Spartans also ran through teams in the Class 4A regional tournament, led by junior guard Destiny Wilson.

The Pace boys’ and girls’ basketball teams ended their impressive post-season runs in the Region 4-4A finals against (West Palm Beach) Cardinal Newman High School.

McDonald’s All-American Game

Beatrice Mompremier of Miami Senior High School joined the ranks of high school basketball’s elite as she was selected to the 2015 McDonald’s All American Girls’ East Team.

Mompremier selection was announced during a Jan. 28 Selection Show on ESPNU. Final team rosters can be viewed at www.mcdaag.com.

The 38th annual Boys’ Game tips off at 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday, April 1 inside Chicago’s United Center and will air live on ESPN. The 14th annual Girls’ Game precedes the Boys’ Game, starting at 6:30 p.m. EST and will be televised live on ESPNU.

Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster or charge-by-phone at 1-866-909-GAME.

Mompremier joins 23 other top female prep players throughout the country. She averages 27 points per game and currently leads the Stingarees in averaging 18 rebounds a game and five block shots a game.

She will attend Baylor University next season.

“I am honored to have been selected and look forward to playing in the girls game in Chicago,” Mompremier said in a release. “I feel very blessed and thankful for everyone who has helped in my high school career. My high school coach has been my number one supporter and pushes me to work harder every day.”

Mompremier now ranks with an impressive list of players who have donned the McDonald’s All American jersey, including: Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Jahlil Okafor, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne, Skylar Diggins and Breanna Stewart.

Mompremier is the daughter of Madilien Mompremier and Marie Edwards. Her high school coach is Samuel Baumgarten.

The McDonald’s All American Games support and celebrate deserving local athletes as they take their first steps toward basketball greatness, while also strengthening ties and relationships with communities across the country.

Net proceeds from the Games benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a charity devoted to helping families in need. The Games have raised more than $11 million for RMHC since 1978, and all 48 players will have a chance to visit a local Ronald McDonald House during Game Week in Chicago.

Tennis

The University of Miami C team won the Bronze bracket of the USTA Tennis on Campus Florida Sectional Championship in Altamonte Springs.

In the finals, Miami (Andy Vibert, Tatsumi Yanaba, Chloe Hachez, Katie Parrish, Madison Feldman) beat Stetson 26-21. That helped the Hurricanes co-ed club team advance to the Campus National Championships April 9-11 at Cary Tennis Park in Cary, N.C.

Nine schools and 20 teams competed at the 2015 USTA Tennis on Campus Florida Sectional Championship. Participating schools were Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University, Stetson University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of South Florida, and University of Tampa.

The University of Florida A team won the Gold division, and Florida Gulf Coast A won the Silver bracket.

Entering sectionals, Miami was fourth overall, behind rival FSU. The top three scoring programs advance to nationals.

The University of Miami A team (Zach Kurfirst, Steven Masciale, Nino Coutelle, Shermann Alconcel, Sarah Vargas, Melayna Dong) went undefeated on day one of sectionals to gain the top seed in the Gold bracket. On day two, Miami defeated UCF’s B team in the quarterfinals to gain 100 points. Miami’s C team won the Bronze bracket to gain another 35 points. That was enough to surpass FSU for an entry into nationals for the first time in many years.

The University of Florida and University of Central Florida also qualified for nationals.

The USTA Tennis On Campus National Championship is the pinnacle of the nation-wide Tennis On Campus program. Hosted in partnership by the USTA, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, World TeamTennis and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, the annual national championship features 64 college and university co-ed teams competing for bragging rights and the illustrious title of National Champion.

For information on the USTA Florida Tennis on Campus series go to

FloridaTennisOnCampus

Visit USTA Florida at www.ustaflorida.com.

Palmetto wrestler

Nathan Segal, a 2011 Miami Palmetto Senior High School graduate, is a senior wrestler at North Central College in Naperville, Ill.

Recently at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., Segal was runner-up in the 149-pound division at the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament, qualifying for NCAA Division III Nationals in Hershey, Penn.

Segal, 21, has been wrestling (amateur style) year-round for more than 16 years, winning multiple titles and awards including Junior Olympics state titles and a top wrestler honor, awarded by the legendary Dan Gable. A four-year starter in high school, he qualified for the FHSAA state tournament.

Miami Country Day sports

Middle School Female Athlete of the Week: Lolita Bell (tennis) won her singles and doubles matches in the Spartans’ win against Carrollton.

Middle School Male Athlete of the Week: Michael Mcpherson (baseball) threw three shutout innings for the save against Ransom Everglades and went 2 for 3 with a double, grand slam and five RBI in a win against Doctor's Charter.

Upper School Female Athlete of the Week: Channise Lewis (basketball) scored 21 points in the state finals against Seffner Christian to lead the Spartans to their second consecutive state championship.

Upper School Male Athlete of the Week: Austen Weinberg (lacrosse) scored seven goals combined against Immokalee and Gulf Coast.

Scheck Hillel sports

Scheck Hillel Community School named Raquel Dimitri as its Student-Athlete of the Week.

Dimitri, an eighth grader, is a member of the Lions girls’ varsity tennis team. With the team’s top three players sidelined with injuries, Dimitri showcased her advanced talents and strong leadership by representing the varsity team. She won all four matches (singles and doubles) versus Hebrew Academy and Dade Christian.

Miami Dolphins flag football

The Miami Dolphins hosted the team’s annual Girls High School Flag Football Clinic, presented by Under Armour and Broward County Athletic Association, at the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. The event featured 10 high school teams that participated in a series of interactive football drills.

The clinic began with Miami Dolphins Manager of Youth Programs Troy Drayton and Miami Dolphins alumni talking to the girls about their careers and the importance of getting a good education. The alumni that participated in the event were Pat Denis, Troy Stradford, Bobby Harden, Elmer Bailey, Ed Perry, Chris Conlin, Lorenzo Hampton and James Brown. The girls then split into their stations where they were coached by the alum.

“This is the perfect event to segue into our Jamboree,” said Drayton. “The Jamboree usually kicks off the season for all these teams, and we value this time to give them a few pointers before then. They all play hard and we view this as a great opportunity to reinforce the tools necessary to be successful on and off the field.”

The jamboree was at the Doctor’s Hospital Training Facility in Davie.

Pitch, Hit & Run

Pitch, Hit & Run allows boys and girls, age 7-14, to showcase their baseball and softball skills, while also providing them the opportunity to advance through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at every Major League stadium or ballpark and the National Finals at the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.

Hosting a local competition is fun and free. Upon registering, an administrative kit is provided to each host including a handbook, strike zone banner, posters, awards and other materials needed to host the event.

♦ Free to the local host and local competitors

♦ Any coach, parent or adult volunteer can host a competition

♦ Local competitions can be offered in March, April or early May

♦ An exciting one-day community event that can take as little as 2-3 hours

Go to

PitchHitRun

Questions, contact pitchhitrun@mlb.com.

Palmetto Bay flag football

Palmetto Bay Broncos Flag Football is at Coral Reef Park.

Open to boys and girls, age 4-18. Register as an individual for $100 or register as a team of 10 with a coach for $800

Practice starts April 20. Practices and games are weekdays either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.

Cavaliers football, cheerleading

Registration is open for the Cavaliers Tackle Football and Cheerleading program for boys and girls, age 4-14, at Coral Gables High School. For information contact Jon at 305-923-7656 or visit www.playactionsports.org.

Suniland conditioning

Optimist Club of Suniland Sports Conditioning is now-May 31 at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest.

Registration is 6-8 p.m. weeknights for boys and girls, age 5-15. Fee is $20 which covers T-shirt, insurance and awards. Contact Jose Regalado 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.

Kendall Hammocks flag football

The Kendall Hammocks NFL Flag Football program announces the registrations dates and times for the 2015 NFL Flag season.

Registration is open to boys and girls, age 5-16. Can’t turn 17 in 2015. Copy of birth certificate is requested for age verification only, during the registration process.

Teams are based by age only. Regular season is 12 games, and the season starts May 4.

NFL Flag Registration Dates:

March Registrations fee: $120 -- Friday, March 13 (6:30-8:30 p.m.); Saturday, March 14 and 28 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)

April Registration fee: $125 -- Friday, April 10 and 24 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)

Registration fee includes: NFL team reversible jersey, NFL flag belts with flags, secondary insurance, referee cost, and participation awards.

Discounted rates for head coaches. If interested in coaching, email khwfootball@aol.com.

Tryouts and draft will be Saturday, May 2. Time chart by division can be found at the web site www.khwarriors.org

All registrations, practices and games are at Devonaire Park, 10411 SW 122 Ave.

For information email khwfootball@aol.com or visit www.khwarriors.org.

The NFL Flag Football program is under the Optimist Club of Kendall Hammocks and is an all volunteer organization, serving the community in sports for more than 26 years.

Heads Up Football

USA Football’s Heads Up Football program for high schools and youth organizations will include sudden cardiac arrest protocols andHeads Up Blocking fundamentals in 2015.

Both topics are now included in USA Football’s Level 1 coaching education course and its high school certification course.

USA Football is the national governing body of the sport and educates more high school and youth football coaches combined than any organization in the United States.

USA Football’s Heads Up Football program is supported by more than two dozen medical and football partners.

“Coaches should be prepared to respond to a life-threatening emergency if needed,” said Dr. Jonathan Drezner, past president of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and a member of USA Football’s Medical Advisory Committee.

“With prompt recognition, early CPR and use of an AED, sudden cardiac arrest is largely a survivable event if treated quickly. USA Football is committed to the safety of young athletes, and I am proud that a sudden cardiac arrest training module is being added to the Heads Up Football program. The module provides coaches the information they need to be prepared for sudden cardiac arrest.”

“Blocking is one of football’s basic skills that every player needs to be taught,” said Jeff Saturday, a former NFL All-Pro center and ESPN analyst. Saturday is a member of USA Football’s Football Advisory Committee.

“USA Football’s Heads Up Blocking technique helps coaches teach this fundamental – properly engaging with a defender, driving with the legs and maintaining the correct body position for effective and safer play. This is how blocking should be taught.”

Heads Up Football is a comprehensive collection of resources and medically approved protocols to establish important standards rooted in education to change behavior for the better.

In addition to sudden cardiac arrest and Heads Up Blocking, the program covers concussion awareness and recognition, heat and hydration protocols, proper tackling fundamentals and equipment fitting. More than 5,500 youth leagues and 750 high schools in 2014 participated in the program this past fall, benefiting nearly 1-million players.

Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball

or on Twitter @USAFootball

Heads Up

Former tight end Troy Drayton played nine seasons in the NFL, including 1996-99 with the Miami Dolphins, and he is the Dolphins’ youth program coordinator.

Drayton added a new title to his résumé — NAmbassador for Heads Up Football.

The Nand USA Football jointly announced the national launch of Heads Up Football, a youth football program aimed at making football better and safer for all who play it. The program is being supported with a $1.5 million grant from the NFoundation.

Three million kids already play tackle football, and the game can be even safer. Heads Up Football includes a tackling model that removes the head from the game.

Heads Up Football has five core elements: The use of the Heads Up Tackling model; coaching certification; Player Safety Coaches; concussion education; and proper equipment-fitting.

The program was launched in three test markets last year. This year, it expanded to more than 600 youth leagues in 50 states. Of these leagues, 100 were assigned a former Nplayer mentor. Drayton served as a mentor to a local Heads Up League — the Tamiami Colts of the Miami Xtreme Youth Football League.

NFL Football Matters

The National Football Foundation announced the launch of FootballMatters.org, a powerful new addition to the organization’s campaign to highlight the good in the game and the lifelong benefits to those who play it.

“Football makes a positive impact on so many levels, and we realized that we needed a centralized resource for capturing and subsequently promoting all the great football stories out there,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “FootballMatters.org provides us a potent platform for addressing that void and delivering compelling content directly to audiences who can help us amplify our messages about the value of football in producing leaders and creating educational opportunities.”

NFF Chairman Archie Manning added: “It’s just gratifying to be part of something that does so much good for our young people. The stories are out there, including the thousands of young kids who could not have gone to college but got some aid because of football, and their lives have been changed for the better. FootballMatters.org will enable us to directly capture those stories and inspire the next generation to further their educations.”

The NFF has linked with Arkleus Broadcasting, a Dallas-based full-service media company, to create the platform, which also encompasses a strong social media component to gain traction for the campaign.

“Arkleus is honored and thrilled to be chosen by such a prestigious American institution as the NFF to build and market an exciting new sports media property,” said Arkleus Broadcasting President Joe Shults. “We are passionately committed to helping the NFF in every way to protect, enhance, and ensure the future of football for generations to come.”

The site focuses on stories, videos, and franchises highlighting the very best in high school and college football, such as: Football Moms, Special Teams, Hook & Corporate Ladder, Man-to-Man, the Quote of the Day and many more. The site will also be the home to exclusive profiles of Campbell Trophy finalists, Leadership Award Winners, Courage Award Winners and all the honors associated with the NFF.

“We are really excited about the Football Matters initiative,” said Hatchell. “I want to thank everybody at Arkleus for their passion for the project. They have done a marvelous job of getting it up and running in a short amount of time, and we have already received great feedback.”

The site focuses on the stories that evoke the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal, character building and the drive for academic excellence that exemplifies many of the young men who play football and the families who support them.

You can learn more about the site and watch a video featuring NFF Chairman Archie Manning and NFF Board Members Jack Ford, Archie Griffin, Kevin Plank and Rod West by clicking here.

Visit www.footballfoundation.org.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NFFNetwork

Twitter https://twitter.com/NFFNetwork

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/NFFOnDemand

Tennis

USTA Florida announced its new series of Team Tennis Challenges for youth players, age 7-18, across the state. In 2015, these fun team events will be hosted as two independent series: with four events scheduled in South Florida this spring and four more events scheduled for the fall in North Florida.

The events are ‘BYOT’ (bring your own team), and teams do not have to have prior participation in a local league to participate. USTA members and non-members can participate. All participants will receive lunch on Saturday during the event. Facilities and coaches who bring teams to these events will receive special incentives.

“The new USTA Florida Team Tennis Challenges offer fewer restrictions, allowing more teams to participate,” said USTA Florida Associate Executive Director Andy McFarland. “They also give players who are not yet USTA members the opportunity to experience our events and programs, while offering a clear value proposition for our junior members.”

Registration is now open for the four Spring Team Tennis Challenge Series events. The cost for early registration for each event is just $25 for USTA members and $35 for non-members. Prices will increase two weeks prior to each event.

Spring Series

March 14-15 – Academia Sanchez-Casal, Naples

April 25-26 – Crandon Tennis Facility, Key Biscayne

May 16-17 -- BallenIsles Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens

May 30-31 -- Tampa Tennis Club at Hillsborough Community College, Tampa

The competition is divided into age groups 10-under, 12-under, 14-under, and 18-under. There are novice, intermediate and advanced divisions within each age group.

10-under age advanced division teams will play with the green-dot ball on a full-size court. Players age 10 or younger must play in their natural age division. The green-dot ball will also be used in the older other novice age divisions.

Novice divisions will offer gender-blind teams (example: a team can enter a novice division with 3 boys and 1 girl, or a team can include all of one gender). Players are allowed to "play up" a maximum of one age division, except for participants age 10-under. Teams can participate in multiple USTA Florida Regional Team Tennis Challenge events.

USTA Florida is offering tennis balls, lines and cash incentives for facilities and/or coaches who bring multiple teams to a single event:

Bring two teams and receive one case of tennis balls or $75;

Bring three teams and receive two cases of tennis balls or one set of clay court tack-down lines (red or orange) or $100;

Bring four teams or more and receive three cases of tennis balls or two sets of clay court tack-down lines (red or orange) or $125.

For information and to register visit

www.USTAFlorida.com/TeamTennisChallenges

Tennis

USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.

The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.

Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.

To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.

For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.

Tennis classes, programs

Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.

Florida Christian lacrosse

Florida Christian School Athletic Director Ed Riggan, announced that FCS Athletics will offer lacrosse at the JV level for the spring of the 2014-15 school year. For information call 305-226-8152 or visit www.floridachristian.org.

ThunderPlex

Thunder Athletix and Brain Gymnasium LLC teamed to offer a complete fitness program of body and mind at the new ThunderPlex, 1440 NW 82 Ave. in Doral.

Students can improve their basketball skills and physical fitness, as well as strengthen their academic skills through specialized tutoring programs. They can have fun and finish their homework.

The mission is to teach the principles, fundamentals and basic skills of the game to children age 5-17.

Brain Gymnasium offers specialized tutoring, homework help, FCAT Prep, SAT/ACT Prep, and Entrance Exam Prep. Their degreed, professional and experienced teachers provide a simple and exciting approach to learning.

For information on special packages, after school programs and summer programs,

visit www.jointhunder.com ; contact@jointhunder.com or call 786-505-5585.

For information on Brain Gymnasium, visit www.braingymnasium.org or call 305-788-7339.

Thunder basketball

Thunder Basketball opened its new year-round facility at ThunderPlex, 1440 NW 82th Ave., Doral.

The mission is to teach the principles, fundamentals and basic skills of the game. It stresses the importance of team and sportsmanship.

Thunder also encourages players to succeed in the classroom and all aspects of life.

For information visit www.jointhunder.com

Registration is open.

Email contact@jointhunder.com or call 786-505-5585.

Miami Lady Express basketball

The Miami Lady Express girls’ basketball team needs funding to continue competing in tournaments throughout the United States. The coaches volunteered to train the girls, giving them something positive to do, and the parents have been raising funds.

Travel costs, food, tournament fees and lodging are very expensive for these girls. They practice at the Keys Gate Gym in Florida City and South Dade High School, where their coaches teach. Contact Coach Larry Hicks at 786-301-2577.

Tamiami basketball

Tamiami youth basketball registration is open for girls and boys ages 5 to 16.

Email Tamiamibasketball@gmail.com or call 305 -273-1145.

Jose’s Heroes

To support Miami Marlins star pitcher José Fernández on his road to recovery, the Marlins announce the return of the José’s Heroes season ticket package for the 2015 season.

For $499, José’s Heroes receive:

-A ticket to all 81 Marlins regular season home games. That’s about $6 a seat.

-A special edition José’s Heroes T-shirt each month.

-A complimentary ‘K’ Card!

-A meet-and-greet event with the man himself, José Fernández.

-Purchase the José’s Heroes season ticket package and travel to Marlins Park to support the Fish, 25 men strong.

For information, visit marlins.com/josesheroes, email SeasonTickets@marlins.com or call 305-480-2521.

Marlins Tours

The Miami Marlins offer behind-the-scenes tours of Marlins Park. The tours are open to the public on non-event days for $10 per person.

The tour includes visits to the field (behind home plate), home clubhouse, home batting cage area and Diamond Club, Promenade Level featuring the art in the facility, the bobblehead museum and the premium areas, including the suites.

Tours operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except when the Marlins play at home or when other major events are scheduled at Marlins Park. Group tours of 10 to 25 people are available by appointment.

For more information, fans can call 1-877-MARLINS or e-mail tours@marlins.com. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket windows on Felo Ramirez Drive (Northwest Sixth Street between 14th and 15th avenues) and are for the time and date specified.

Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

HOF baseball

Hall Of Fame Baseball is sponsoring travel baseball teams for 11-12, 13-14, 15-18 (high school) players.

Hall Of Fame Coach Rich Hofman and his staff will coach the teams, which will practice and play in tournaments and leagues. Register for a tryout at www.hofball.net or call David Hofman at 954-804-5600 or Ed Tisdale at 803-463-2591.

Youth Rugby South Miami

The Miami Rugby Youth Division, for boys ages 6-18, practices from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays at Murray Park and Wednesdays at Palmer Park, 6120 SW 67th Ave., South Miami. Call 305-400-0134, ext. 101.

Visit www.miamirugbykids.com.

Soccer 5 Academy

Soccer 5 Academy Mini Soccer Program, also referred to as small-sided soccer, is at three Miami-Dade County-owned parks — Tropical Park (7900 Bird Rd.), Kendall Soccer Park (8011 SW 127th Ave.) and Amelia Earhart Park (401 E. 65th St., Hialeah).

Headed by Soccer 5’s Director of Coaching Development Alan Georgeson, who has more than 15 years of experience in Europe in mini/small-sided soccer, kids 3 to 12 years old will learn the history of mini soccer, the basics of how to play, reasons why mini soccer is the preferred form of soccer for kids, youth and even adults, and will have the opportunity to play in “3v3” to “7v7” matches.

The three locations make mini/small-sided soccer available across the county, providing a greater opportunity for children and families to access the proper 4G turf game fields specifically designed for “5v5,” “6v6” and “7v7” games.

With smaller fields, mini soccer is much easier for young children or children who have never played. In addition, mini soccer is designed for competition among teams with fewer players, providing more opportunity for pick-up games, as well as more opportunity to play the ball making mini soccer popular with older players, too.

For more information or to register, visit www.miamisoccer5.com.

Rebelle volleyball

Rebelle Athletics Club offers girls’ volleyball tryouts at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School, 4949 NE Second Ave.

The volleyball club, a member of the United States Volleyball Association, is under the direction of Mandi Tate, Dee Rey and former Barry University player Kelly Dantas. They are former coaches with South Florida Volleyball Club and currently coach at the Alonzo & Tracy Mourning Senior High School Biscayne Bay Campus.

Rebelle Athletics is dedicated to providing developmental and participatory athletic sports programs beginning at the youth development level. It offers a progression of sports activities for persons of all ages, races and creeds. It strives to enhance the physical, mental and moral development of amateur athletes at all levels, promoting sportsmanship and active citizenship.

Visit www.rebelleathletics.com.

Jai-Alai

Jai-alai is open to anyone, age 10 to 80.

With a rubber ball and cestas, the amateur jai-alai facility is at 1935 NE 150th St. in North Miami, near FIU’s North Campus.

It is indoors, air-conditioned and open to all. Call Luis at 305-389-2313 or Bob at 786-556-3574.

Jai-Alai for women

Who said you have to be a male to play jai-alai? Just as females play the sport in Spain, France and Mexico, women can play it in South Florida at the amateur indoor, air-conditioned fronton at 1935 NE 150 St., North Miami, near FIU’s North Campus.

There are also leagues for males and children. Rubber or plastic balls are used with free lessons by former pros. Cestas and balls are also provided free with a nominal court fee. Open every day. Email admanUSA@aol.com or call Brucio 786-629-5428. The American Amateur Jai-Alai Academy is a not-for-profit organization.

Physically Challenged

Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).

This story was originally published March 8, 2015 at 7:52 AM with the headline "Miami Country Day, Pace basketball teams celebrate stellar seasons."