Mission: To provide athletic and educational opportunities to enhance their potential for success
In this issue:
Welcome back to the Keys News. Our newsletter has been silent for a few years but we know the importance of being a positive voice in the community for our youth. We have been an organization that has been inspired by God and our belief in him. We must continue to stand on our faith and acknowledge him, for he shall direct our path. We have some new and exciting times awaiting us for the New Year 2009 and we aim to keep you fully informed of what’s going on in Keys World. read more >> What does NBA Players Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Darryl Arthur, Brandon and Kareem Rush, Sheldon Williams, Kelenna Azubuike, have in common? All participated in the Kansas City Keys Annual Basketball Invitational Tournament held every February. Greg Oden was selected as the first overall pick by the Portland Trailblazers in the 2007 draft. Mike Conley was selected as the 4th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2007 draft. Both went to Ohio State University and played for the Indiana Heat AAU team. Darryl Arthur is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. Hometown pro, Brandon Rush was drafted and plays for the Indiana Pacers. They both were apart of the Kansas Jayhawks 2008 NCAA Championship team. Darryl played on Team Texas AAU team and Brandon Rush for the local CMH 76ers. Kareem Rush another local pro is currently with the Philadelphia 76ers. He played at the University of Missouri and for the local CMH 76ers. Sheldon Williams currently plays for the Sacramento Kings having been drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. He attended the University of Duke and played on the Oklahoma Trotters AAU team. Kelenna Azubuike is with the Golden State Warriors. Kelenna played at the University of Kentucky and for the Oklahoma Rams AAU Team. Keys Partners with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City to form the BGC-Keys We are currently partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City to assist with sports programming, provide coaches, administration and volunteers. This arrangement was initiated with Dave Smith, President of the Boys and Girls Club and Penney King, Vice President of the Boys and Girls Club. We kicked off our arrangement by hosting a clinic at the Thornberry Boys and Girls Club on November 15, 2008. There were over 100 youth ages four (4) through fifteen (15) that participated and several coaches including; Gavin Ross, Malcolm Collins, Joe Johnson, Curtis Lewis, John Brooks and Harrel Johnson, served as the clinician for the event. James Couch and Darryn Craig served as the clinicians at the Wyandotte-County site. read more >> ROLL CALL - There are Keys – Keys- Keys Everywhere Did you know Chase Coffman, MU National Mackey Award winner and Josh Freeman, K State QB played in the Keys football league? What does Danielle Adams, Jefferson College (JUCO 1st Team All-American and 1st in the Nation in scoring and 3rd in Rebounding for 2008) share with Marcus Walker, Colorado State, Isaac Miles, Murray State, and Marcus Denmon, Missouri? They all played for the Kansas City Keys and were prior DiRenna Award Winners (Voted Best HS Hooper in KC Metro Area). Coach Johnson recently visited Missouri vs Murray State and witnessed Isacc Miles 18 points to Marcus Denmon’s 7 points in limited action. Missouri however outlasted Murray State 75-64. DJ Hord transferred to Northern Iowa and has another year of eligibility. They just lost the semi-final game Division I-A game to the University of Richmond in a heartbreaker 20-21. DJ, however, will get his business degree from Notre Dame and will study towards his Master’s Degree in his final season of eligibility next season at Northern Iowa. Did you get this from a friend? Would you like to receive your own copy of future newsletters? Subscribe today!
|
Pray and Play Champs
The Kansas Pray and Play Players went undefeated in the Boys 5th grade division pool play and bracket play taking 1st place honors. They overcame a tough challenge from the Little Rock Triple Threat in the Championship game to win 40-38. Some of the players were Roman Young #23, Cameron Ellis #32, Semaj Atkins #3, Cervantes Lawson #5 and Papi Conley, all from Wichita and Anthony Bonner#4 and Weston Hack #11 from Lawrence. Coaches (L to R): Steve Young, Sebastian Bonner, and Jamar Reese. All tournament honors were given to Anthony Bonner and Roman Young. read more >> Keys Tournament Informational 2009 16th Annual Best Basketball Tournament K-6 ALL TEAMS WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE!! Scouts-Newsletter Articles-Player Interviews! Teams participating from Arkansas, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and many more!!! Over 150 teams in last year's event! OVER 800 HOTEL ROOMS BOOKED!! Girls and Boys Basketball Grades K-3 $200; Grades 4-6: $275 for 3 game guarantee 3 Teams $675 "Deadline 1/15/2009" Additional $50 after 1/15/2009 (availability only!) Keys Coaches Retreat 2008 What do you give coaches that have dedicated their lives and times for five or more years to an organization and the community? A first to be Annual Coaches Retreat with a dynamic speaker, Kenny Ellis. Coaches were treated to lodging and meals at the Tan Tar A Lodge of Four Seasons in Ozark, Missouri on October 17th-19th, 2008. We held a luncheon and Harrel Johnson’s mentor and friend, Victor Pichon, served as the guest speaker. Victor discussed the importance of working with youth in the lock-up centers and that we needed to seek opportunities to help those youth who come from dysfunctional backgrounds and experiences as there is not a lot of guidance for them to turn to. He explained his experiences and left us with words of praise and encouragement.  Standing top row (L to R): James Couch, Connie Johnson, Darryn Craig, Yasmir Craig, Dianna Johnson, Harrel Johnson, Nicole Barfield |
The Kansas City Keys 15th Annual Best Basketball tournament was held February 15th -17th, 2008. Once again for the 5th year straight the Wichita Pray and Play Players coached by Steve Young win in their age division. 
 |
 |