Vince Williams of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. speaks on Hoop-Phi



Hoop-Phi Annual Basketball Tournament

The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in conjunction with the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. host their annual basketball tournament called Hoop-Phi. The event is meant to give the local area a place to come and fellowship

The event is free to the public and there will also be live entertainment from a local music group, S.O.S. The event is also used to raise awareness from the two organizations philanthropies - Alpha Phi Alpha with March of Dimes; and Delta Sigma Theta with American Heart Association.

Hoop-Phi will take place this Friday at Norman High School at 6pm. Registration fees are $25 for 5-person male teams, and $15 for 3-person female teams. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of their respective tournaments.

Video Story #2

Oklahoma City Servants Basketball Preview

It is that time of the year again where Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams prepare themselves for upcoming tournaments across the country. Right here in our own back yard we have a local team, the Oklahoma Servants. The Servants are team founded upon the mission: “To introduce the gospel of Christ to men, women, boys and girls through basketball and to develop a community of Christian families and activities for those families.” They consist of different teams:

· 4 years to 1st grade

· 2nd grade & 3rd grade

· 4th grade & 5th grade

· Middle School Boys

· Middle School Girls

· 9th grade boys

· High School boys

· High School girls

“We have a lot of work to get done prior to our first tournament in two weeks,” said Major Wilson who is the head coach and founder of the teams. He went on to say, “we are looking forward to playing against good competition and getting better at the game.” This year the teams will travel nearly every weekend beginning the third weekend of April.

Though the team lacks a bit of a height, they make it up for it with quick guard play, and good shooting. “We’ve gotten some kids from across the area who are hard workers, and very competitive,” said assistant coach Curtis Horton.

Overall, the Oklahoma Servants will be a good and fun team to watch, and look as if they will go far this AAU season.

1st Video Story

Asphalt does no justice for the body of basketball players

Back in the day, the men who played on the “black tops” were known as street legends in basketball. They were the celebrities in their neighborhoods. They were the role models for the youth. Now a days, the “black top” players are fewer and far between. Some of this may have to do with the popularity of AAU, Summer Leagues, and more organized basketball programs, but a big part may have to do with the wear and tear that playing on asphalt can do to one’s body.

Basketball itself is a demanding sport on the body, more importantly, the knees. Most wooden courts are made with some sort of cushioning and/or spring system underneath. The hard courts are not good for the body, but the cushioning and spring systems allow for some give. As for a concrete or asphalt surface, there is no give. This lack of “give” cause immense stress on the body joints, especially the knees and ankles.

For years, basketball players have played outdoors in many leagues, but now the move to indoor basketball is the most popular. For example And1 Basketball which move their street ball antics from the street courts to arenas; and Rucker Park, one of America’s most famous street courts, has redone the surface of their court to attract bigger names to play there.

Overall, to avoid unnecessary injuries, one should avoid playing basketball on concrete/asphalt courts, but if it has to be done, either be overprotective by using ankle braces, and knee straps or be prepared for pain.