'A Team United' Through Hoops

When Andrew Rushing was looking for a name for his basketball team, he only needed to look at them playing together before something came to mind.

"I said that we're a team united," Rushing said. "And the name just stuck."

The Avon Park United - along with the Avon Park Elite - were formed by Rushing, Avon Park Middle School's head basketball coach, and Elite coach Levon Stukes to give kids living in the area something productive to do during the summer.

Many of the kids are used to playing against each other - most attend Avon Park, Sebring and Hill-Gustat Middle Schools - but the common bond they share is their love of hoops.

MJ Rhoden, a multi-sport athlete in basketball and baseball, was excited when Rushing recruited him to play for the United.

"They came to one of my games and asked if I wanted to play for them," Rhoden said. "I told them I'd love to, but after my stint with Dixie baseball."

Some of the kids are visiting Avon Park for the summer and jumped at the chance to play on the team.

"My aunt lives here, and I couldn't wait to get on the court with this team," said 14-year old Roy'Quies Graham of Lakeland. "The coaches have really improved my game in all areas. We are constantly looking to get better, and it shows in our performance."

The United are undefeated in the summer tournament season so far, taking first place in tournaments in Lakeland and Ft. Lauderdale.

"The competition has been tough, but these kids have a real chemistry on the court," Rushing said. "They work well together even though they're from competing schools.

"The hardest task has been scheduling practices, but the kids are willing to work through all the ups and downs, and still, they keep winning."

But the program isn't just about winning and losing for Rushing and Stukes, who've fostered a positive environment where the kids can help build not only their basketball skills but also their confidence on and off the court.

"We want these kids to get in the habit of making good choices," Stukes said. "No matter what mistakes you've made in the past, you can also make good choices and good changes in your life."

Stukes has worked with many of the kids on his team to work just as hard on their school work as they do on their jump shot so they can play at the next level.

"I love the game and I love these kids," Stukes said. "Sometimes a kid needs guidance and some direction. I'll help any kid that wants to help themselves, and all of these players want to be better on and off the court."

Raising funds has been a constant struggle to keep the program going, with the teams doing car washes and other fundraising ventures, but local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club have helped with transportation and Dr. Andres Martin of Avon Park have helped keep the program alive and growing.

"We couldn't do this without the support of the community," Rushing said. "Dr. Martin has been a godsend in helping us, and we're dedicating the next trophy we win to him."

The United are competing in the Florida Five Star NIT, which began on Friday and runs through the weekend in Winter Haven. The NIT is one of the most competitive tournaments in the state and will give the United their toughest test to date.

"There's going to be some tough teams there," Rhoden said. "We can't be worried about who we're going to play, but go out and play our game. That's all we can do."

But no matter the outcome of the tournaments this summer, Rushing and Stukes believe that the kids are winners just for making a positive change in their lives.

"The kids see that the rewards are real from all the hard work they put in," Stukes said. "They know they can make mistakes and still turn their lives around.

"You can still be somebody even if you don't win on the court."