The Flyers Pro Elite Women's Basketball Team is on its way to Elsberry, and not just for an exhibition game or a local fundraiser. In fact, the team is looking for a new home, and they are hoping that the Elsberry community is just the fit they have been looking for. Elsberry alumni Kari Koch-Dowell and Brittney Koch-Dowell approached the Elsberry R-II School Board during their Dec. 9 meeting and requested the use of the high school gym during the team's 2016 season.
The team, as well as the Women's Blue Chip Basketball League, the league that they play in, is geared toward athletes age 20 and above who no longer have NCAA eligibility. 'They have to be done with college basketball,' said Brittney during a telephone interview with The Elsberry Democrat. The league is comprised of 40 teams from across the United States who square off against one another during a season that generally lasts from May until August. Games are held on Saturday and sometimes Sunday evenings at 7 or 8 p.m.
There are a total of seven teams in the WBCBL Midwest Region that the Flyers will be competing in, including teams from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. However, they will also be playing other teams from throughout the country that aren't in their region. 'We're sort of a feeder for international basketball and for players who are still looking to make it into the WNBA,' said Brittney.
Brittney is the owner and coach of the team, which at one point was headquartered in Alabama and known as the Auburn Flyers. She said they became known as simply the Flyers Pro Elite during the team's fourth year in Alabama due to the fact that people were confusing them with Auburn University. 'That kind of hurt us a little bit,' said Brittney. She added, however, that the team would now love to incorporate Elsberry into its name. 'We won't do it unless the community wants it to happen,' said Brittney.
She stressed to the board that the team wants to be here for the long-run and not just for the 2016 season. 'We want to bring the best athletes out to the Elsberry community and give back to the youth in the area,' said Brittney. As part of that giving back, Brittney said the team plans to do a lot of free clinics and camps, and to mentor young people in the community in whatever ways are available. Brittney plans to have the team's schedule completed by January and told the board she is anticipating that between eight and nine games will be played in Elsberry's high school gym, while the remainder will take place on the road.
She added that the team would pay to rent the gym and would also provide staff and security in accordance with the guidelines of the WBCBL. Admission to the games is expected to cost approximately $5. Brittney told the board that 30 percent of anything that comes in the door will go directly to the school, as will a portion of what is made on concessions.
As an added draw, she mentioned that Kari is actually a member of the Flyers and will be participating in the games. Brittney said this creates an opportunity for those in the community who watched Kari play in high school to come out and see the growth in her skill set. Kari said she plans to assume coaching responsibilities with the team as soon as they have won the national tournament again. 'I want to win one more title,' said Kari.
[Update] The Flyer's request was approved by the board and Brittney said they couldn't be more excited. She added that, in addition to the appeal of returning to Kari's home turf, the team had another reason for wanting to play in Elsberry. 'I've researched the area,' said Brittney. 'Elsberry loves the game of basketball. They are fanatics.' - The Elsberry Democrat
Oakland's first women's pro hoops team is just getting started. Rise Up - 8 days ago
Rise Up byBy Alex Handy Oakland Magazine Young male basketball stars like Lonzo Ball can look forward to long lucrative careers in professional sports. But, unfortunately, women hoops stars are mostly left to the brutish realities of the real world, with the WNBA's tiny roster sizes allowing for just over 100 professional women's players across the nation. With hundreds of NCAA-level women graduating every year, how can they scratch that competitive itch? Marqus Coleman has a solution f... [read more]
Rise Up
by
By Alex Handy
Oakland Magazine
Young male basketball stars like Lonzo Ball can look forward to long lucrative careers in professional sports. But, unfortunately, women hoops stars are mostly left to the brutish realities of the real world, with the WNBA's tiny roster sizes allowing for just over 100 professional women's players across the nation. With hundreds of NCAA-level women graduating every year, how can they scratch that competitive itch?
Marqus Coleman has a solution for the women of Oakland, and it's one that has been thriving across the country for almost a decade now. The Women's Blue Chip Basketball League is an independent professional sports league for women ballers, and the Oakland Rise is Coleman and his partner Ronald Williams' entry into this wide-ranging league.
And believe it or not, the Rise is Oakland's first women's pro basketball team.
Coach Coleman. With dozens of teams across the country, the WBCBL is about providing a place for women to compete on a professional level. Many women in this league play in Europe half of the year, where women's basketball draws large crowds and dedicated fans.
The Rise, however, is cutting its own path to a fan base. At the opening game on May 13 at Laney College, the Rise packed the stands with local fans, family, and coworkers of the young women playing on the court. The Rise fought hard against the Dallas Diesel in the opening game, but ultimately came up short.
But in the Diesel is the hope of every Rise player overall. These women are not just playing professional basketball; they're a good team with veteran players, some of whom have been playing in this league for years.
Players like the Diesel's Chantoya Hawkins, a quick and gritty guard at 5 feet 5 inches tall with an eye for good shots and breakaways. Hawkins graduated from Oklahoma State in 2001, and in any other sport, she'd likely be considered past her prime by now. However, she lit up the scoreboard and played all 48 minutes of the game. She's living the dream of playing a sport she loves at a professional level, even in her 30s.
Her family even made the trip to Oakland for the game: mom, dad, and sister. And even they could see the potential for the Rise to be a dominant team in the sport. That could take a few more years of building, however. For now, the Rise is a bundle of almost wild talent, knocking down threes, but not quite yet working as a well-oiled machine.
Which is to be expected of a team that's less than a year old, and as of May 13, had only played one game together. Despite the loss of that game, there were highlights and show-stoppers. Like Javier Brantley's Jordan-esque drive to the basket, leaping forward for a shot, then adjusting to a reverse layup.
The fans at this packed event at Laney caused quite a ruckus, obviously eager to support the local team with a fervor similar to that of Warriors fans. There were smiles everywhere, even on the referees' faces. At least, when they weren't working hard to officiate the fast-moving game.
Renee Robinson and Lorena Ahumada were two of those refs, and both had played ball in college. Robinson played for University of Virginia, while Ahumada played for Holy Names. They're both excited to see these young women get a chance they never had after college.
Coleman has always dreamed of owning a professional sports team, and his years of coaching across all levels, from high school to NCAA, are serving him well while he pulls double duty as co-owner and coach this season. It's not a role he was hoping to play, but it's one he feels he must right now in order to build toward the team's future.
Coleman said Rise players have their work cut out for them now that the season has begun. For many on the team, said Coleman, that first game was a wakeup call, showing just how serious and high level this league can be.
'With the organization being so young and never really playing at this level, they have taken a different level of seriousness to how we approach practice,' Coleman said. 'For us, our focus is executing our game plan, continuing to get better at the things we do well, but at this level what's important are the little things. They matter more than anything. If you don't box out, if you don't defend or cut off the basketball, or miss two or three shots in a row, you'll see the pain on the scoreboard on the other end.'
What does the Rise do well? Said Coleman, 'I think we can score the ball. I know the score didn't show that [in the first game]. The girls can shoot the ball really well. I think they play extremely hard. I think in terms of our overall skill set as a group, I think we can be better than what we showed. The nervous energy playing in front of their family contributed to it. It's not a college game. It's much faster, there's a 24-second shot clock. The ball moves faster, and moves in transition a lot faster. As they get acclimated to that, they will continue to execute.'
Ceciley Johnson is the Rise center and power forward, and at 6 feet 2 inches tall, she's a powerful force under the hoop. When she first found out about the Rise, she thought it was a joke. She had been playing during open hours at the Laney College gym when folks started asking her if she'd be coming out for tryouts.
'Marqus was like, 'You're going to come out and play for my team?' I thought it was a joke at first. They were like, 'No, we're super serious. We want you to play on the pro team.'' Johnson said she was excited to get a chance at fulfilling her dream, 'because I've always wanted a team here. I played overseas for three years, but I would love to come back and play in front of all my friends here.'
Europeans are passionate about women's basketball, and Johnson played in Romania and Switzerland. She said her time in Romania, in particular, was a life-changing experience. 'I had a good time in Europe,' she said. 'The overall experience was definitely needed. It humbled me. How people live in Romania is completely different than how they live here, but the culture of how they managed to live on a daily basis versus how privileged we are has really humbled me,' said Johnson. She said she would be followed to practice every day by local homeless boys, who she'd feed when she had extra food left over.
Indeed, Johnson has now played just about everywhere but Oakland. Before her time in Europe, she played for West Texas A&M and Ohlone Community College. But her game with the Rise was the first one she'd had a chance to play in her hometown.
Hopefully, if Coleman's plans pan out, Johnson will have plenty more games with the Rise. 'I hope that this organization can sustain itself for a long period of time,' said Coleman, 'And be able to give a lot of women the opportunity to play at this level. The Diesel, a couple of them played in the WNBA, and 10 years overseas; it was positive to see that. I think from an organizational standpoint, I'm learning lessons every day. How much we're involved in the community will help because we'll have an earlier start. People will know who we are going into next season so it could generate a lot more excitement.'
The Women's Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL) and GMAP Broadcast Network (Waukegan, IL based broadcasting company has reached an agreement to air & rebroadcast WBCBL games online, radio, and television... They are currently testing platforms for the best quality on their newly dedicated sports channel at GH2 Sports http://gmapbroadcastnetwork.ning.com/page/gh2-sports-channel-1 GMAP Company Profile -------------------------------------------------------------------- We are a Faith Based... [read more]
The Women's Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL) and GMAP Broadcast Network (Waukegan, IL based broadcasting company has reached an agreement to air & rebroadcast WBCBL games online, radio, and television... They are currently testing platforms for the best quality on their newly dedicated sports channel at GH2 Sports http://gmapbroadcastnetwork.ning.com/page/gh2-sports-channel-1
GMAP Company Profile -------------------------------------------------------------------- We are a Faith Based Motivational/Inspirational Broadcast Network on the worldwide internet. Started in 2009; we have become an audio, video, television production and broadcast network which consists of more than 1000,000 live viewers and listeners on more than 5 broadcast networks. We are also a broad base network made up of for profit and not for profit organizations; which have come together to create an all-inclusive company of products and services for Christian Entertainment. This network includes: internet radio, educational institutions, theaters, multicultural centers, conference centers, hotels, religious organizations, business marketing development, public relations, meeting and convention planning, travel and transportation. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Mission -------------------------------------------------------------------- To provide Christian Entertainment and Services in a unique way through positive programs and activities for youths and adults of all nationalities and denominations, and to produce the #1 Faith Based Motivational / Inspirational Gospel Television Broadcast Network, giving all people HOPE, a Hope that will produce FAITH without doubt ~ MATTHEW 21:21 We will influence the faithful and non-Christian alike with a positive and powerful message of love for God, self, and others. Striving towards our mission we are focused on reaching out to underprivileged communities and their residents to help develop equal opportunities, increase incomes, labor opportunities, providing information on available services, and meet local, state and global needs. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Goal -------------------------------------------------------------------- To reach out to the lost allowing them a chance to get to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Continue to encourage those that are saved to remain strong in their walk with Christ. We have created Christian programming and services that will give people Hope and produce Faith. Our programming and services include the following: Television programs, Sporting Events, Corporate Events, Seminars, Training Services, Mentor/Internships, and Fundraising. We will use these programs and services to help us address the following topics: Domestic Violence, Drug Rehabilitation, Homelessness, Sexual Abuse, HIV/AIDS/STD Awareness, Teen Runaways & Teen Pregnancy. The GMAP Broadcast Network prides itself on employing individuals that have a desire to live a Christian life, must have integrity, and have a sense of compassion to help people help themselves. The GMAP Staff would like to thank each and every one of our viewers and listeners that support our mission and goals. We will not continue to grow at such a rapid rate without your suggestions and feedback. Your support keeps us motivated and committed to be your audio, video, radio, and television production broadcast network that will continue to bring you quality Christian programs & Ministries. We look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.
Thank You and GOD BLESS, Sincerely, Pastor Kevin T. Strawder President/CEO GMAP Broadcast Network
Nashville, Tennessee - - Music City Icons Women's Basketball Team Center/Post player Angie Ramey (6'4''-F/C-91) landed a contract to play professional basketball in Cameroon, Africa. Angie will be playing in the AFROBASKET 2017 Tournament representing the Federation Cameronaise De Basketball: Cameroon Basketball Federation. Team Visionary and Founder Renee Bobb is beyond beaming with pride and expresses her thanks to God for this blessing of success. In addition to the many local and nat... [read more]
Nashville, Tennessee -
- Music City Icons Women's Basketball Team Center/Post player Angie Ramey (6'4''-F/C-91) landed a contract to play professional basketball in Cameroon, Africa. Angie will be playing in the AFROBASKET 2017 Tournament representing the Federation Cameronaise De Basketball: Cameroon Basketball Federation. Team Visionary and Founder Renee Bobb is beyond beaming with pride and expresses her thanks to God for this blessing of success. In addition to the many local and national achievements her team has enjoyed since its launch, the team is proud to be a member of the Women's Blue Chip Basketball League.
The Music City Icons Women's Basketball Team's goal is to 'Build Opportunities Beyond Basketball,' not only in the lives of the basketball players but in their home city of Nashville, Tennessee, and beyond. The team is comprised of 10 outstanding players who played high school and college basketball. 'The Music City Icons gives women the opportunity to play in their hometown with the options of one day playing in the WNBA and/or overseas. We provide an amazing second opportunity for these women to continue to play basketball and be vested leaders locally, nationwide and globally as well,' stated team owner Bobb.
The single mother of two beautiful sons, Kemon age 3 and Zyre 8 months old, seems not to have a clue of what words like 'stop' and 'cannot' actually mean. Angie Ramey says that if she had to do it all over again, she wouldn't do anything different-especially having her two children and opting to do everything in her power to raise them. 'If you are going to be successful at anything in this life, you'll have to give it your all. It's going to be hard sometimes, but you'll learn to push through it.'
She is already living the American Dream; it began with an idea formed in her mind in the eighth grade. The 6' 3' beauty yearned to play professional basketball, even back then. The physical part of her dream actually started when she played in her sophomore year at Kenwood High School and continued on in her college years. After attending Tyler Jr. College for a year in Tyler, Texas, she attended and graduated from Arkansas Baptist College with an Associate's Degree (AA) in General Studies. Tyler Jr. College is a Historical Black College University (HBCU). The collegiate years ended with her earning a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL) and a basketball championship ring from the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Angie was originally set to continue playing basketball via the Georgia Stampede Women's Professional Basketball Team. But due to unforeseen life circumstances, Angie wasn't ready at that time. But an unexpected twist of fate allowed Coach Bryant (that team's coach) to introduce her to Coach Renee Bobb in May 2017. It was an incredible match and the catalyst which set the overseas contract in motion-one which has been negotiated for a base two-month period, with possible longer options for the future. The Cameroon Africa leg of Angie Ramey's career will be another chapter in her life and a feather in the cap of our nation as a whole.
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