Welcome to the seventh issue of volume three of Swish, a weekly periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as standings, schedules, announcements, and updates from the program.
Over the next couple of weeks, the Swish will have articles about the history of the YMCA. The following is from
THE YMCA IN THE UNITED STATES
Today, the Y engages more than 10,000 neighborhoods across the U.S. As the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, our contributions are both far-reaching and intimate—from influencing our nation’s culture during times of profound social change to the individual support we provide an adult learning to read.
By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure.
Here’s a glance at our rich history, and a snapshot of our many successes over the last 160 years on behalf of the individuals and communities we are privileged to serve.
The story of our founding
In 1844, industrialized London was a place of great turmoil and despair. For the young men who migrated to the city from rural areas to find jobs, London offered a bleak landscape of tenement housing and dangerous influences.
Twenty-two-year-old George Williams, a farmer-turned-department store worker, was troubled by what he saw. He joined 11 friends to organize the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the hazards of life on the streets.
Although an association of young men meeting around a common purpose was nothing new, the Y offered something unique for its time. The organization’s drive to meet social need in the community was compelling, and its openness to members crossed the rigid lines separating English social classes.
Years later, retired Boston sea captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan, working as a marine missionary, noticed a similar need to create a safe “home away from home” for sailors and merchants. Inspired by the stories of the Y in England, he led the formation of the first U.S. YMCA at the Old South Church in Boston on December 29, 1851.
1800 – 1860s
Anthony Bowen founded the first African American YMCA in 1853.
In 1844, George Williams launched the YMCA movement in London as a volunteer, and his example persists in the expansion of the Y across the globe. In the United States, early YMCA programs were run almost entirely by volunteers.
The first “student YMCA” was started in 1856 at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. Dedicated to the leadership development of college students, student Ys remain active on the campuses of major universities such as the University of Illinois.
In 1853 in Washington, D.C., the first YMCA for African Americans was founded by Anthony Bowen, a freed slave.
Welcoming and engaging newcomers and immigrants has always been part of YMCA work. In 1856, the nation’s first-known English as a Second Language (ESL) class was held for German immigrants at the Cincinnati YMCA.
YMCA housing was started in the 1860s to give young men moving to cities from rural areas safe and affordable lodging. Facilities included gyms, auditoriums and hotel-like rooms. Chicago’s Farwell Hall, the first known YMCA dormitory, was completed in 1867. Between 1922 and 1940, YMCA accommodations grew from approximately 55,000 rooms to more than 100,000, more than any hotel chain at the time. Among those who stayed at YMCA residences: journalists Andy Rooney and Dan Rather, African American leaders Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., novelist Jack Kerouac and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young.
In 1861, a conference with President Abraham Lincoln led to the full-scale recruitment of YMCA volunteers. Eventually numbering 5,000, members of the U.S. Christian Commission served as surgeons, nurses and chaplains during the Civil War. The volunteers distributed medical supplies, food and clothing, and taught soldiers to read and write.
The first YMCA buildings constructed with gymnasiums opened in 1869. In 1881, Boston YMCA staffer Robert J. Roberts coined the term “body building” and developed exercise classes that anticipated today’s fitness workouts.
Rookies
The Pugs played their first tournament game against the Terriers. After a slow start, the Pugs were down 12 – 2 at the half as the Terriers brought high energy and effort for the whole game. Adam Norman was able to get open against the Terriers’ defense, drive to the basket and make a 6-footer off the glass for his first bucket of the season. Branden Forrester added a bucket in the 2nd half on a nice assist from Laila Elliot to conclude the Pugs scoring. Laila finished with 3 rebounds to go along with the assist. Luca Samson was active and chipped in with 6 rebounds and 1 steal. David Casparian and Arya Nawathe grabbed on rebound each. The Terriers ran away with the game in the 2nd half. Final Score Pugs 4 – Terriers 28. Submitted by Coach Charles Ellinwood
Terriers vs Pugs: To kick off the Spring league tournament, Terriers faced off again vs the Pugs. Today just wasn’t the Pugs day in shooting, and while Terriers have played against some rough and tough defenses from other teams in different games, it also is only fair to say (and to the Pugs credit), the Terriers had many equal open shots in other games same as this game, but today shots just were falling in, and half the team scored baskets. Eloise Siegler was named player of the game with 6 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and her signature tough defense. Rhys Scheflen played another really solid game with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and took care of business on defense. Tristan Hayes connected for 10 points, 8 rebounds, a steal, and played good defense. Teddy Franklin aka “Mr. Preschool” played great defense, added 2 points, a pair of rebounds, a block, and an assist showing once again not to underestimate a 5 year old. Roman Gabriel came alive today and dropped 4 points (both long sniper shots at least 11-12 feet), 2 rebounds, and a steal. Kiera Wheeler had a rebound and held her ground on defense. Colson Moore had a pair of assists and worked the paint on defense. Riyaan Bhatt & Triton Hayes played their part on defense. Overall, the Pugs made some noise and had heart, but the Terriers caught too much of a roll and came out with the win. Submitted by Coach Holden Hayes
Game of the weekend
Terriers vs Doxies: The 2nd of a double header weekend for both teams, this game was one for the Rookie ages… if one OT wasn’t enough, then the 2nd OT (sudden death) sure kept the suspense going to say the least. The 1st half ended 6-4 Terriers up, and with under 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Terriers found themselves down 8-12…the Terriers intensely fought for loose balls and rebounds and Tristan Hayes found a lucky’ish basket off the glass, and soon after hustled back pushing the ball and drained another big bucket tying it 12-12. Regulation time ended, but left All Rookie 1st team player, Doxies star Aidan Smith at the free throw line with 2 shots to potentially win the game…they just didn’t fall this time for the little guy, and resulted in OT. Three more high strung minutes of battling back and forth, but the score still tied as the buzzer rang…Terriers Eloise Siegler then had yet another opportunity to end the game on free throws, but again just didn’t fall – triggering a 2nd OT (sudden death)! It was intense, it was wild, multiple close shots bounced off the rim for both teams, but in the end, Mr. Rhys Scheflen, under pressure defense, got off a 9-10 footer heroic shot from the right side that took one bounce and ultimately dropped like NBA Kawhi Leonard’s dagger to take out Philly in the 2nd round earlier this month. The crowd and Terriers bench went nuts. Overall, for Terriers, Roman Gabriel had sunk a big basket in the 4th qtr. Theo “Teddy” Franklin hustled for 4 steals, a rebound, and 2 points. Eloise Siegler grabbed a steal and a rebound. Tristan Hayes pulled down 11 rebounds, 3 steals, an assist, and 6 points. Rhys Scheflen, earning player of the game, ended with 6 rebounds, 4 points, a steal, a block, and an assist. There was no real loser in this game, as both teams played their hearts out through 2OT’s, but the score ended 14-12 Terriers. Submitted by Coach Holden Hayes
Our Yorkies have played very inconsistent basketball this season. We had a solid win over the first place Chihuahuas earlier in the season, but then had some lackluster outings that put us in a must-win game against the Doxies on Saturday. The kids seemed fired up and ready for the challenge and it didn’t take long for us to see results with all 9 Yorkies in attendance playing extra hard. Kai Badat was active on both ends of the court and had the best game of his Y career with a game-high 10 points. Kai and Vitalina Moncher hit early buckets to start the onslaught that would grow into a 20-2 lead before the Doxies had better luck at the rim. Lauren Bryan played very well with 2 buckets and solid defense. Grace Samy did very well in the paint for us. She, along with Ryan Lim, Kai, and Vitalina, gave our Yorkies many second and third chances at the hoop. Although we stress defense at every practice, our recent games didn’t show it. We did put it all together in this game from start to finish. Vitalina was finally back to being the defensive beast we need; including tossing one poor Doxie across the paint when he refused to give up a ball Vitalina was intent on stealing. It wasn’t just Ryan, Kai, Lauren, Grace, and Vitalina doing damage in the paint, as we saw Oguz Aghayev hit a bucket and play hard, Stellan Haberli had some nice chances at the rim and chased the ball hard all game, and the Belew sisters Mariama and little Mariella also had numerous good shots and played great defense. We still need to win out for the championship, but the kids really want it. If they play like this, and not like previous weeks, we will be tough to beat. Submitted by Coach Rick Moncher
Pugs vs Maltese. Looking to regroup from Saturday’s game the Pugs faced another tough opponent in the Maltese. With only 4 players available, the Pugs had another uphill battle on their hands. It was a great game. Both sides were active and shared the basketball. Luca Samson carried the scoring load with 10 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal; even going 2 for 2 at the free throw line. Laila Elliot was strong with 2 points and 5 rebounds while playing solid defense. Cruz Hecklin tracked down a rebound as well and showed some great teamwork finding his open teammates with good passes. Adrian Liu also grabbed a rebound and was instrumental in helping his teammates find good looks at the basket. Down 8 – 6 at the half, the Pugs showed much courage in getting back into the game and even taking the lead in the 4th quarter. The Maltese were able to make a few great defensive plays down the stretch and convert them to baskets in transition to turn the tide. Final score Pugs 12 – Maltese 14. Submitted by Coach Charles Ellinwood
Bantams
After two consecutive defeats, our Scotties were back in action early on Sunday against the Beagles. After falling behind 2-0 in the first minute of the game, the team stayed composed and played one of our best all around games of the season. Playing great defense, and going after every rebound which is what we worked on all week in practice, we didn’t let our opponent score another basket the rest of the way. On the offensive end, Alan Larkin led a very balanced attack with help from Dylan Kravitz, Luke Steelman, Brandon Israel and Jaxton Moore who scored his first basket of the season! Ben Steelman and Luca Hayutin played their usual great defense and the team effort led to a hard fought 13-3 victory. Submitted by Coach Bill Kravitz
The Pinschers took on the tough and skilled Corgies who played a solid game. The Corgies were able to build a big first half lead. The Pinschers mounted a comeback in the second half, but came up short as the Corgies held on to win 16-13. Michael Mikhail led the Pinschers scoring. Aiden Harvey and Jenson Montague contributed points, and Dominic Drew and Shai Painter distributed the ball well, while Desi Parra and Brendan Still snagged down rebounds. It was a good performance by both teams, and showed how much all players have improved this season. Submitted by DocDrew
I have to consider this one of the most exciting games Ive had the pleasure of coaching.First off, we tip our hats to the great competitiveness of the Shelties.
What started off as a close defensive game with both teams only scoring 2 points in the first quarter, quickly shifted in the 2nd with the Shelties’s Rayan Etemadnia
finding his shot and slashing our defense to put up 4 points and an added bucket by Siena Shickler put the Score at 8-2.It was at the half that I had to remind the team that we were the number 1 team for a reason and that we had to get back to our style of playing.With some encouragement and a nudge We came out in the 3rd with a different energy We got back to defensive basketball. River Zelerovic came alive grabbing 5 of his 10 rebounds, and Alex Segil decided it was time to play strong ball grabbing a couple boards and creating some great turnovers.
Although we were still down 8-2 you could see something different was happening.When I asked the players if they believed they could come back to win? They responded with a thunderous “YES”!
We went into the 4th with a tangible energy that was electrifying. On a great rebound by Lara Masood and quick pass to Noah McLaurin who sunk the bucket from mid-range, We cut the lead down to 4.
When Victoria Mcnary did her signature baseline move and dropped in her floater, making it 8-6 we knew we had a game.
Every now and then you witness what they call “Being in the Zone” Noah McLaurin found it and proceeded to sink his shots from different spots putting up 6 of his 8 in the final minutes to seal a great 12-8 come back victory for the Spaniels.
I couldn’t be prouder of the resolve, effort and determination of this team!
Submitted by Coach Tony McLaurin
Minors
The Labs has another strong game last weekend moving them into second place overall. As always – defense was the key to the win with every player on the team showing strong moves. Outstanding rebounding by Zoe Debenning, Jack Carter and Ben Felson. Offensively Leo Mooney, Eddie Stein, James Cook, Parker Keslow and Weston Keslow contributed greatly. Weston Keslow hit two three pointers. Submitted by Coach Kerri Keslow
Coming off of two tough losses and missing sharpshooter, Jace O’Brien, but armed with super-fans Josh and Jamaica Wakefield on the sidelines, the Whippets took on the Collies in an epic battle that rumbled throughout the basketball gym floor. The Whippets took an early lead but the Collies remained resilient playing tough defense keeping them in the game and keeping Whippet fans on edge. However, in the end, The Whippets offense, led by London Coleman” lighting up of the scoreboard and the rebounding prowess of Max Lewis, Asher Eng, Brenden Eghiari and Chad Mcneel proved too much for the Collies to bark at. In addition, big dog defense from Jarvis Wakefield, Cam Pariser, Munther Elsayed and Jackson Shea-Fisher held the Collies to only 14 points. Having survived what was also tough defense from the Collies and entering what will prove to be a very competitive tournament, the Whippets offense will need to operate at the top of their game by executing screens and assists that combined with all of their other skills and the fine coaching of Darren Eng and Tanya Peters will give them all the bones necessary to make them unstoppable. Submitted by Craig Pariser
Majors
Our team liked how this looked on paper, but when the game started, these Danes were tough to handle. A real tough, grinding team that nearly gave us more than we could handle, but we pulled out a very exciting 47-44 win in the end. The game was tight throughout, as some of our shooters were off and we had a season-high of ugly turnovers, so we didn’t have many of our usual defense-fueled runs of 6 or 8 quick points. We kept it close in the first quarter, with Amir Jahromi hitting 2 of his 7 points that were all well-earned under the basket, Timosha Moncher had 2 buckets and Evan Daghighian had a bucket. The second quarter was all Timosha as he scored 11 of our 13 points in the quarter as part of his game-high 24 points. We had more balance in the second half, as a few other players were finally able to splash. Evan hit a couple of big 3’s as part of his 10-point day; while Guy Carter, Travis Waters, and Oliver Ghiassi each hit a bucket that helped our momentum. Jason Tun and Shiva McIntosh worked hard on both ends of the court, as they were often tasked with stopping the top Danes from scoring. It was a difficult win, but with the win, we now control our destiny in our quest for the championship. Submitted by Coach Rick Moncher
The Boxers fell to the Shepherds 45-42 on Saturday. The Shepherds came out swinging, putting the Boxers back on their heels. Down several key players, the Boxers stumbled early while they tried to figure things out. They had a significant deficit at the end of the second quarter. The Shepherds committed a lot of shooting fouls in the first half, however. Quest Miller sank 4 of 4 free throws, and Eric Papazian sank of 2-2, putting the game back within reach. In the second half, the Boxers played with renewed energy and a lot of heart. Eric Papazian hit his stride at point, showing commendable resiliency after a frustrating first half. Quest Miller and Lukas Greblikas provided a strong presence in the paint. Aayan Lakhani and Jake Ronn worked hard to get open on the wings, but the Shepherds’ pressure defense prevented them from getting many good looks. Alex Wray had his best game yet in the Majors, playing better defense and grabbing several rebounds. The Boxers came up short this time, but they learned from this experience and will be ready in the tournament. Submitted by Coach Jonathan Wray
This Week’s Profile
Each week, Swish has a profile of a coach, player, or someone in the program who inspires all of us involved in Santa Monica YMCA basketball.
This week’s profile is the Elliott family. Father Aaron is currently coaching his son Vaughn on the Bantam Schnauzers. Daughter Laila is playing with the Rookie Pugs, and son Clark is playing in the Majors with the Danes. Meanwhile, matriarch Julie keeps it all together with the busy schedule of the entire family.
DocDrew: What do you enjoy most about playing basketball at the Santa Monica YMCA?
Laila: It’s fun meeting new people, burning off energy and improving my running and basketball skills.
Vaughn: Having a good time with my friends and having people cheer for me during my games!
Clark: Playing with my friends. It’s a great place to meet up and hang out and I enjoy making new friends each season, it’s such a nice and friendly environment, I love the community!
DocDrew: What are your most memorable moments in your basketball career at the Santa Monica YMCA?
Laila: It was special to win my first game in my first Rookie season with my twin brother Vaughn!
Vaughn: Scoring a buzzer beater 3-pointer to tie up one of our games this season! The crowd went wild!
Clark: Getting a triple double in the Minor vs. Major All Star Game this last winter season! It was so fun!
DocDrew: Who are your favorite players and why?
Laila: Stephen Curry because he is the first basketball player I got to know about and I see how good he plays, but also James Harden. I like how he passes the ball and he inspires me to play, because when he got injured in the eye in the playoffs he still played hard and fought for his team.
Vaughn: Stephen Curry because he is a great basketball player on one of the best NBA teams. He’s one of my heroes – he can shoot really far! Also my teammate Miles Franklin is one of my favorite basketball players. He is a very nice person. He gets open very well, he is a good passer and takes really good shots!
Clark: Stephen Curry because he is a good overall player, strong leader and a great role model. Since he is one of the shorter players in the NBA he knew he would have to work harder than everyone else to make it. He always believes in himself and never gives up, he has a lot of heart and that is inspiring to me.
DocDrew: What do you enjoy most about having your children play basketball at the Santa Monica YMCA?
Aaron and Julie: It’s really wonderful seeing how much the kids each enjoy spending time at the Y. It’s the one place we know where ALL three of our kids are happy to be and can agree on! And since they each play on a different team we get the wonderful opportunity to know so many families and make friends across the league. We all feel connected with the community which has always been super supportive and encouraging. We are so grateful for our Y basketball family!
The Santa Monica YMCA is truly grateful to the Elliott family for their dedication and support to the youth basketball program. Aaron is a great coach in the Bantam league, and Julie does an amazing job of getting all the kids to every practice and game, and the kids are exceptional role models for good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Congrats
Scores:
SATURDAY, MAY 18
ROOKIE LEAGUE
CHIHUAHUAS 14, MALTESE 10
YORKIES 22, DOXIES 8
TERRIERS 28, PUGS 4
MINOR LEAGUE
COLLIES 14, WHIPPETS 25
DALMATIONS 19, SETTERS 34
MAJOR LEAGUE
AIREDALES 39 MASTIFFS 21
SHEPHERDS 45, BOXERS 42
DANES 44, GREYHOUNDS 47
SUNDAY, MAY 19
BANTAM LEAGUE
SCOTTIES 13, BEAGLES 3
SCHNAUZERS 10, BASSETTS 15
CORGIES 16, PINSCHERS 13
ROOKIE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS
PUGS 12, MALTESE 14
TERRIERS 14, DOXIES 12 OT *DOXIES RECEIVE 3 POINTS FOR TIE IN REGULATION
MINOR LEAGUE
AKITAS 22, POINTERS 53
COLLIES 13, LABS 28
DALMATIANS 38, WOLFHOUNDS 22
MONDAY, MAY 20
BANTAM LEAGUE
SPANIELS 12, SHELTIES 8
MAJOR LEAGUE
DOBIES 34, MALAMUTES 39
Standings:
Teams are awarded 5 points for a win, 3 points for a tie, 1 point for a loss, 0 points for a forfeit. Tournament games have greater point value. Teams are listed in their place in the standings with W-L-T and team points.
Rookies:
Chihuahuas 5-1-0, 26 points
Chihuahuas beat Maltese head to head
Maltese 5-2-0, 26 points *one loss by forfeit
Yorkies 3-1-2, 22 points
Terriers 3-3-1, 20 points
Doxies 2-3-2, 19 points
Pugs 0-7-0, 7 points
Bantams:
Spaniels 6-1-0, 31 points
Corgies 4-3-0, 23 points *Corgies beat Beagles head to head
Beagles 4-3-0, 23 points
Shelties 3-3-1, 21 points
Bassets 3-4-0, 19 points *Bassets beat Scotties head to head
Scotties 3-4-0, 19 points
Pinschers 2-4-1, 17 points
Schnauzers 2-5-0, 15 points
Minors:
Pointers 6-1-0, 31 points *Pointers beat Labs head to head
Labs 6-1-0, 31 points
Akitas 5-2-0, 27 points
Whippets 4-2-0, 22 points
Collies 2-5-0, 15 points
Setters 2-4-0, 14 points
Dalmatians 1-6-0, 11 points *Dalmations beat Wolfhounds head to head
Wolfhounds 1-6-0, 11 points
Majors:
Shepherds 6-1-0, 31 points * Shepherds beat Boxers head to head
Boxers 6-1-0, 31 points
Greyhounds 5-2-0, 27 points *Greyhounds beat Malamutes head to head
Malamutes 5-2-0, 27 points
Dobies 3-4-0, 19 points
Danes 2-5-0, 15 points
Airedales 1-6-0, 7 points *Airedales beat Mastiffs head to head
Mastiffs 0-7-0, 7 points
Upcoming schedule
All games are played in the gymnasium of the Santa Monica YMCA
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
MINOR LEAGUE
10:30 AM SETTERS VS WHIPPETS
ROOKIE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT-CONSOLATION GAME
11:40 AM DOXIES VS PUGS
ROOKIE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS (6-4 POINTS)
12:50 PM CHIHUAHUAS VS TERRIERS
2:00 PM YORKIES VS MALTESE
BANTAM LEAGUE “A” TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS (6-4 POINTS)
3:10 PM SPANIELS VS SHELTIES
4:20 PM CORGIES VS BEAGLES
BANTAM LEAGUE “B” TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS
5:30 PM BASSETS VS SCHNAUZERS
6:40 PM SCOTTIES VS PINSCHERS
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
MAJOR LEAGUE “A” TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS (6-4 POINTS)
10:30 AM SHEPHERDS VS MALAMUTES
11:40 AM BOXERS VS GREYHOUNDS
MAJOR LEAGUE “B” TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS
12:50 PM DOBIES VS MASTIFFS
2:00 PM DANES VS AIREDALES
MINOR LEAGUE “A” TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS (6-4 POINTS)
3:10 PM POINTERS VS WHIPPETS
4:20 PM LABS VS AKITAS
MINOR LEAGUE “B” TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS
5:30 PM SETTERS VS WOLFHOUNDS
6:40 PM DALMATIANS VS COLLIES
Thank you very much,
Dr. Paul Drew, youth basketball coordinator at the Santa Monica YMCA, editor and publisher of Swish
