Coaching Teams, Enriching Lives, Since 1990
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Rising Stars Teams Take NY State Regional Championships
June 9, 2014
7th Grade Regional Champs
5th Grade Regional Runner-Ups
11th Grade Regional Champs
9th Grade Regional Runner-Ups
9th Grade House of Sports Champs
6th Grade House of Sports Runner-Ups
Rising Stars Celebrate their 11th Annual Fundraising Dinner at the NYAC
May 21, 2014
Honorees included Obie Mckenzie (Managing Director at Blackrock),Jonathan Blue (CEO at Blue Equities) and Miriam Velez (Director of Alumni Relations and External Affairs at Inroads). ESPN analyst and former Rising Star Jay Williams was once again the master of ceremonies.
Click here for photo gallery.
Tyrone Green - In Memoriam
Rising Stars mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars and original founding members Tyrone Green.
Tyrone was much more than our friend,mentor or coach - He was family.
We will never forget you.
Rising Stars Partners with NY Knicks and Liberty for Boys and Girls Clinics.
Click here to register.
Rising Stars Sponsors “Meals from the Heart” Packing Event
April 8, 2014
Click here to read about the Rising Stars sponsoring the "Meals from the Heart" packing event.
Rising Stars 3rd and 6th Grade Boys take Super League Championshipr
April 1, 2014
Congratulations to the Rising Stars 3rd and 6th grade teams. Both teams went undefeated all season. The 3rd grade coached by Matt Colocino had a great season. All the boys contributed to an undefeated season. Coach Brandon Wilson led the 6th grade team to its undefeated season as well. The team worked extremely hard all year and reaped the benefits with the championship. Congratulations to all!
Rising Stars College Preparation Seminar
March 25, 2014
Click here to read about the Rising Stars College Preparation Seminar.
Rising Stars Sponsors Black History Month Tournament
February 24, 2014
Click here to read the Black History Month Tournament article.
Bank of America NYC Visit Highlights Rising Stars Outreach Initiative
Click here to read the article.
Rising Stars Connection - February 2014
Click here to read the Rising Stars Connections, February 2014 Edition!
Rising Stars 2014 Summer Basketball Camp
Click here to access the Rising Stars 2014 Summer Basketball Camp brochure for Boys entering Grades 4-9.
To sign up for the 2014 Summer Basketball Camp, click here.
2013-2014 Academic Scholarship Recipients
The Class of 2013-14 is an exceptional group of Rising Stars scholar athletes who have shown all of the characteristics we look for in our participants, both on and off the court. We are proud to have them as a part of our program and are equally proud to be a part of their journey.
Click here to learn more about the scholarship recipients.
Tyrone Green joins the Rising Stars Youth Foundation as N.Y.C Community Initiatives Director
Born in the Bronx but raised in the Astoria Housing Projects in Queens, Tyrone Green has been running community clinics for the last two decades. Tyrone has seen first-hand the odds stacked against urban kids, and spent a lifetime working to improve those odds.
His business cards read, “It takes a village to raise a child.”, and his mantra is that education is the key to unlock a kid’s potential.
Mr. Green has been a lifetime friend of Rising Stars founder Paul Savramis and was a part of every initiative Rising Stars spearheaded for at risk areas throughout the city since 1996.
Mr. Green’s role in keeping kids in school, off drugs, and out of gangs is one of NYC’s greatest achievements. In 2010 that achievement was recognized by Mr. Green being awarded New York City’s prestigious LEWIS HINE AWARD.
The Lewis Hine Awards seeks to identify not only the one-time hero, but the individual who has made a life time commitment to the well-being, growth and development of youth. That individual should symbolize exceptional work done to improve the lives of young people.
Coach Tyrone Green has also coached several kids now in the NBA, including, Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls.
Green’s goal in life is to provide every child with an equal opportunity to succeed. He sees Rising Stars as the perfect vehicle for his vision.
Rising Stars Annual Golf Outing October 15 2013
Cherry Valley CC Garden City - Click here for the brochure.
Rising Stars Gala
May 15, 2013 New York Athletic Club
Rising Stars Youth foundation celebrated its 10th annual gala fundraiser at the New York Athletic Club yesterday and the event was a huge success. The evening honored RR Donnelly and sons CEO Mr. Thomas Quinlan III as its man of the year. ESPN’s Jay Bilas and Heather Robinson were also honored as Youth Advocate and Humanitarian awards. The event was emceed by ESPN and Rising Stars alumni Jay Williams. A special guest appearance by CBS sports Bill Rafferty was a highlight of the evening.
Once again the emphasis of the dinner was on promoting education. With the help of Mr.Quinlan and the over 300 guests in attendance the dinner was the foundations most successful to date.
Rising Stars Executive Director Dan Gimpel was humbled by the outpouring of support. “It is gratifying for all of us at Rising Stars to see the work we do recognized and embraced by so many people. Mr. Gimpel continued, it seems like every year this event gets bigger and better and that speaks volumes as to the work we do.” Rising Stars national ambassador Jay Williams agreed. “This event holds a very special place in my heart as it allows me to share my passion for Rising Stars with so many of my friends. Dan and I both came through this program and it’s great to see so many recognize the benefits Rising Stars can have in the development of a child.”
The event was covered by the associated press and a link to the images is included below.
http://apimages.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/2013-05-14-Jay-Williams-Rising-Stars-Gala-FULL-TAKE/C0000pWOCx5SnO8o
password: jaywill2013
Rising Stars Conducts Anti-Bullying Seminar
June 11, 2013 Long Island Lutheran
Rising Stars offers anti bullying seminar as part of its community initiative and awareness program.
Bullying and cyber-bullying are on the rise and its rise has been prevalent in youth sports. To address the issue Rising Stars executive director Dan Gimpel and Rising Stars board member Mark Rosen put together a program for Rising Stars boys and girls grades 5th-8th to help them gain awareness about the issue.Mr. Gimpel explained, “Studies have shown that team sports, athletes, and coaches can counter bullying behavior. Our programs will seek to work with that premise and counter the effect bullying has in our area and in all other areas that Rising Stars can reach.” Mr.Gimpel continues, “This workshop will look at how bullying and harassment can do great harm and have an adverse effect in how a child develops.” Everything we try to accomplish at Rising Stars revolves around utilizing the power of teams to promote awareness of the issues kids will face growing up during the formative years. Our goal is not only to make our kids aware of these problems, but with our help and the guidance of these seminars, become a part of the solution!”
The seminar was conducted by Sarah Cushman, Ph.D. Director of Youth Education of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Both parents and children enjoyed the presentation which utilized role playing and interactive skits to make each child a part of the teaching process. A link to the Center is included below as well as pictures taken of the event by the Associated Press.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEOoVelxblA&dm_i=1666,1BWPL,5Z7RCQ,4I9FY,1
Password is risingstars2013
Rising Stars Community Initiative
June 14, 2013 Long Island City N.Y
Rising Stars Partners with Long Island City YMCA in helping at risk children
Rising Stars founder and director of outreach Paul Savramis announced today that the Long Island City YMCA and Rising Stars have formed a partnership to help area kids attain success. The partnership will be both a focal point of Rising Stars community initiatives and a possible national template for the YMCA.
The initiative extends a grass roots program formed by Rising Stars executive director Dan Gimpel and Willis Perry to provide an outlet for at risk kids in Queens.
Mr. Gimpel is pleased to see the program as collaboration with the Y and stresses the influence both organizations can have on a child early in life.
Looking at the two organizations the symmetry and ability to influence early development is clear. Long Island City Y executive director Ebony Young sees that influence and points out to the many similarities between the two organizations as key to entering a partnership with Rising Stars. Ms. Young explained “Visit our web site http://www.ymca.net/ and the Rising Stars web site http://risingstarsinc.org/ and you will see that they were written with the same thoughts in mind. Both focus on the development of youth and empowering children with the tools they need to succeed in life. Both use sports as a vehicle to attract kids and as a platform to promote education. We both put the same emphasis on what’s essential in helping kids succeed.” Ms. Young continues “What was also key in our decision to join Rising Stars in this initiative was the incredible success Rising Stars has seen over the years in having its program participants graduate HS and issue free. That level of success is something that’s needed on a national level and something we are intent to see achieved here. Our area demographics include some of the most at risk areas in NY City and those areas will be a litmus test in seeing the effectiveness of the initiative."
Savramis agrees “Rising Stars believe that the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of programs like ours, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices.”
This initiative will target a control group of Rising Stars that need academic support and will track their progress from grade 6 through entry into college. All participants will be enrolled in both Rising Stars and the Y yearly programs. Study hall will become as familiar as the gym and success in class a prerequisite to getting in the gymnasium.
The program will be directed by Mr. Tyrone Green a lifelong advocate and champion of youth. Mr. Green was a recipient of NYC’S prestigious Leroy Hines Youth advocate award and has a reputation for making a difference in the life of a child.
Mr. Green has worked with Paul Savramis for over 30 years. Together they spearheaded Nautica’s For The Good of the Neighborhood Clinic series that was the talk of the tristate in how it was able to reach kids .Mr. Green explains “What we did in a one day clinic was truly amazing and an inspiration. What we are looking to do is turn a one day event into a six year commitment. It’s something I feel will work and something I have waited to see for many years.
Mr. Green’s latest basketball protégé is Chicago Bulls and NBA all-star Joakim Noah. Joakim has joined Mr. Green in helping give back and will commit to a tournament at the Long Island YMCA to draw attention and create excitement for the cause.
One of the initiatives strongest supporters is ESPN’S Jay Williams, a Rising Stars alumni and its national ambassador.
“My mother, (Rising Stars acting President) Althea Williams, is a proponent of education and has committed herself to the case. I have both seen and benefited from this program since 5th grade and can say that it works and will continue to work wonders for kids. Mr. Williams is a great example of Rising Stars emphasis on the importance of balance between sports and education. Jay was a two time national player of the year and passed up a first round selection in the NBA to return and graduate from Duke. Mr. Williams continued “Our focus at Rising Stars has always been on seeing programs like this come to pass.
Each May we hold our foundation dinner at the New York Athletic Club and focus on the importance of having programs like the one we will have at Long Island City and what that will mean in the life of a child.”
Joining Jay at recent dinners to help get that point across were Michael Strahan, NY Knicks GM Alan Huston, and Joakim Noah.
RISING STARS YOUTH FOUNDATION SPONSORS BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOURNAMENT
Rising Stars Youth Foundation was pleased to co-sponsor the Black History Month Tournament held at the Long Island City YMCA on February 18 and February 19, 2013. Rising Stars Youth Foundation was privileged to co-sponsor this great event with other organizations who share our commitment to youth and community including Noah’s Arc Foundation, the charity started by Rising Stars alum and Chicago Bulls player Joakim Noah, as well as LIC YMCA Strong Kids Campaign who helped sponsor the program.
In addition to the basketball tournament itself, the event brought the community together by providing an educational component highlighting Black History Month, and featured a related essay writing contest.
Paul Savramis, Director of Outreach Programs for Rising Stars Youth Foundation was instrumental in helping shape this wonderful event and stated, "Utilizing basketball to draw attention and awareness to life's bigger picture is not new to Rising Stars. We utilize basketball as a vehicle to promote education and a team as a platform for learning, The Black History Celebration allows us to accomplish this very purpose."
Rising Stars Connection Newsletter
Click here to view the Rising Stars Connection newsletter!
Bethany LeSueur Named Director of the Rising Stars Girls
Rising Stars is thrilled to announce that Bethany LeSueur, a widely recognized expert and leader in basketball coaching and training, will be the Director of the Rising Stars Girls program starting in 2013. Rising Stars executive director Dan Gimpel said, "We are very excited about Bethany heading up our girls program. With her wealth and knowledge she will be a great addition to the program and overall mission of Rising Stars." Founder Paul Savramis commented as well "The addition of a girls program, and more importantly, a women of Bethany's stature as its director, completes the original vision of Rising Stars as a complete basketball program when it began in 1996."
A six-year starter at guard for Garden City High School, Bethany led her team to three state final fours, three Long Island Championships, three Nassau County Championships, and six Conference Championships. Bethany was twice named Gatorade Player of the Year for New York as well as Miss New York Basketball. She was a Street & Smith All-American as well as a USA Today All-American. Bethany holds the Long Island scoring record with 3,167 points and played in the Nike-WBCA High School All-America game. Bethany was a three-sport athlete at Garden City where she also competed for the lacrosse and soccer teams. She was named First Team All-State in soccer and was All-County twice. Off the court, Bethany was member of the National Honor Society and a Merit Scholar. Bethany was a 3-year starter at Georgetown University as well as a two-year team captain. In three years for the Hoyas, she is one of only seven players in Georgetown history to record over 800 points, 200 assists and 400 rebounds! She also received honors such as Defensive Player of the Year for the Hoyas and the Patricia E. Corace Hustle Award. Bethany was in the top ten in steals in the Big East her junior and senior seasons. Bethany was also in the top 3 in over 5 categories for the Hoyas.
Bethany is currently a Business Education teacher at East Meadow High School where she also serves as the Girls Varsity Basketball Coach. Her extensive knowledge and experience makes Bethany an invaluable resource. We are elated to have her as part of the Rising Stars family.
Rising Stars Youth Foundation along with Sugar Foods announced that it has donated $5,000 to Long Beach Public Schools
Flushing, NY - December 18, 2012 - Rising Stars Youth Foundation along with Sugar Foods announced that it has donated $5,000 to Long Beach Public Schools. The donation was made to Arnold Epstein, Athletic Director for Long Beach Public Schools to aid in restoring the sports equipment that was lost during Hurricane Sandy.
Dan Gimpel, the Executive Director for Rising Stars Youth Foundation and a Long Beach resident stated, "We are proud to support our partners in the Long Beach Public Schools Athletic Department, in helping to replace the tremendous amount of equipment young people rely on for sporting and extracurricular activities lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Our hearts go out to all of those who were impacted by this tremendous natural disaster, and we're heartened by the way the Long Beach community in particular pulled together to lend one another a helping hand. The Rising Stars Youth Foundation, inspired by so many acts of sacrifice and selflessness, are proud to do our part to help build and restore Long Beach, a great place for kids to grow, learn, and prosper."
A spokesperson for Sugar Foods commented, "One of the founding principles at Sugar Foods Corporation is to take care of your neighbors. Rising Stars and Long Beach High School are our friends and our neighbors; and in Sandy's aftermath it is an honor and privilege to provide some well needed support. It is our hope that this small token will assist Long Beach's athletes to getting back on the field!"
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About Rising Stars Youth Foundation Operating as a 501(C)(3) Foundation since 1996, Rising Stars Youth Foundation promotes the importance of education, and life skills through the game of basketball. Our programming has been redesigned to provide youth with a more comprehensive educational model and offers life-enhancing experiences and sports programs that build character, and inspire our youth to excel and graduate High School and pursue a higher education or vocation.
About Sugar Foods Sugar Foods Corporation (SFC) is a privately-held company founded in 1948 which began as a local bulk sugar distributor throughout the New York metro area. Today, with over 2,000 SKUs, SFC supports a portfolio of products that includes popular brands such as Fresh Gourmet, Chef's Finest, N'Joy, and a host of other products. Throughout North America, SFC is the number one source for sweeteners, croutons, salad toppings, stuffing and breadcrumbs in foodservice and retail channels. With manufacturing locations in Sun Valley, CA, Commerce, CA, Villa Rica, GA, and Mazatlan, Mexico, the company's core values and team principles are focused on an enduring commitment to its Mission Statement - The Customer is King.
For additional information about Rising Stars Youth Foundation please visit our website at: www.risingstarsinc.org or contact Colin Mincy at (646) 479-3128 or Dan Gimpel at (516) 889-1372.
Jay Williams honored for commitment to organ donation
DURHAM - As big shots go, Jay Williams sure has knocked down a bunch of them, like those 3s to help his Duke squad beat Maryland on the road in 2001 in what became known as the Miracle Minute.
But now Williams is shooting shots to win more important victories.
At halftime of Saturday's Western Washington-Duke men's basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium, Williams received the Donate Life Champion award for his work to raise awareness about the need for people to sign up to become organ donors.
This is the inaugural year of the award, presented on behalf of Donate Life America and Donate Life North Carolina. The honor is being given to select members of the country's athletics community - including basketball legend Michael Jordan - who have inspired others to give what literally is the gift of life through organ donations.
"People in the athletic community have such a capacity to inspire people in our culture, so it means everything to us to have someone like Jay Williams agree to be a spokesman for us," Donate Life North Carolina executive director Sharon Hirsch said.
Williams received the award for advocating the use of the Facebook feature that allows users to indicate in their status whether they are organ donors.
Both Williams' mother and late grandmother struggled with polycystic kidney disease.
Williams' grandmother lost her battle with the disease, but his mother received a life-saving kidney transplant.
"I've been around it since I was a little boy," Williams said.
Williams, a national player of the year at Duke, grew up watching his mom take care of her mom on account of the kidney disease.
Just a few years ago, Williams said his mother told him she wouldn't have put him through a similar ordeal of taking her to dialysis treatments for 10 years.
"Pretty much saying, in a nutshell, she was going to take the kidney failure, and probably pass away," Williams said. "I would have given my mother my kidney, if I could have."
Williams' mother celebrated a portion of her birthday on Saturday at the Duke game with her son.
A registered donor, Williams wants others to get over their apprehensions and sign up, too.
"The only way to actually ease the fear is actually to talk about it," Williams said. "I think there needs to be more awareness about it."
More than 114,000 Americans - 3,500 North Carolinians -- are waiting for life-saving organ transplants right now, according to Donate Life.
Joining the state's donor registry is as simple as visiting DonateLifeNC.org, and those either getting or renewing their driver's licenses can register with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Reach out to Hirsch at shirsch@donatelifenc.org or 919-451-7893 for more information.
Williams led Duke to a national title in 2001 and was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft, but then he severely hurt himself when he crashed his motorcycle in June 2003. He tried to make a comeback to the NBA but couldn't make it work.
Yet basketball, including his current work as an ESPN analyst, still affords Williams quite a platform to encourage folks to help other folks through organ donations.
"That's what I was put here to do -- not play basketball, but to be a part of something bigger and different," Williams said.
Story via John McCann at The Herald-Sun
Rising Stars Garrett Johnson Decides on Haverford College
Rising Stars Senior Garrett Johnson has been accepted to prestigious Haverford College. Garrett will take his talents in the fall of 2013 to be part of Haverford as student/athlete. Head Coach Mike Mucci said "We are very excited about Garrett coming to Haverford. With Garrett's skill set he will bring some scoring and toughness the team needs. He will be a great addition to our program."
Garrett has been with the Rising Stars program since 5th grade working with executive director Dan Gimpel. Coach Gimpel said "Garrett has worked extremely hard to get to where he is. He is a role model for young kids to see what is really possible with dedication and hard work. Seeing Garrett grow as player and more importantly a person is extremely gratifying."
Since coming through the Rising Stars Garrett has continued to improve. He was player of the year in his conference last year, made all-county, all long island, and is currently leading Nassau county in scoring with 30 points per game for Jericho HS. When asked about his decision to attend Haverford Johnson said " I never would of thought this was possible years ago. I was fortunate to have my coach Dan Gimpel and the Rising Stars program believe in me throughout the years. Hard work really pays off! I am very excited about going to Haverford and the opportunities it will bring". His hard work has landed him in a great place where he will have the opportunity of success on and off the court and more importantly when he graduates. Congratulations Garrett!
Rising Stars Sophomore Thomas Oconnell gets moved up to Varsity
Thomas Oconnell was recently moved up to Chaminade varsity as sophomore He is the second player in school history to be moved up and first to start on Varsity @ Chaminade as sophomore. Thomas is currently the starting point guard playing 30 minutes per game and averaging 10 points 9 assists and 5 rebounds.
Rising Stars Seniors Andrew Fellus and Garrett Johnson are leading Nassau county in scoring with 30 and 28 points per game
Andrew and Garrett were both players of the year in there conferences last season and will look to lead there teams once again this year. Garrett has been with Rising Stars since 5th grade and Andrew 4th. Andrew has a ton of interest from D2 schools.
Rising Stars Grassroots
Rising Stars currently has 11 teams playing in the winter. Some of the teams have been doing exceptionally well. The 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th are all undefeated to this point. The 4th and 6th are coached by Rich Byrd while the 5th, 7th, and 8th are coached by Dan Gimpel. Our other teams are working extremely hard and will look to make push in 2nd hald of season. Soon to come will be a Rising Stars Scholar Athlete of the Month. We are currently getting all the boys report cards from first quarter and will be post our scholar/atlte on website after the New Year.
Rising Stars Youth Foundation 2012 Dinner at NYAC Honors as Man of The Year Mr. Ted Virtue and as Humanitarian of The Year Mr. Allan Houston
Rising Stars recently held its 9th annual dinner event May 21st at the New York Athletic Club.
Honorees included Mr. Ted Virtue, CEO MidOcean Partners as the Rising Stars Youth Foundation's 2012 Man of The Year, and Mr. Allan Houston, Assistant General Manager of the New York Knicks, as the Rising Stars Youth Foundation recipient of the 2012 Humanitarian Award.
Click here for Rising Stars Program Cover.
Click here for images from the dinner.
June 21, 2012 - INROADS Award Recipient
On June 21, 2012 INROADS, Rising Stars Youth Foundation Board Member Colin Mincy was recognized by INROADS. Mincy, who was an INROADS scholar from 1999-2003, was recognized for his outstanding achievement in his professional career, exemplary service to the community, and continued support to the INROADS organization. The reception and awards presentation was held at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, and attended by INROADS scholars past and present, the national INROADS leadership team, and business partners of many of NYC's Fortune 500 companies.
About INROADS
INROADS is the nation's largest non-profit source of salaried corporate internships for outstanding diverse students and underserved youth. The INROADS founding was inspired by the 1963 March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech amidst the challenges of the Civil Rights Era. Upon witnessing Dr. King, Frank C. Carr, INROADS founder, quit his executive job in corporate America and pledged to create an organization that would uplift Black, Hispanic and American Indian youth from the barrios to the ghettos and give them the education, training and skills needed to succeed in corporate America. INROADS, now in its 41styear, has graduated over 24,000 leaders in business and industry, including many vice-presidents, presidents and CEOs.
June 18, 2012
Rising Stars Team NYC captured 13u Championship at Game Over Classic. The boys took down New Heights in the semi-finals and Riverside in Championship. Losini Kamara takes MVP honors. Congratulations to all the boys and Coach Francois for a great win!
Rising Stars 17u makes great run this weekend at Game Over Classic. The squad coached by Dan Gimpel took down Lightning Dingle, Team Melo, and Albany City Rocks before losing to Rens in the Championship by 2. It was a great weekend and total team effort by the boys!
June 11, 2012
Rising Stars 12u takes championship in Dan Trant Classic at Northsport. The boys went undefeated all weekend and ended the spring on a high note. Congratulations to all.
June 8, 2012
6th Grade Rising Stars wins Island Garden Super league and takes Zero Gravity Championship. The team was led by the strength of Aidan Barry and Gerald Bent on the boards, and by guards Jacob Buchbinder and Nikosi Cooper leading the team at the guard position.
June 2, 2012
Rising Stars 16u coached by Tom Hughes takes Tow Dowd Championship in Orange County. The boys have had a great spring making it to the semis or finals of every tournament they played in.
15u Rising Stars has had a great spring. Coached by John Cantwell the boys have competed in some of the top tournaments and made it to championship in 3 of them. They had a tough loss to Riverside Church n finals of Providence Jam fest which had over a 100 teams competing. The squad is led by Thomas O'Connell, Elijah Cokely, Sam Feldman, and Kevin Cluess who all continue to improve and make names for themselves.
June 2012
Rising Stars Team NYC 13's had a stellar year. To date the team has won 2 super regional championships in Conn, the NYC Housing Tournament in Queens NY, and the Super Regional Championship in Penn. The team will be representing Rising Stars and the Metro AAU in the Division one regionals in Memphis Tenn. at the end of June.
June 1, 2012
Rising Stars 4th grade wins Metro AAU Championship.
The team, coached by Chris Nyberg, beat NYC Teams Rens in overtime in the gold medal finals game. Great win for 10u group!
2012 Rising Stars Seniors announce commitments for college.
100% will graduate H.S. and go on to college!
Senior announcements are always a big deal here at Rising Stars as they are always a direct indicator to the level of success the program demands of itself. Most of this year's senior team has been with us since grade 4 and they have made our foundation very proud of each of them.
On the court they finished among the top teams in the 2011 Orlando D1 Nationals this past summer and were they were the last team standing representing the New York area. Senior team coach and Rising Stars Executive Director Dan Gimpel stated that this was one of the best teams he ever coached in terms of chemistry and ability to work together.
Off the court this group has excelled in school and worked tirelessly in the community. We salute and thank each of them each of them!!
2012 Seniors:
Mr. Josh Feshbach - Brown University, Mr. Ryan Spadaford - Naval Academy at Annapolis,Mr.Travis Whitfield - University of New Haven, Mr. Jason Oder - Mt. St Mary's, Mr. John Gallego - Colby College, Mr. Nihad Muscovic - Fordham University, Mr. Michael Thompson - St Michaels, Mr. Brandon Alford - Suffern College.
Congratulations to all the 2012 senior boys!