Artwork by Rebecca Holt

Hoop It Up, the nation’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament, is coming to Denver this summer. The nationally traveling tournament which is featured in more than 40 cities across the U.S. will be making a stop in Denver, at Civic Center Park, on June 12 and 13.

Free to spectators, the Hoop It Up tournament will showcase teams playing a bracket style three-on-three basketball tournament to decide who the best team in Denver is at each age division.
Every team in the tournament is allowed to have up to five people on the roster, which makes two subs on each team, while the three-on-three action takes place on the court. All of the teams are guaranteed at least three games, and after the first three games, the tournament directors seed the teams and set up a single elimination tournament based on the first three games.

The basketball tournament is set up to accommodate players of all ages throughout the city and the state. The teams will be split into divisions based on age and gender, and kids as young as eight years old are allowed to participate on a team. On the other side, for people who want to get a team together but think they might be too old, the tournament features a 30 and older division. There is even one player who is already registered on a team this year who is 52 years old.

Registration for the tournament will be open until June 7 at 5:00 p.m. on their website at hoopitup.com. All of the information about the tournament, including information about different fees for each team’s age group, along with all of the other registration information, can be found at their website as well. Directors from hoopitup.com are hoping to register between 200 and 300 teams this year for the Denver tournament alone, with participants coming from all around the state to show off their basketball skills.

In addition to the basketball tournament, there will be a three point contest and a slam dunk contest throughout the two days. All of the activities are taking place at civic center park for both days and, as aforementioned, all of the events are free to spectators. “We are expecting great things from this tournament,” said Regional Event Director for Hoop It Up, Jeremy Dingle. “There are going to be a lot of people having fun just watching, walking around Denver on those couple of days, and there is going to be a ton of exciting and competitive basketball, as well.”

Artwork by Rebecca Holt.

The talent is there: Tebow has a Heisman to prove that. People love his intangibles. Tebow is considered one of the greatest college football quarterbacks of all time.  He is a dynamic threat not only with his arm, but also with his legs. However, what many people question is not his heart, but his mechanics. That being said, I will dive into both the pros and cons of one Mr. Tim Tebow.

Pros: Not only is Tebow full of energy and passion for the game, he is also a hard worker. Tebow exemplifies the perfect player. In a year when many players have had character issues, (i.e. Dez Bryant and Earl Thomas), Tebow has always stayed within the law and out of trouble.  Plus, Tebow is considered a dual-threat quarterback, meaning that he can lead teams to victory with not only his arms, but also his legs. Tebow rushed for nearly 3,000 yards over his tenure at Florida.

Cons: Tebow has an awkward wind-up. Tebow’s throwing motion has been called into question by many experts, including many NFL teams’ higher management. Never before has such a popular, polarizing figure with a Heisman to his name fallen so far in a draft, especially when an argument can be made that upwards of six teams need a young QB around whom to build a team.

Conclusion: This pick was very odd to me. I see why Bronco Head Coach Josh McDaniels would like a hard worker, but at the same time…what gives? McDaniels had his greatest success when he had a stabilized pocket passer in Tom Brady. Now McDaniels has a quirky, awkward throwing left handed quarterback. But, intangibles are the name of the game in the NFL, and Tebow does have that.  His middle name should be “Clutch.” Also, coach has gone on the record as saying that he will alter his system to accommodate Tebow. Only time will tell how this will pan out. I can see Tebow being the face of this franchise, but I can also see Tebow really struggling to adjust to the NFL game.

File photo by Rebecca Holt

Looking to gain momentum for the playoffs, the Spartans sent Senior Ace Brennan Henry out for his last regular season start in a Spartan uniform. Henry pitched well, throwing a complete game. Aside from striking out a total of 12 Arvada hitters, Henry only allowed the Bulldogs four hits over his seven innings of work. “This was a good way to end the season. I had everything working today,” Henry said.

Offensively, the Spartans were lead by Senior D’Shawn Turner who hit his first home run of the year on a line drive shot out to left center field. “I did not think it was going to be out of there, but the ball sailed out with a head full of steam,” noted senior outfielder Michael Michaelotti.

The Spartans do not know who their next opponent will be, but one thing is for sure, the mighty Spartans will be prepared for whomever they may face. “Things were tough last year, but this year things will be different. We have more confidence as a unit, and this team is all grown up,” exclaimed Henry.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

The Spartans continued to play their hot brand of baseball on Friday afternoon, as they got past the South Rebels with little resistance. Anticipating the favorable results, TJ played many of their younger players in order to give them valuable learning experience at the Varsity level.

The Spartan replacements took advantage of their opportunity and did not disappoint. Sophomore Tyler Bybee went three for five in the game, scoring four runs along the way. Bybee was helped out by the Junior combination of Joe Sedig and Miles Mercer, who went a combined three for six with four runs and four RBI’s between them. Junior Kelly Sinopili-Martinez also got the nod in Center Field, and recorded his first hit for the season, as well. “This was fun for us today,” Martinez said with a grin. “It’s always good to get a win,” he continued.

Besides a great offensive day, the Spartans also received stout pitching from Senior Chris Needham. Needham notched his second win of the year, punching out five through his four innings of work. “I had my fastball going today.  I felt relaxed on the mound,” Needham said.

The Spartans will be in action on Monday, May 3, as they take on the Mountain View Lions. The game will be at TJ, and will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Artwork by Rebecca Holt

Since the N.L. West divisional realignment in 1994, no team has won the division 3 straight years in a row. Ladies and Gentleman… I now present to you the 2010 Los Angeles Dodgers. After winning the division the past two years, they enter
this year as a team that many believe can and will repeat again this year as division champions. But, as we take an in-depth look at the Dodgers compared to the Rockies, it appears that the Rockies are truly the most talented team in the West.

Catcher: Martin vs. Ianetta/Olivo

What should jump out at you when looking at this matchup is not just offensive production but also defensive prowess. Martin was named the 2007 Gold Glove winner, and also was selected to start his first major league All Star game that season, as well. Only problem is, that was only Martin’s first full major league season. That is scary. Although Olivo has pop (23 dingers last year), he and Ianetta are nowhere near Martin’s average and defensive skills.

Advantage: Dodgers

First Base: Loney vs. Helton

Loney is a good player, a solid veteran, if you will. He will hit .300 with 15-20 HR’s and 75-95 RBI’s per year. But Todd Helton is just Todd Helton. Helton has been the face of the Rockies franchise since he started playing for Colorado back in 1997. Helton has put together over 2,000 hits, over 300 home runs, over 1,200 RBI’s over his tenure in Colorado. His career average sits at a pretty .328. Helton has a career OBP (on base percentage) of .427, meaning that he gets on base via a hit or walk more than 40% of the time. Just to put things into perspective; Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez’s career OBP is .390, and Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki sits at .378.

Advantage: Rockies

Second Base: DeWitt/ Belliard vs. Barmes

All are above average defenders, although Barmes is considered to have the ability to be an everyday shortstop, too. Where Clint separates himself is with his HR and RBI potential. Last year, Barmes his 23 home runs with 76 RBI. Belliard and Dewitt finished with a combined total of 12 home runs and 43 RBI’s.

Advantage: Rockies

Third Base: Blake vs. Stewart

Both have some pop in the bat with 18 and 25 home runs respectively. But Blake is just a better hitter at this point. Until Stewart can get on base more via the hit or the walk (.322 on base percentage), Blake will win this position battle with a .363 OBP. Besides, Stewart also strikes out to many times, finishing with 138 total punch-outs.

Advantage: Dodgers

Shortstop: Furcal vs. Tulowitzki

Both are the leaders of their team’s infields, and both are explosive players. Furcal gets its done with his base stealing abilities and his average. Where Tulo is special is with his ability to play Gold Glove quality short stop and also hit for power. Troy is the only shortstop in all of baseball who hits cleanup for his team. Troy is a key player and it seems that the Rockies go as he goes. And typically, he goes pretty well.

Advantage: Rockies

Left Field: Ramirez vs. Gonzalez

This is an example of one player just getting started, while one player is ending his career. Gonzalez is a scout’s dream, a five-tool player who can do it all. Cargo can run, he has a strong defensive arm, he hits for power, he can hit for average; basically an all-star in the making. Then you get to Man-Ram. Ramirez has been an offensive stalwart for more than 15 years. Smashing 500 plus homeruns, reaching over 2,5000 hits, and is just 200 or so RBI’s from 2,000 in his illustrious career. Ramirez is a sure-fire first ballot hall-of-famer. However, Ramirez’s best days are far behind him. Gonzalez, however, has yet to reach his peak. As far as this year is concerned, the slight advantage will go to Cargo because of his ability to play gold glove caliber defense at all of the outfield positions, and also his ability to swipe a base. Gonzalez has the power to hit 30 HR’s and record 100 RBI’s a year, but that is not his role. His role is to get on base and set up Helton and Tulo. Both players are remarkable talents.

Advantage: Rockies

Center Field: Kemp vs. Fowler

(It should also be noted that Seth Smith may at times play left field; when Smith plays left field, Cargo slides over to center.)

Kemp is a very good player, one of my Dodger favorites. He just plays the game right, and also knows how to fill up the stat sheet. Kemp finished last year with a .297 average. Kemp also had 26 homeruns, 101 RBI’s and 34 steals. Talk about a complete player; in total Kemp notched 180 hits. Fowler is still a work in progress; he is a young kid who has the tools to be a good leadoff hitter, or two hole hitter. Fowler has the power to put balls in the gap, and once he gets running, there is no stopping him. Also, Dex is a defensive stud. He has the range to cover a lot of ground in Coors Field, and also has a fairly strong arm.

When Cargo is in Center, Advantage: Rockies
When Dexter is in Center, Advantage: Dodgers

Right Field: Ethier vs. Hawpe

Defensively, the edge goes to Hawpe, as he has been overlooked for Gold Gloves the past few years. However, offensively, Ethier is just better. Ethier strikes out much less than Hawpe, (nearly 17% of his at bats, compared to Hawpe’s 27%,) and Ethier has a flare for the dramatics, hitting many walk off homeruns for the Dodgers, including one against the Rockies last year on June 30, 2009 when Ethier had a two-run blast in the bottom of the 13th inning. More hits, fewer strikeouts, give me Ethier!

Advantage: Dodgers

Ace: Padilla vs. Jimenez

5 Reasons for Jimenez
1)    99 mile an hour fastball
2)    86 Mile an hour hook
3)    No hitter
4)    Handles the bat well
5)    Now has playoff experience

Honestly, Jimenez is the definition of an ace. The Rockies can count on Ubaldo to go pitch against any other ace and essentially keep them in the game. Ubaldo will be considered for the NL Cy Young Award this year. Padilla is a journeyman pitcher who just so happens to be first in the rotation for Los Angeles. The Dodgers are hoping that Padilla can help keep the seat warm and groom two potential future aces in Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley. Lets see… so far this year Jimenez is 4-0 with a .95 ERA with 25 strikeouts. Padilla on the other hand is 1-1 with a 7.06 ERA, and he has only 23 strikeouts.

Advantage: Rockies

Closer: Broxton vs. Street

I understand that Street is not playing right now, but he will be back for the Rockies sooner rather than later. Both of these closers are dynamic. Broxton throws heat as he can touch 100 MPH, but Street is savvier and has excellent location. Both pitchers rarely walk batters, and each relinquishes very little home runs. I would not complain if my team had either of these players.

Advantage: Tie…

You can see from this that although the Dodgers have a higher payroll than the Rockies, (12th overall compared to Colorado’s 16th overall,) the Rockies have far more talent. These rankings do not even take into consideration a team’s chemistry, which is probably the Rockies best feature. Every starter except Carlos Gonzalez came up through the Rockies’ minor league systems, so these players are very familiar with each other. Look for your very own Colorado Rockies to win the West and compete for a World Series ring.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

The Spartans took the field on Wednesday looking to keep their winning ways going, and win they did as they needed a late inning offensive jolt to defeat the Kennedy Commanders.

Senior Brennan Henry took the mound against a potent Commander lineup and pitched fairly well, allowing only four earned runs while striking out 10. Henry, however, relinquished six walks to the Commanders. Through five innings, the Spartans trailed 7-6, but in the bottom of the sixth is when the bats came alive, as the boys were able to throw up seven runs in the inning.

Headlining the Spartans was Junior Third Baseman Grant Maloney, who went three for four in the game, with 6 RBIs. Maloney had a breakthrough triple in the sixth, which netted the Spartans three runs. “I just sat back and relaxed. It felt really good to know that I helped our team win. We are playing good ball right now,” Maloney said. The Spartans also received help from Junior Shortstop Austin Hearne who went three for four with two RBIs.

The Spartans will next be in action on Thursday, April 29, when they take on Arvada, at Arvada at 4:00 p.m.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Looking to get revenge after a defeat last year, the Spartans sent Junior Kyle Freeland to the mound to try and stop a potent Patriot lineup. Freeland was impressive, as he was able to pitch all seven innings, relinquishing only three earned runs while striking out three Patriots.

The Spartans received a major offensive breakthrough form several bats. Headlining the attack was Junior Cody Smith who went four for four with four RBIs. Smith roped all singles. “I was really in the grove today. I just saw the pitches well and was able to make solid contact on everything I swung at,” Smith said. Sophomore Evan Walter also had a good performance, going two for three including his second home run of the year. In total, the Spartans laced 15 hits, compared to George Washington’s five.

The Spartans will next be in action on Wednesday, April 28, when they play host to the Kennedy Commanders. The Spartans will look to knock of the defending city champions. The game will begin at 4:15, and will be played at Spartan Field.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

First, there was rain. Second there was baseball. After a torrential downpour – a mix between hail and rain – ran through the Denver skies, the Spartans were ready to finally play some baseball. Looking to improve their conference record to 5-0, the Spartans sent Senior Brennan Henry to the mound in hopes that he would pitch a masterpiece. That is us twat he did. Henry was nearly perfect, allowing only one hit to the Angels’ Greg Francis. Outside of that slip up, Henry allowed no other hits and fanned nine Angels.

The Spartans received great work from every batter, especially from Juniors Kyle Freeland and Grant Maloney. Both went 2 for 3 in the game, and each recorded 2 RBI’s. Both of Freeland’s hits were doubles. “This felt good. This is how we should have been playing from the beginning of the year. But I’m just glad we have begun to hit our stride,” said Freeland.

TJ will look to improve their conference record to 6-0 when they next take on the Rebels of South High School.  The game will be on Friday, April 23, and will be held at South High. The first pitch will be at 4:15 pm.

File photo by Rebecca Holt

The Spartans took the field on Friday against the Cowboys desperately needing a win. And that is just what they received defeating the Cowboys 16-4.

The Spartans received a great pitching performance from Senior Chris Needham, as he allowed zero runs over four innings of work. Needham allowed only two hits, while striking out four batters. Offensively, the Spartans put in work, totaling over 15 hits through the game. Many Spartans had great at bats, including Junior Austin Hearne, who went 3-5 with a homerun and four RBI’s in total. “This was big for us; we really needed a good offensive day, and everyone just stepped up and delivered,” exclaimed Hearne.

On Saturday, the Spartans kept the momentum going defeating the Lincoln lancers 4-3 in what was a lower-scoring, grind-it-out type of baseball game that the Spartan faithful are accustomed to seeing. The Spartans and Lancers went our for out with each other until the fourth inning when Lincoln was able to score a run. Lincoln then added another run in the seventh inning, forcing the Spartans to need to get two runs in the bottom of the frame to avoid losing. The Spartans rallied and eventually posted two runs, receiving crucial hits from Needham, Junior Joe Sedig, and Sophomore Trevor Thornton. “Everyone played a part in this win. We really are improving,” said Thornton.

The Spartans will next be in action on Monday, April 19, when they take on Denver North High School. The game will begin at 4:15 pm, and will be held at North.

Photo by Rebecca Holt

Brennan Henry loves many things in life, but his number one passion is baseball. Henry, who has been playing varsity baseball at Thomas Jefferson High School since his Sophomore year, has grown from a young naive player to TJ’s ace pitcher who will be playing baseball next year at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas. Henry is faced this year with the challenge of anchoring a strong pitching staff that also includes holdover Kyle Freeland.

Henry has been pitching in big time situations for TJ since his Sophomore year, compiling a record of 9-1 that year with a 1.90 ERA. “Sophomore year was real fun. I had experienced players behind me as they were all seniors. They showed me how to be a baseball player, and how to prepare for every game. But they also taught me to just ease up and have fun; it made me feel relaxed,” Henry said. As a Junior Henry battled through a rough year, as did the program, yet he finished with a record of 3-3. So far this year, Henry has a record of 1-1 with an ERA of 2.52; he also has 12 strikeouts to date.

What Henry possesses as a strong left-handed pitcher is a controlled fastball that, when placed correctly, is hard to hit. “I like to change the hitter’s vision, so staying low, then coming high on my fastball is tough to catch up with,” said Henry. However, Henry feels he is most deceptive when he is facing a lefty hitter. “When I have a lefty up against me, I know I have a strike three pitch, and that is a hard curve-ball at their knees.  If I execute it right, there is no way they are going to touch it,” Henry said.

Henry will get his catcher back from last year, as incumbent starter Grant Maloney returns to the team for his second straight year as TJ’s backstop. And Maloney can’t be more excited. “I like our staff this year. We are even more experienced than we were last year, and it think Bubba and Kyle are one of the best pitcher tandems in all of DPS,” Maloney said.

Henry is not only great on the baseball diamond, but he is also one of TJ’s most influential and spirited leaders during practices and games. “Bubba is definitely fiery,” chuckled Junior Second Baseman Kelly Sinopili-Martinez. “Bubba gets everyone else ready to do whatever it is we have to do; whether it’s rally late in a game, or take a lap at the start of practice. He is always on us. The passion is there,” Martinez continued.

Henry has also had a great impact on the TJ community as he has given up his time and energy to participate in Unified Sports at TJ. Unified Sports is a program at TJ that allows students to teach and interact with Special Ed kids in various sports. “I think this is a good way to give back. I really liked the environment, and I liked working with all of the nice staff members and kids. Ms. Pitrone and Ms. Repensek helped keep it real; they are genuine people,” Henry said.

In the classroom Bubba never ceases to amaze his instructors, as he impresses them with both his desire to work hard as well as his attention to detail. “Bubba blew me away with his artistic ability; specifically on the CSAP poster project. I had no idea a jock like Bubba could be so creative. I’m very proud of him,” said DECA Teacher Matt Nicolo.

Outside of baseball and school, Henry loves to spend time with his family. “I would definitely label myself a family man,” said Henry. The two usual suspects that Brennan rolls with are his two older brothers, Nate and Kelvin, ages 24 and 20 respectively. “We like to hang out at their places and just do whatever comes to us. It’s always fun with those guys because I never know what the night will hold,” Henry stated. However, there is one thing that the three Henry brothers will always do, and that is go camping. “We definitely love camping. It’s just the most relaxing thing, to be up in the mountains where there is nothing to worry about. I always have a good time.”

One other thing that is very near and dear to Brennan, is his video games. It seems every high school student loves the adrenaline pumping excitement that comes from video games, and this stays true for Henry with the game Call of Duty, as he considers himself,” The best of the best at COD (Call of Duty). Anyone who wants to play can bring it!” offered Henry with a grin. “I really like playing COD because it’s a time for me to just relax and take my mind off of things,” said Henry.

Make sure to catch Henry and the rest of the Spartan boys as they look to return to prominence and capture their seventh City Title in the past eight seasons.