It has been two years since the Shining Stars graced the basketball court at the annual Taylor Press 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. This year they return to the court ready to compete.
The annual tournament was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, and the team attended last year’s event but did not participate also due to the pandemic.
“With the pandemic, we really didn’t get to have those together times as often,” said Verna Guajardo, Shining Stars mother and coordinator. “I hope returning to play kick starts us getting to do more things together. It will be good for the parents, too, as the kids interact again because they miss being with one another.”
“The kids love being together,” added Carolyn Hill.
It’s the absence that has made the heart grow fonder for the Shining Stars.
“They like to see familiar faces. They have been together, some of them since junior high school. There so used to one another that they don’t see them as different,” said Hill. “In basketball, the kids are equal, the same as everyone else. Also, they are very competitive. They love to compete”
“They all love basketball and every one of them wants to be the MVP,” Guajardo added.
Equally, Hill and Guajardo shared the same favorite memory of the tournament.
“It is ‘The Circle.’ Near the end of the game, everyone in attendance forms a circle around the team and cheers and claps for them,” said Guajardo. “You can tell when that starts the kids try harder and are fired up.”
“Jason (Hennington) is the one that gets that started as the game draws to a close,” added Hill.
The tournament holds a special place in the hearts of the parents as well.
“As a parent, for me, I get to see Randy included, and everyone there not just the Shining Stars includes him,” said Guajardo. “It brings my family and friends together as they come together to help donate.”
“Being at the tournament the kids know the players and are excited to watch them,” said Hill. “They watch and enjoy the competition and the competitiveness of the players.”
Even though the summer heat has hindered the team from practices, Guajardo and Hill assure that the Shining Stars will be ready to go.
The Shining Stars are responsible for running the concession stand during the tournament. All proceeds go towards the group’s activities.
For those wanting to join the Shining Stars or donate contact Verna Guajardo at 512-948-6437.
