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11 th ANNUAL NORTH/SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENT August 6, 7, & 8, 2004 was the long awaited weekend for the North/South 11 th Annual High School Basketball Tournament held in Santa Clara, California. The North/South Tournament idea was born eleven years ago and it has become the showcase of talent for top Asian-American high school basketball athletes. Russell Hiroto is the co-founder (along with his best friend Jack Mai) of the North/South Tournament which began by a group of friends who had played, coached, and have a love for the game of basketball. Although the tournament struggled for recognition in the first few years, it has continued to grow and succeed through hard work and dedication. It has now evolved into a highly popular event that players selected are honored to play in the tournament.
Players are selected from both Northern and Southern California and placed in one of eight divisions: Girls Divisions 9 th , 10 th , 11 th , and 12 th and Boys Division 9 th , 10 th , 11 th , and 12 th . Players are nominated from Asian basketball organization coaches, high school coaches, and personal contacts (e.g., American Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and community groups). The nominations take into account a player's over all athletic ability, sportsmanship and leadership. It is a once in a life time opportunity for players who compete against each other during the tournament season with their respective organizations, to have a chance to play with or meet their counterpart. The players (and parents) invest an enormous amount of time preparing for the tournament. Many players have to travel several hours a week to meet co-players and practice.
The tournament remains an independent entity and its sole purpose is to put together the best players once a year and let them play and have fun. The North/South Tournament is not governed by any single origination but they do attempt to include as many voices as possible. The North/South Tournament in 2005 will be held in Southern California.
A special thank you to: North/South Tournament CommitteeRuss Hiroto, Tournament Director Brad Onomura, Southern California Coordinator Sandy Onomura, Southern California Coordinator Wayne Nakano, Northern California Coordinator |
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