Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Traci Graham, AAU Team Defending Champion

Prescott's Traci Graham made the most of an opportunity to try out with the Maverick basketball team of the Arkansas Athletic Union.

She was given the shot in March to attempt and make the team, which she successfully did. Once making the squad, Graham practiced once or twice weekly at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock.

In April, the Mavericks took the BCI state tourney in Little Rock. From there, the team won the "Big One" -- the state's AAU tournament held in Hot Springs.

On Memorial Day weekend, the Mavericks participated in the Team Texas/Texas Freedom Mini-National tourney in Dallas. Once again, Graham and the Mav's whipped their opposition and brought home the tourney title.

In this contest, the Mavericks beat up on teams from Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Kansas.

As Arkansas' AAU 14 and under champions, the Mavericks will represent the state at the National AAU tourney, which will be held in Nashville, Tenn. July 19-27.

Graham primarily plays point guard for the Mavericks, handling the ball and shooting when the opportunity presents itself. These games are normally faster paced than the average player, or fan, is accustomed to for this age group. Because of the speed of the game, substitutions are frequent.

The Mavericks are coached by Dean Oates of Pulaski Academy, and Bridgette Brown of Goza Junior High in Arkadelphia.

Along with Graham, the team is composed of girls from across Arkansas.

The following is a list of the team and where the players are from: Ashlee Anthony, Arkadelphia; Kelly Carter, Perryville; Andrea Cossey, Bradford; Brittany LaFarque, Lake Hamilton; Lacy Newland, Clinton; Ashley Wallis and Courtney Busby, Bryant; Winter Holloway, Des Arc; Pam Heigel, Conway; Dana Cherry, Pine Bluff; Amy Tucker, Steffany Haustein, Anna Martin and Mollie Richardson, all from Little Rock area schools.