The Temple Terrace Thunder AAU Basketball Team celebrated at the Rose Bar, with 100% of its graduating high school seniors heading to college. What started 7 years ago as a team of 5th graders, Temple Terrace Recreation Center Allstars, developed into a travel team winning local, state and national titles. General Manager, Kirk Kinsey, said “Our motto is the 3 A’s: Attitude, Academics and Athletics.
Basketball was just the carrot to bring together boys from various backgrounds and commit to becoming a family. A family with the focus that the boys are future world changers and education is the key. These kids have a brotherhood bond and memories that will last a lifetime. “I’ve learned as much from them as they have from me. I’m so confident they’ll be positive contributors to our communities beyond basketball” stated Kinsey.
The celebrated college-bound graduates include: (l-r) 2nd, Zion Green (FAMU), Xavion Hagans (FAMU), Clarence Devine (J), Fitzalbert “Trae” Martin III (University of Tampa), Chad Jones, Jr. (FAMU), Ryan Summers (SCS Academy), Jalen Cann (Jr), Kirk Kinsey, Jr. (FAMU), Jordan Flynn (J), Donna Carr (Coach), Demond Snyder, Jr. (University of Illinois), Lincoln Shille (Florida Gulf Coast), Javon Lue (Coach). Not pictured: Jimmy Huff, Jr. (Carolina Christian), and Henry “Hank” Hughes, Jr. (Rutgers University).
By: Coach Kirk Kinsey (l)