O's Sportslite
Last week I was out at Logan's Restaurant enjoying some holiday cheer on the one day that we had BAD weather (thank you Kendra) when a lady passed by our table and said 'Go Green'. Of course a conversation ensued as we found out from this proud mother that her daughter not only was going to MSU on a basketball scholarship but she was in the running for Miss Basketball. It was at this point I put down my beer (yes, I drink beer) and started with the questions.
The good lady took a step back and asked, "Who are you? Yes, I was ready to lie because Santa had already left the building; but my friends busted me out to the who, what, where, when and why. This is how I got the pleasure of talking to Muskegon Big Red candidate for Ms. Basketball, Alyza Winston. Folks, I am going to be upfront; I like this young lady because she is pleasant, has a sense of humor and tells the truth. Before we even started the conversation, I jumped at her and asked if she plays any defense and has a left hand. She didn't stammer or stutter as she smiled and with conviction and told me that, yes, she has a left hand and plays defense. People if you haven't seen her in action, then you are missing a treat, as the lady has game. She can hurt you from any position on the court and having the touch to go inside and outside at the blink of an eye does not hamper her from giving her teammates the prettiest passes to bring tears to her coaches and scouts. The programs will list her at 5'8" or 5'7", but Alyza has no issues telling you that she is 5'6". Understand this, players today rather give people the tall version than short status of their height. See, the girl has honesty in her bones. Alyza started playing basketball when she was six years old. When she was in the fourth grade and hit sixteen points in a game a light went off in her that, hey, maybe I might be good. It wasn't a big head but just a big thought in a little kid. It was at this point that her dad, Ric, asked her if she wanted to put the time and effort needed to be better than just good and she was all for it. She played with the boys from the fifth grade through eighth which always included two hours a day practice with her dad. Her only set back was a broken leg she got when she got pushed during recess in grade school. This caused her, in her own words, "to get fat from eating while the leg healed". This recovery pushed her to truly become better and drive her to get her game back. Michigan State saw this game in her when they had her come down for a visit when she was in the seventh grade. State couldn't pay for anything, but she came down with the family to tailgate and get a feel for the environment. It wasn't love at first sight but the seed was planted to upgrade her practice with the dad. Alyza will tell you that her basketball game will come from her daddy Ric but the fast and quickness will come from mama Stacy who ran track in high school. Alyza will tell you that she has no fear on the court and that this passion and drive to excel leaves no room to give any quarter in believing someone will best her on the court. Being short is a constant reminder to her that the world can overlook you, but it is not an excuse to being overwhelmed by anyone or anything. This 17 - year - old go - getter with the happy smile, when not giving basketball the love, she also LOVES to shop and shop some more. She plans to support this love in the future by playing overseas or working in the criminal justice field. She said there is something about investigating things that has always caught her attention. She does understand that playing basketball overseas means that dad will be asking the wife how was the trip as he and riding planes are not in an accord for that pleasure. It was a pleasure for the family when she chose Michigan State for her next level of education and basketball. Mama Stacy, Daddy Ric, be proud as you two done good and if the sports media who vote on Miss Basketball don't see the wisdom and value in selecting your daughter with this honor, then this will not be the end of the world. Knowing that you did a great job with this wonderful and articulate young lady has its own value and pleasure. Now, there is another chapter to the Book of Winston. There is younger sister, Aaliyah, who is the spitting image of her older sister. No pressure on baby girl, but if her game looks like sister's, then you can imagine the anguish of opposing coaches and fans who will be saying, "Hey, how can Alyza be playing again? Didn't she just graduate?" As Alyza graduates from high school, she wishes to leave a bit of wisdom for the shorties in grade school. Anything and everything is possible when you do the work. Don't let people stop your dreams because everything is possible with a belief and hard work. Well said, well led, by a lady with big dreams. See you in East Lansing.
Now, can we see you for some Just For Fun Picks.
NFL
Chiefs -5 Colts
Cowboys +7 Rams
Patriots -4 Chargers
Philly +8 Saints
Jodie's Picks
Chiefs -5 Colts
Rams -7 Cowboys
Chargers +4 Patriots
Saints -8 Philly
Have a happy and warm week.
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