5 SPORTS CAMP LOCATIONS MAY 31 - AUGUST 5 1 week sessions · Full & Half day Extended Care · Ages 4½ -13 learn the FUNdamental skills to play basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, archery, volleyball & fi eld sports all in one camp! CHECK US OUT at New Way Academy 50th St & Oak! HUBBARDSPORTS.COM 602.971.4044 Page 56 April 2016 By Nick Smith It’s springtime and Tony La Russa is exactly where you’d expect him to be. On a perfectly clear day at Salt River Fields, the Baseball Hall of Fame manager is in his element, coaching players through a variety of drills. The only thing that seems amiss is that the size of the players are a little smaller than those you usually see surrounding La Russa. La Russa, the Chief Baseball Officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks, teamed up with some coaches and players from the organization and held a Field of Dreams Clinic with two Arcadia Little League teams. The event was a morning at Salt River Field, where little leaguers were given instruction on batting, fielding and sliding – they even got to do a little playing. “I’ve never experienced anything like that,” said Ryan House Executive Director Alyssa Crockett. “The kids were on cloud nine and the parents might have been even more excited. Those little guys got to work with the best of the best.” The event was connected with Ryan House, a local caregiving facility that provides care for children with serious illness and their families. La Russa has been an outspoken supporter of Ryan House in past years. “Tony has always been committed to his community, wherever it was throughout his career,” said Crockett. “He really believes in the work we are doing and in supporting the children and their families.” Last year, La Russa was an honorary chair at the Ryan House community breakfast. The Field of Dreams Clinic was offered as a charity raffle item and was won by Amy and Dave Guido. The couple has two sons in Arcadia Field of Dreams Clinic for two Arcadia Little League teams Tony La Russa and the Diamondbacks created an event to support Ryan House (Ryan in center photo), a local care-giving facility that provides support for children with serious illnesses. Little League and both boys got to bring their teams to the big day. “Tony talked to the kids about leadership and about playing as a team,” said Crockett. “He also told them about Ryan House and about how this experience was helping other children.” The kids who were coached by La Russa on that day won’t be the last ones to interact with the D-backs organization. Crockett said she and Ryan House have been blown away by the team’s willingness to help out in the community. “Many different players [from the Arizona Diamondbacks] have helped with Ryan House and many other organizations in Phoenix,” she said. “They really are so dedicated to helping those who need support.”

3641 N. 56th Street, Phoenix • 480-945-9537 • www.popphoenix.org Northeast corner of 56th St. and Indian School Road Loving and Experienced Teachers • Petting Zoo • Arizona Puppet Theater Bounce Houses • Water Days • Vacation Bible School • Ice Castles • Music and Art Experiences • Flexible Schedule Options • Fun and Safe Learning Environments Join us for 8 weeks of Preschool Fun from June 1–July 24 April 16 from 4pm-6pm Live Music from Raising Faith, food, desserts, beer & wine! Games for all ages, dunk tank, silent auction and raffles! Proceeds will go to support the Youth and Family Ministry of Prince of Peace Lutheran Churchs service projects! Tickets: advance $10 each/$40 per family of 4 or more, at the door $12 each/$46 per family of 4 or more. Go to www.popphoenix.org for more information or contact acox@popphoenix.org Prince of Peace STREET F AIR Page 57 April 2016 By Nick Smith When the Arcadia girls basketball team started their season, the word around the squad was it would be a year of building. Four of the five starters from last season were gone and few players on the roster had any varsity experience. But head coach Ives Machiz saw a team with talent and thought that fans could be in for a surprise. “We had heard all about the things we weren’t going to be able to accomplish,” said Machiz. “And we were a young team, a lot of sophomores. But I told the girls, let’s focus on what we can do.” The doubts seemed well founded when the team lost four of their first seven games. But the Titans turned things around and finished the year with a 23-8 record. Leading the way was sophomore Bryce Nixon, who averaged 20.2 points per game. “Some of her statistics were mindboggling,” said Machiz. “She was in the top five for points and assists in division two. She scored over 20 points 20 times and 30 points two times. And these are in 32-minute games.” Nixon may have been the scoring leader, but she credits her teammates for turning the season into a winning one. “Our work ethic was really amazing,” said Nixon. “We moved the ball well, everyone is unselfish on the court. It was really fun to get to play with this team.” “We had so many contributors,” noted Machiz. “Dylan Watkiss, Cassidy Campbell, Taylor Houser. Every person played their part.” The team ended the season in the elite eight of the state tournament. The winning was fun for both players and coaches, but Machiz said that what he’ll remember most is the personalities on his roster. “One of the nicest groups of human beings I’ve had the ability to coach,” Machiz ref lected. “They are amazing people and it made the season even more fun.” The future is bright for a team stacked with so much young talent. And no one is shy about shooting for the highest goals possible over the next two years. “With so much talent coming back, I think the sky is the limit,” said Nixon. “We really want to win a championship. That’s our goal and I think we can do it.” Lady Titans cap 23-8 season with appearance in state tourney Sophomore guard Bryce Nixon, led the team in points with 20.2 per game. PHOTO BY PAUL CAMPBELL We had heard all about the things we weren’t going to be able to accomplish. And we were a young team, a lot of sophomores. But I told the girls, let’s focus on what we can do.” ‘‘