Love for the game

Published Aug. 17, 2006
By Senior Airman John Gordinier
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Nine years ago, Tech. Sgt. Junko Stewart, 20th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical service technician, found out her 5-year-old daughter's school was in need of a basketball coach. Sgt. Stewart accepted the challenge and has been coaching basketball ever since.

Coach Stewart arrived at Shaw one year ago and began coaching at the Sumter YMCA and for the All Star Team. Shortly after, she coached Shaw's 20th Medical Group Men's Over-30 basketball team and led them to their first championship in 11 years. In February, Coach Stewart established an Amateur Athletic Union program for basketball.
"Within three weeks of advertising for the AAU, a 14U girls' team was formed," Coach Stewart said. "I named the team Perseverance, because I want my players to identify the name by never giving up and never quitting."

Since March, the 14U Perseverance Lady Ballas' have come a long way.

"In the last week of July, they won the Stingfest Tournament in Columbia," Coach Stewart said. "It wasn't even a close call; the Perseverance team spanked the competition, beating them by at least 20 points each game.

"For the first time in Sumter history, a girls' team was entered in a boys' tournament. The Lady Ballas' entered the Sumter Classic AAU Tournament this summer and took second place," she said.

Soon after the 14U Perseverance Lady Ballas' formed, there was interest from parents and players to form a boys' 16U AAU team.

"Since the 16U Boys' Perseverance team was formed, they have shown an extreme amount of improvement," Coach Stewart said. "They've improved their personal skills, amount of discipline, quickness and handling. I am privileged to have two great teams."
Coach Stewart even has her daughter, 14-year-old Shanice Cooper, on the Perseverance team as a point guard. Cooper was invited to play for the Sumter High School varsity basketball team, even though she was only in eighth grade.

"I have always loved the game," Cooper said. "My mom is a great coach, because she promotes discipline, school, grades and teamwork. If a teammate has a grade below a C, they can't play until that grade has improved."

Coach Stewart is looking for more players and coaches.

"Male and female players ages nine through 17 are welcome to join this fast-growing organization," Coach Stewart said. "We stress the fundamentals of basketball, discipline and incorporate the game and how it can apply to being successful in life. We also reap the benefits of seeing the comaradarie not only between the different schools, but between the military and civilian community. I am proud to say we have a very involved coaching staff and are looking for more dedicated coaches as well as players."