DF’s Top Moments from the 2016 JR WPH NYC 1WallBall Junior Shootout

JR WPH proudly hosted its first junior handball event in New York City Memorial Day Weekend ’16, with more than 70 boy’s and girl’s participants between the ages of 14-19. The five divisions produced sensational matches and outstanding sportsmanship, with the juniors demonstrating inspiring passion and handball skills. Check out the top moments from JR WPH NYC 1WallBall Junior Shootout below.

More than 70 boy and girls competing between the ages of 14-19! The JR WPH NYC 1WallBall Junior Shootout was one of JR WPH’s largest stand-alone junior events. Wow!

The incredible sportsmanship and camaraderie amongst all of the junior participants: Most of the matches were self-refereed and in all of the matches in five divisions, there was not one argument with tremendous respect shown between each of the competitors

The 19-and-under boy’s final between Juan “Chullo” Martinez and Isaac Clovis: Chullo and Isaac demonstrated that not only were they the two most talented players in the event, but also very soon to be 1WallBall A players in New York City. The speed, power and shot making between the two in the final was spectacular and the stars were a pleasure to watch

The 19-and-under girl’s semifinal between Shantel Mena and Kaitlyn Colon: Two of the top ladies in the JR WPH NYC 1WallBall Junior Shootout staged the match of the event in the semifinals, with Colon taking a huge lead in the one game match and ultimately serving for the match at 20-17. Mantel held off four serves on match point and won a dramatic 22-shot rally to win the match, 21-20

Co-tournament directors Vernonica Figueroa, Danielle Daskalakis and Bryan Lucero, plus help from R48 star Stephen Cooney: The JR WPH NYC 1WallBall Junior Shootout was a tremendous success because of the efforts of Veronica, Danielle, Bryan and Stephen. The JR WPH NYC 1WallBall Junior Shootout ‘s Fab 4’s passion for the sport was contagious and made the event was of the most positive events in recent memory. Thank you!

WPH Staffers taking seven trains, buses and cabs to and from the airport to travel to the event : If you are going to host an event in New York City, you have to become a New Yorker. WPH staffers rode the New Jersey Air Tran, the Q train, the A train, the Brooklyn bus and cabs from and to the Newark airport to run the tremendous event. #wheninRome

Ray Lu winning the 15-and-under boy’s singles, playing in all three divisions and helping to make all of the draws: 15-year old Ray Lu demonstrated skills and poise beyond his 15 years in advancing to the quarterfinals of the 17-and-under and 19-and-under brackets and winning the 15-and-under. Young Ray also helped WPH staffers seed all of the brackets. Thank you Young Ray!

WPH Sponsored Westide YMCA’s Dan Pitre and Melanie Garate Shine in Brooklyn: The WPH proudly sponsors the Westside YMCA Harry Mellis junior handball program in Brooklyn, led by WPH Coach Danielle Daskalakis. Two of Coach D’s protégés demonstrated outstanding skills in Brooklyn, as Dan Pitre captured the boy’s 17-and-under and Melanie Garate captured the girl’s 19-and-under. “Melanie and Dan are very focused and you can see the improvements in their games because of it,” stated Coach D. “Melanie and Dan work on drills and really want to be great players.”

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at fink@race4eight.com

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line here, or send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer