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More Youth Sports

• Competition stiff for Charter School runners
• Charter boys run to second title
• Time brings success to Charter soccer

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For a weekend the City of Marco was a mini-hoops capital for a five-city tournament, the Palm Island Shootout.

Coordinated by the city’s Paul Johnson, Marco played host to teams from Naples, West Bocca, Fort Myers and Northport.

In the 12-and-under championship, the Naples Warriors beat the West Bocca Warriors.

The Marco Basketball Academy team downed Fort Myers, but lost to Naples and West Bocca.

In the 13-and-under round-robin, the Northport Wildcats edged the Marco Basketball Academy twice for the title.

The Basketball Academy teams concluded their first short off season of playing AAU-level competition from other cities.

“I thought the tournament went well and money raised from the event will go to support teams next year,” Johnson said. “I’d like to see three teams next season for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.”

Steve Schneider, coach of the 12-and-under team, said his team played well.

“I think they got a little tired, playing three games, with two outside (at Mackle Park),” he said. “It was nice that the Charter School allowed games inside in their gym.”

The Marco Island Charter Middle School hosted the 13-and-under tourney and the 12-and-under championship game.

Schneider said Stefan Langebeeke, Will Bott and Tanner Fulcher played well.

“The season was a good time and hopefully we can get more Naples teams involved next season,” Schneider said.

Johnson said Cooper Fulcher led the 13-and-under team, averaging 12 points a game.

The object of the academy was to extend the basketball season for kids who mostly played for the Charter School.

“Overall it was a good season, a good experience,” Johnson said.