C.A.V.E. AAU recaps great season

The Shelby County C.A.V.E. Athletic Amateur Union (AAU) program is an upstart based out of Center. Housed out of the newly developed Shelby County Family Life Center, we are Caring About the Vision and Expansion (C.A.V.E.) of our local youth.

We currently operate with five teams (three boys and two girls) ranging from ages 12-16. Our reach is wide as we have players representing Center, Joaquin, Shelbyville, Tenaha, Timpson, San Augustine, Broaddus, Logansport, and Stanley. These student-athletes and their families have been working hard, and we are excited about our first season thus far and the future of our program.

Shelby County C.A.V.E. is on the map thanks to these teams! What a first year it has been. From our first tournament in Longview to July 8-11, 2023, conclusion in Orlando, Fla., our East Texas/West Louisiana towns have been recognized through our youth. We have received many compliments about our play, competitiveness, and most importantly our demeanor/character.

Thank you to our players, parents/guardians, grandparents, great grandparents, sponsors, and community for giving us a chance and making this first year a hit. These young people will leave a positive mark on their schools and teams in academics, extracurriculars, and athletics.

A small recap of our program this year. Our teams participated in approximately eight tournaments. We were so blessed to travel with such great kids, with so much talent! We traveled to Longview, Tyler, Sulphur Springs, Arlington, Ruston, La., Orlando, Fla. and Keller/Ft Worth. We were expecting to field two teams, but the interest from the community led us to having five teams (16U Boys (2), 16U Girls, 14U Boys, and 14U Girls) when it was all said and done.

Each team finished in the top three of at least one tournament this season. Teams finished 1st in four tournaments, 2nd in seven tournaments, and 3rd in four tournaments. What these young men and women did on the court is secondary to the conversations and lessons we get to have with them about constantly trying to be better people.

16U Boys teams had a season record of 21-3, winning the GASO in Keller, Primetime Sports in Ruston, La., and Game Changer in Tyler tournaments. Just some young kids from a small town in East Texas doing what they love. Had faith to focus on the WIN and not the WIND! Down 6 with 1:30 to go, they kept fighting. Beat an elite 15U program from DFW, a 5A team from Montgomery, a 5A playoff team from Granbury, and a sharpshooting team from Oklahoma. They are GASO Champions.

During our last tournament in Keller, we were invited to bring one team. On the day of the championship, instead of sleeping in, they all agreed to go to church before the game. What a word Bro. McCoy spoke to us all. When we walked in, he said, “This is a God thing.” Having faith in God will get us through our bad times. The Word manifested itself a couple of hours later. Like he said, “You young men will never forget this day.”

Neither will I #Family Shelby County CAVE We thank GOD for our awesome season! We are also very thankful for the support system and group of chaperones and parents that supported us! A very special thank you to our parents for entrusting your children with us and thank you for all of the hard work and dedication.

We would like to thank everyone that donated during our fundraisers. Thank you to our sponsors who took a chance on a new organization. Shelby Savings Bank, State Farm - Sandy Wheeler Cox, Farmers Insurance – John Burns, Blake Furniture, Stan Cloudy, and Pastor Daryl McCoy.

Thank you to our sponsors that wanted to remain anonymous.

Thank you, Abundant Love Ministries, for your support. Thank you Pastor Marlin Cloudy and First Lady Felicia Cloudy for your support and everything that you do.

Thank you to our Administration Team Marlin Cloudy, Jr., Feleshia Thompson, Alex Cloudy, April Calhoun and Michael Cloudy, Jr. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.

For more information on this program, how to contribute to the future of our youth, or volunteer to be a coach or sponsor, contact Marlin Cloudy, Jr. at 936-332-3378 or Feleshia Thompson at 936-590-1834 shelbycountycave@gmail.com.