Arizona Venom Sports

It's all about the game!

...ABL Champions!

- December, 2006

Rivalries are always good in sports.  In Phoenix, there are two teams in the 13U division who enjoy competing against each other...AZ Venom and the AZ Best. 

 

Both teams are full of talent and determination.  The two coaches are long time friends Caroline Jones for the Venom and Gerrard Carmichael for the best.  Barbie Carmichael (Gerrard’s wife) plays with Caroline Jones on the Venom Women’s Travel team.  A team of ex-college players who travel every year to play against colleges to help them prepare for the upcoming season. 

 

Both teams are evenly matched.  While the AZ Best has bigger stronger players, the AZ Venom has the quickness and the tenacity.  Since the rivalry started the Venom is on top winning 3 games to 1.  But the most important win so far was the ABL Fall League Championship game when the Venom won in overtime.

 

All the Venom players contributed to the win, but a special effort from Amanda Kunkel help the Venom in the second half of the game.  With her aggressive defense and drives to the basket, Amanda gave the Venom the spark needed to win the game.  Promise Amukamara was named Championship MVP.

Top row:  Nici Richardson, Simone Westbrook, Promise Amukamara, Dominique Wilkins, Kelsey Alderman.

Bottom row:  Amanda Kunkel, Desiree Phillips, Julie Seiler, Ashton Bourdon.