Flame Shines In Vegas

Posted on July 27, 2010 | 4 Comments

Earlier this month, “06880” reported on the Connecticut Flame — an Under-17 AAU basketball team with players from Westport and inner cities that was raising funds for a Las Vegas tournament, where players would be seen by college coaches.

Westport member Dan Scanlan reports from Vegas:

Here we are, thanks to your generosity and support, in steamy Las Vegas.  We’ve won 5 games, lost 1, and got our 1st team medal.  The games are all played at the Convention Center, where they’ve set up 20 courts for teams from all over the country.

There’s some amazing b-ball talent here — guys who will someday play in the NBA.  The guys on my team are all cool.  Some have real potential.  This trip might help them score a scholarship, with luck.

Dan is wearing #14.  It’s the same number worn by Scott “Hoover” Wilder — his stepfather David Squires’ best friend from high school.  Like Dan, Hoover was a Wrecker hoopster.  A year after graduation he was paralyzed in an automobile accident.  He died in 2008, but left a legion of friends — including Dan.

Dan adds:

Thanks again for helping make this trip happen.  I’m the little guy in the front row (3rd from left) with my hand on the basketball.

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4 responses to “Flame Shines In Vegas”

  1. Bob Uly | July 27, 2010 at 12:00 pm |

    Congrats to Dan. What a thoughtful & inspirational tribute to Scott “Hoover” Wilder.

    Good luck to you and your teammates.

    Hopefully you play better defense than the offensive minded “Hoover”

    I’m confident that the “Hoov” is proudly smiling down on you in Vegas.

  2. gene seidman | July 27, 2010 at 4:37 pm |

    I knew Hoover and I know Dan the Man Scanlan-
    I’m proud of both men! I think D as he’s known on and off the court is more like Hoover – he’s nasty from behind the arc. Warmly, Gene Seidman

  3. eucalyptusskincare | July 27, 2010 at 5:13 pm |

    Without a doubt, Hoover’s got a big smile on his face!!!! Nice Job “D”!! Congrats.
    Love, Pats.

  4. David Squires | July 27, 2010 at 5:26 pm |

    I had the pleasure of being there for the first 3 days of the Tourny, and the convention Center was full of talent (boys & girls from all over the map). A lotta action went on above the rim! The Flame lived up to their name, and lit up the court!!! Yes, Hoover would be (is) proud to see his number on D, and so am i !!! Continued success, and Hoovers Magic lives on…