The Connecticut Flame is an intriguing AAU basketball team.
The Under-17 squad calls Stamford home. But players come from as far as the Bronx — as well as suburban towns like Westport and Ridgefield.
Of the 13 young athletes, 10 are inner-city. They’ve got little or no resources, and their parents don’t have the time to be as involved as they’d like.
But all the players have talent and fortitude. They’ve come together as a team, and gone far.
Now they hope to go even farther: Las Vegas.
Connecticut Flame player Dan Scanlan, in action for Staples earlier this year. (Photo by Elaine Rankowitz)
The Flame would like to participate in a national tournament later this month. The exposure to college coaches is crucial to some of the urban youngsters.
Of course, it takes money to get to Vegas — and stay there.
The Flame is gambling they’ll get it.
They’ve held fundraisers — bake sales, car washes, pancake breakfasts — but they’re still $5,000 shy. They need it by next week.
Coach Michael Halley has made it his mission to give his players the chance to strut their stuff in front of college coaches. Westport families are doing all they can to raise funds too.
No contribution is too small, Dave Squires — whose son Dan Scanlan is on the team — says. Checks may be made out to “Connecticut Flame,” and sent to: David Squires, PO Box 1059, Greens Farms, CT 06838. For further information, call Dave at 203-610-3359.
