Calexico native Monique Carrasco (center) is pictured with the Miami Heat¿s Dwayne Wade (right) and an unidentified person at the NBA Fit/WNBA Fit Dribble, Dish and Swish finals in Orlando, Fla. (PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE ANN CHEW) |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Monique Carrasco did the most with an opportunity of a lifetime when she finished as the runner-up in the 9- to 10-year-old division of the NBA Fit/WNBA Fit Dribble, Dish and Swish National Competition here during the NBA All-Star weekend.
The Calexico youth, who will turn 10 years old Monday, was one of 12 national finalists for the event sponsored by Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Goldfish crackers.
“It was an awesome experience,” Carrasco said.
More than 50,000 participants from ages 7 to 12 and hailing from across the United States competed in the time-based obstacle course that comprised the Dribble, Dish and Swish contest.
“There was an obstacle course where we had to start off with a lay-up,” Carrasco explained. “We had three opportunities to make the layup, and then we had to make a free throw.
“Then we had to dribble around five cones, and then pass the ball to (Miami Heat guard) Dwayne Wade,” she said. “Then we had to dribble around three more cones and finish off with a layup.”
The event was judged on a combination of speed and the least mistakes performed during the obstacle course, something only one other 9- to 10-year-old girl bested Carrasco in.
Make the “dish” or pass to Women’s National Basketball Association stars and a mega-star of the NBA such as Dwayne Wade was certainly a highlight of the event for the Calexico girl.
“It was awesome,” she said.
Carrasco rounded off her trip by being honored at an NBA awards luncheon and getting recognition in the arena during the NBA All-Star Saturday Night.
The experience has proved to only further Carrasco’s desire to play basketball professionally one day. She is already looking forward to playing junior high and high school ball.
“I want to be a basketball player in the WNBA,” she said. “I want to play for the L.A. Sparks.”
With more performances like this one, Carrasco could well be on her way to making her dream a reality.
The Calexico youth, who will turn 10 years old Monday, was one of 12 national finalists for the event sponsored by Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Goldfish crackers.
“It was an awesome experience,” Carrasco said.
More than 50,000 participants from ages 7 to 12 and hailing from across the United States competed in the time-based obstacle course that comprised the Dribble, Dish and Swish contest.
“There was an obstacle course where we had to start off with a lay-up,” Carrasco explained. “We had three opportunities to make the layup, and then we had to make a free throw.
“Then we had to dribble around five cones, and then pass the ball to (Miami Heat guard) Dwayne Wade,” she said. “Then we had to dribble around three more cones and finish off with a layup.”
The event was judged on a combination of speed and the least mistakes performed during the obstacle course, something only one other 9- to 10-year-old girl bested Carrasco in.
Make the “dish” or pass to Women’s National Basketball Association stars and a mega-star of the NBA such as Dwayne Wade was certainly a highlight of the event for the Calexico girl.
“It was awesome,” she said.
Carrasco rounded off her trip by being honored at an NBA awards luncheon and getting recognition in the arena during the NBA All-Star Saturday Night.
The experience has proved to only further Carrasco’s desire to play basketball professionally one day. She is already looking forward to playing junior high and high school ball.
“I want to be a basketball player in the WNBA,” she said. “I want to play for the L.A. Sparks.”
With more performances like this one, Carrasco could well be on her way to making her dream a reality.
