The third annual kickball game between the Planteen and MLK rec centers came right down to the wire. A 1-1 tie carried into the final inning and, when Keyshawn Green came up to kick, MLK had gotten a few runners on base. Green gave it his best shot and, to his surprise, scored the winning RBI for his team.
You guys took home the title for the second year in a row, but Planteen gave you a fight this time. What was going on out there?
We were just kicking the ball up in the air too many times. They were catching them, back-to-back, and we couldn’t get runs.
Let’s go to the last at-bat, right before you hit the game-winning kick. What were you thinking at the plate?
I was thinking, like, I could do it, but I was doubting myself because they were spread out. But, Miss Lillie (Brown) always pushed me to do stuff, and I did it.
You did it, and everyone started celebrating in the dugout. How happy were you?
I was happy. I was proud of myself.
What was the celebration like, afterward?
Miss Lillie had cooked food for us, there was Kool-Aid, and we had fun after that.
Did you get Coach Ja’Vae (Ingram) with the water cooler?
No, sir. He didn’t have any extra clothes.
Seeing Miss Lillie pie those coaches — how cool was that?
It was cool, because they had set the pies in the sun, so they were watery. And, they thought we were going to lose, but we won. It backfired on them.
Did you get any time with the trophy?
Yes, sir.
How have you been celebrating?
Playing dodgeball, started playing basketball. We’re done with kickball now, so we’re playing basketball and football.
What other sports do you play?
Football and basketball. I play football with the Plant City Colts — fullback and defensive line. I like defensive line better. I play basketball for Plant City Recreation Department.
What are your other hobbies?
That’s it. Just sports.
Where do you go to school?
Marshall Middle School. I’m in seventh grade. My favorite subject is math. I like geometry and square roots. Oh, and we’ve got the summer program at the rec center. My favorite field trip is Wet ‘n’ Wild.
What are your favorite movies?
“Friday,” and action movies.
TV shows?
I like the sports channels, ESPN.
What are your favorite teams?
I like the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New England Patriots.
Do you like the Cavs because of LeBron James?
Yes.
And the Patriots for football — why them?
I don’t know. I just like their running backs and wide receivers.
Favorite video games?
“Madden 25,” “NBA 2K14.” Playstation 3, Playstation 4. My team in “NBA 2K14” is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Favorite food?
All of it. I like Brisk fruit punch.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be?
Kicking power. I’d use it for next year’s kickball tournament. I want to kick it 30 to 50 feet.
So, if that ball clears the fence, who are you telling to go get it?
Probably Coach Ja’Vae.