sya basketball travel

About SYA Travel Basketball

During the winter, SYA participates with dozens of other youth organizations in the Fairfax County Youth Basketball League ( fcybl.org ), a non-profit organization comprised of member youth clubs and organizations.  Games take place on weekends at Fairfax County gyms with an occasional weeknight game.

SYA typically fields teams for Boys and Girls 5th grade to 8th grade. One of the many positive aspects of the SYA Travel program is its proven ability to prepare players to participate in high school level basketball.

The SYA Travel Program is intended for the advanced player — it is a competitive program.  Tryouts are held where coaches select a limited number of players. Not all players are selected.  

Tryout schedule, as well as Open Gym schedule, is posted on the main Basketball home page, (please scroll to the bottom).

All questions regarding SYA Travel Basketball should be directed to Josh Purdy at [email protected].

WINTER Travel Basketball League

WINTER TRAVEL BASKETBALL  2022-23

Tryouts for SYA Winter Travel Basketball will begin early October.  The tryout schedule has been posted on the mail SYA Basketball web page.   SYA Basketball Program Information

Teams will be formed and practices will commence in late October.  Games will be held in Fairfax County school gyms on weekends from early December to early March. 

In order to tryout for a travel basketball team, players must register for Basketball - Travel Tryouts - Winter 2023.  Players will not be considered for a travel team until they have registered for Travel Tryouts.  Travel players may not  be registered for house league basketball nor another local area Travel Basketball league.

Please email any questions you might have to Josh Purdy at  [email protected] .

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SYA Basketball

2024 sya basketball.

SYA SUMMER BASKETBALL 2024

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Summer House League Teams for Rising Grades

• Instructional Program  – CURRENT grades K/1st grade (current 1st graders have option)
• Beginners - Current 1st grade and rising 2nd/3rd grade
• Juniors – Grades 4, 5, and 6
• Middle School – Grades 7 and 8
• Boys High School – Grades 9-12

Girls High School – Grades 7-12

Registration Deadlines

Register  as soon as you can – it helps our commissioners get organized and recruit coaches. Summer registration is now open with $15 Early Bird discount through end of March. Late fees of $25 start May 1 and Waitlist will start June 1 and run the  risk of not being placed onto a team.

Eligibility

Players in 1st through 12th Grade are eligible to participate in SYA Winter & Summer Basketball. All players must  register  to be placed on teams. In addition to registration, players in 3rd through 12 th  Grade must participate in a skills evaluations. See the House Skill Evaluation Schedule to find your evaluation date.

Open gyms begin late May with skills assessments taking place mid-June.

Team practices will take place June 17th - June 25th.

Games begin June 26th, are held Monday - Friday evenings, one hour duration, and take place in local Centreville/Clifton area schools.   Once games begin, teams do not hold practices, in general.  

Playoffs take place July 25th-31st.  The season ends July 31st..

Please note that the SYA Basketball website is a valuable resource for information throughout the season.  Team game schedules and results, playoff brackets, picture day schedule, will be posted on the Game Schedule link.  Open gyms and trainings will be posted on the Clinics/Open Gyms link. The SYA rule book can be found in the Resources link, under "Coaches Resources".  Please also check out the "Parent Resources" section.

In order to participate in games, clinics, and practices, all players must bring their own basketball and wear shorts WITHOUT pockets.

If you have any questions throughout the season,  please feel free to reach out to your child's age group commissioner below or email      [email protected]

SKILLS EVALUATION SCHEDULE SUMMER 2024

(Note: Skills evaluations are not required for 1st & 2nd grade)

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TRYOUTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR

SYA ELITE AAU BASKETBALL PROGRAM

2024 SYA Spring Basketball Season Information

Girls 5th Grade

Boys 7th Grade

SYA Spring AAU basketball aims to develop advanced players in a competitive environment. The season will run from mid-March to mid-June. Practice will take place twice a week in the Centreville/Clifton area.   Teams will play in 5-7 local weekend AAU tournaments.  Uniforms will be provided to players without SYA travel uniforms.

TRYOUT SCHEDULE

GIRLS 5th GRADE                           Head Coach: Justin Leiser  [email protected]

Sun, Feb 18th          1:00-2:30        Liberty Middle School 

Wed, Feb 21st          6:00-7:30       Stone Middle School

BOYS 7th GRADE                             Head Coach: Phil Livingston  [email protected]

Sat, Feb 10th           10:30-12:00     Deer Park Elementary                        Open Gym 

Fri, Feb 16th             6:00-7:30         Liberty Middle School

Sat, Feb 24th            10:00-11:30     Deer Park Elementary

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Sya Travel Basketball: Where Skills Meet Adventure for Young Hoopsters

Basketball is a sport that brings people together and builds a sense of community. It is also a great way to stay physically fit and mentally sharp. If you’re looking for an exciting and competitive way to play basketball, consider joining SYA Travel Basketball.

This team is made up of dedicated players who want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, SYA Travel Basketball has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore what SYA Travel Basketball is and why it’s a great choice for anyone who loves basketball.

So, grab your basketball shoes and let’s get started!

Join the Best Youth Basketball League

Are you looking for the best youth basketball league for your kids to join? Look no further than SYA Travel Basketball! Our league is dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential on and off the court. Not only do we focus on skill development, but we also emphasize teambuilding, sportsmanship, and character. Our experienced coaches provide one-on-one training and group practices to help each player grow and improve their game.

SYA Travel Basketball offers competitive tournaments and games against other top teams in the area, giving young athletes the chance to showcase their skills and gain exposure. Join our league today and watch your child grow into a skilled and confident basketball player.

Experience Top-Tier Coaching

Are you looking for a way to take your basketball skills to the next level? Look no further than joining the best youth basketball league in the area. Not only will you have the opportunity to play against top-tier competition, but you’ll also experience coaching from some of the best in the game. With a focus on skill development and teamwork, you’ll learn the strategies and techniques to take your game to the next level.

Plus, you’ll get the chance to connect with and learn from other avid basketball players who share your passion for the game. Don’t settle for mediocrity – join the best youth basketball league today and watch your skills soar.

Advance Your Skills and Techniques

If you’re a young basketball player looking to advance your skills and techniques, joining the best youth basketball league should be at the top of your list. Not only will you get to play against other talented players your age, but you’ll also have access to experienced coaches who can teach you the fundamentals of the game and help you improve your performance on the court. Plus, playing in a league will give you the opportunity to develop important skills like teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship.

So don’t hesitate, find a quality youth basketball league in your area and start taking your game to the next level!

Why SYA Travel Basketball?

If you’re looking for a competitive and rewarding basketball experience for your child, SYA Travel Basketball is the perfect choice. Not only does it offer top-notch coaching and training, but it also provides a great opportunity for kids to develop crucial life skills. With regular practices, tournaments, and games, players learn discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, all while having fun doing what they love.

SYA Travel Basketball is also a great way for kids to make new friends and build lasting relationships. Plus, with the support of dedicated coaches and parents, players can reach their full potential and achieve their dreams on and off the court. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and excel in SYA Travel Basketball.

Competitive League for Young Players

SYA Travel Basketball offers a competitive league for young players looking to take their skills to the next level. With experienced coaches, top-notch facilities, and a focus on player development, SYA Travel Basketball is the perfect choice for those seeking a challenging basketball experience. Our structured program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic, all of which are critical components of success both on and off the court.

By participating in our league, players not only improve their basketball skills but also learn important life skills such as leadership and communication. So why choose SYA Travel Basketball? Simply put, we provide a platform for young players to excel both on and off the court in a supportive environment that encourages growth, learning, and achievement.

Opportunities for Tournaments and Showcases

When it comes to basketball tournaments and showcases, SYA Travel Basketball provides a number of incredible opportunities. Whether you’re looking to showcase your skills in front of college coaches or simply want to compete against some of the best teams in the region, SYA Travel Basketball has something to offer. One of the greatest benefits of participating in SYA Travel Basketball events is the chance to network and build relationships with other players, coaches, and mentors.

This can be extremely valuable, both in terms of improving your game and in setting you up for future success. Additionally, by participating in tournaments and showcases, you’ll be able to challenge yourself and push your limits, which can be an incredibly rewarding experience. So if you’re looking for a way to take your basketball skills to the next level, consider joining SYA Travel Basketball and exploring the many opportunities it has to offer.

Foster Camaraderie and Team Building

If you’re looking to foster camaraderie and team building skills, then SYA Travel Basketball is an excellent choice for you. There are several reasons why SYA Travel Basketball is a top choice among young athletes. Firstly, every team member gets ample opportunities to work on their skills and play time, which leads to their growth and development as better players.

Secondly, the intense training and constant practice sessions help in improving not just individual skill but also fosters team spirit and support amongst players. Finally, the experience any player gains is priceless as they compete with other teams and build relationships with their peers. SYA Travel Basketball is an excellent platform for any young athlete looking to take their skills to the next level in a supportive and nurturing environment.

So, why not join SYA Travel Basketball today and become part of an exciting and supportive community?

Tryout Information

Are you interested in joining SYA travel basketball? Well, you’re in luck because tryouts are coming up soon! These tryouts are vital in determining who makes the team and are highly competitive, so it’s essential to prepare. Make sure to bring your A-game and come ready to show off your skills. Focus on your strengths and showcase what makes you stand out.

Whether it’s your speed, accuracy, or teamwork ability, make sure to demonstrate what you can bring to the team. Remember, don’t be discouraged if you don’t make the team – there are always other opportunities to improve and try again next year. Above all, stay positive and have fun during the tryouts – after all, basketball is all about enjoying the game! So, mark the tryout dates on your calendar and start preparing today to give it your best shot and make the SYA travel basketball team.

Date, Time, and Location

Are you ready for a chance to showcase your skills? We are excited to announce that our tryouts will be taking place on Saturday, May 15th at 10am at the Main Street Field. This is a great opportunity to show off your talents and potentially join our team. Please arrive early to check in and warm up before we begin.

It is important to wear appropriate attire, such as athletic clothing and cleats. Bring plenty of water and snacks to ensure you stay hydrated and energized throughout the tryout. We are looking forward to seeing you there and can’t wait to see what you can do on the field!

What to Expect During Tryouts

When it comes to tryouts, it can feel overwhelming and nerve-wracking. However, with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills. Before attending tryouts, make sure to research the expectations and requirements for the team or organization you are trying out for.

This can include information on the tryout process, such as the length of time, specific drills and tests, and the number of rounds. Additionally, it’s important to come prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally. This means getting enough sleep the night before, eating a healthy meal before the tryout, and practicing your skills beforehand.

Remember, tryouts are not only about physical abilities but also your attitude and willingness to improve. Stay positive and take feedback constructively. By putting in your best effort and being prepared, you can increase your chances of success.

Join the SYA Travel Basketball Team Today

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding basketball experience, look no further than the SYA Travel Basketball team. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor with years of experience or just getting started in the sport, this team is the perfect place to test your skills and push yourself to become the best player you can be. With top-notch coaching, a supportive and inclusive team culture, and a commitment to excellence on and off the court, SYA Travel Basketball is the ideal choice for athletes who are serious about taking their game to the next level.

So why wait? Join the team today and discover the thrill of playing basketball at its highest level. With some hard work and dedication, you could become a standout player on this talented and dynamic squad!

In the world of basketball, “sya travel basketball” is more than just a group of young athletes playing a game. It’s a family, a community, and a shared passion for the sport. From the early morning practices to the late-night tournament games, these players are dedicated to improving their skills and pushing each other to achieve greatness.

Whether on the court or off, the bonds formed within the “sya travel basketball” program will last a lifetime. So, if you’re ever looking for a team to join, remember that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about the journey and the friendships that come along with it. Play on, “sya travel basketball,” and always remember to dribble with heart.

What is SYA travel basketball? SYA (Southwestern Youth Association) travel basketball is a program for experienced young basketball players who want to compete at a higher level than recreational leagues. It involves traveling to different places for games and tournaments against other competitive teams.

How can my child join SYA travel basketball? The eligibility and tryout requirements for SYA travel basketball may vary by organization or location. You can check with your local SYA basketball program or visit their website for information on eligibility, registration, and tryouts.

What age groups are eligible for SYA travel basketball? The age groups eligible for SYA travel basketball may vary by organization or location. However, most programs typically offer travel teams for boys and girls aged 8-18 years old.

What are the benefits of SYA travel basketball? SYA travel basketball offers several benefits, such as providing players with the opportunity to compete against other talented and experienced players, improve their skills, and build teamwork and leadership abilities. It also allows players to travel and experience different cultures and environments.

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2022-2023 5th & 6th Grade Girls

OPEN GYM DATES

All Open Gyms Will Be Held @ The Salisbury Middle School Gym.

Joint Practices are running this week. Please refer to your team introductory email for details.

***Open Gyms for GRADES K-2 will begin later in November @ Salisbury Elementary School!***

Philosophy and Environment

Before the season starts, the coaches of SYA try to assess each players abilities to help place the kids in the league that is appropriate for them. Our goal is to develop each player based on where they are at when they start. We promise to work with each child and try to help them improve their basketball skills. We also promise to provide an environment that teaches good sportsmanship and team work.

Below is information about the various leagues we provide opportunities in

Kinderball (in-house):.

Introduction to Basketball for Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade boys and girls.  We practice Monday and Wednesday Nights at Salisbury Elementary School located at 1400 Gaskill Avenue Allentown, PA 18103.  Practice times to be determined based on number of participants.  Typically, practice is 5:00-6:30 or 6:30-8:00.   We focus on teaching fundamentals through skills and drills.  The season will start in the beginning of November and goes until end of February.

Registration $80 + Mandatory Fund Raiser (registration subject to change each year)

Kids keep their jersey (no jersey deposit)

NOTE:   Volunteers are needed to help coach and assist at this level.  You do not need to know everything there is about basketball.  At this level, it’s really about having fun with the kids and helping them understand the basic concepts of the game.  The more volunteers the better. First time coaches are WELCOMED!

In-House 1st and 2nd grade:

Slightly more advanced from Kinderball for 1st and 2nd grade boys and girls.  I will allow more advanced 1st graders to play up at this level or some third graders that have never played before and don't want to play in the 3/4th grade level.  We continue to teach the basics of basketball and start to play competitive games against each other.  We will put the kids on teams and select coaches and your kid will practice with his/her team.  Practices and games are Tuesday and Thursday nights at SES from 6-7PM or 7-8PM.  Season starts beginning of November and runs until end of February. 

Girls Leagues (Rising Stars Basketball League or Saucon Valley Rec League)

3/4th grade and 5/6th grade divisions.  The biggest differences between 3/4th grade girls and our in-house program is the girls will play against all girl teams from other organizations, games will have a referee, and the rims are at 10' (in house rims are lowered to 8' or 9')

We will assess the girls skill level to determine what league they should play in. 

Saucon Valley Rec League:  beginner players with little to no experience in basketball.  Games are played on Saturday or Sunday at one location (either at Salisbury or Saucon Valley) and the games are against another Salisbury team, Saucon Valley or Southern Lehigh. 

Practice schedule TBD will be at high school or middle school.

Rising Stars Basketball League requires a little more experience and skill level.  Games could be played during the week or weekend.  Half of our games will be played at Salisbury Middle School and half will be played at other team's gym.  Teams involved in this league are Saucon Valley, Southern Lehigh, Lower Macungie, Catty, Northwestern Lehigh, Northern Lehigh, Moore Twp, ESYC, Bethlehem Canes, Coplay, Parkland, and others.  

Registration $120 + Mandatory Fund Raiser

Kids do NOT keep their jerseys

Boys Travel Leagues (3rd-8th grade):

We play in three different leagues (Saucon Valley Rec League, Rising Stars Basketball League, and Lehigh Valley League).  Early on, we will hold some open gym practices to assess all players so we can determine what level they should be playing at.  We will place your child on the team that fits his skill level and will provide him with the best opportunity to develop into a better basketball player.

The top league is the Lehigh Valley League.  If we have enough players at this skill level to compete, we will enter teams into this league.  If not, the next level is Rising Stars.  It is a very competitive league.  The third option is the Saucon Valley Rec League.  A league for those who have limited skills and experience.  

Kids do NOT keep their jerseys.

High School Boys (9-12th grade):

We provide an opportunity to High school boys to play in the Rising Stars League.  Practices will start in November and games will start in December.  The league has a 9th and 10th grade division and an 11th and 12th grade division. 

Registration: $120

Players get to keep their jerseys!

#FalconPride

Welcome to the

2023-2024 SYA

BASKETBALL SEASON!

Registration has CLOSED for the season.

Sya basketball.

Season runs from early November to the beginning of March.

We are in the middle of registration so we do not have a final number of teams identified.  Below is how the kids are split up:

Kinderball Program- Kindergarten/First Grade/Pre-K (boys and girls)

In House 1st grade/2nd grade (boys and girls)

3rd/4th grade boys

3rd/4th grade girls

5th/6th grade boys

5th/6th grade girls

7th/8th grade boys

7th/8th grade girls

9th/10th grade boys

11th/12th grade boys 

Arnaldo Lopez

Director of Basketball - SYA

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Our Mission

SYA Hoops believes in one setting themselves apart from the masses. We encourage discovering your gifts and talents and using them to better yourself and those around you.

Brick by brick, we start building a solid foundation by teaching the principles learned from the game of basketball and instilling them into life itself. The game of basketball is a valuable tool used to build and mold a person. A player's passion, determination, work ethic, discipline, coachability, leadership skills, and self accountability are all traits learned within the game. 

Holistically equipping an athlete to be more than JUST an athlete is gravely important and needed.

coach ashley

Director of Player Development

Coach Ashley is excited to offer her expertise in basketball skill development and performance training. Experienced skills trainer for grade school to college level athletes for 9+ years in one of the most profound areas for basketball, Dallas, Texas. She was the starting point guard for the University of Arizona and the mecca of high school girls basketball, Duncanville High School.

Coach Frazier is also a mentor for Trey Athletes, providing guidance and support for athletes to handle the demands of life on the next level, both on the court and life in between.

Our tried and tested system is based off over years of cumulative experience shared between our trainers. We pride ourselves on setting up our clients for success in the game of basketball and are sure that you will leave our sessions more prepared than you have ever been before to take your game to the next level. 

If you're ready to enhance your skill set and heighten your game IQ, click the link below to get started working with Coach Ashley!

coach connie

Assistant Director of Player Development

Connie James received her Bachelor of Science degree from Long Island University where she received a scholarship for her skills in basketball. She played all four years for the LIU Blackbirds Women’s Basketball team where she ranked high in both LIU, NEC and NCAA play. After graduating from Long Island University in 2010, she played professionally overseas for TG Neuss, in Dusseldorf, Germany. While overseas she continued to amass recognition as an outstanding import player, guard, defensive player and more. It was during her extensive overseas professional play that she was asked to teach the game of basketball at the International School of Dusseldorf where she coached U12 Mixed boys' teams and assisted with U17 girls' teams. It was in Germany where she found her passion and love for training and coaching kids. 

Moving to Texas in 2014, she continued training and coaching athletes throughout the Dallas area. She has now partnered with Coach Ashley in the creation of SYA Hoops Academy to enthusiastically impart the gifts, tools, and skills that she has received through many years of professional play to help propel students to the next level of basketball.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Memphis basketball adds UNLV game to 2024-25 schedule

Memphis basketball will travel to Las Vegas where it will face UNLV in a non-conference game during the 2024-25 season, sources confirmed to The Commercial Appeal.

The date has not yet been finalized. It will be the first game of a home-and-home deal with UNLV, with the Tigers hosting the Runnin' Rebels during the 2025-26 season.

Memphis and UNLV have not faced off in men's basketball since the 1997 National Invitation Tournament, and next season's matchup will be just the sixth game in the series' history. The Runnin' Rebels lead the all-time series 4-1. The Tigers' only win came on New Year's Eve, 1970.

Other non-conference games on Memphis' schedule in 2024-25 include a home game against Missouri, road games versus UNLV, Clemson and Virginia, as well as a neutral-site date with San Francisco (at the Chase Center in San Francisco) and three games at the Maui Invitational (Nov. 25-27). In addition to the Tigers, the Maui Invitational field includes two-time defending national champion UConn, North Carolina, Michigan State, Auburn, Iowa State, Dayton and Colorado.

MEMPHIS BASKETBALL: Tigers get transfer Colby Rogers, one of top 3-point shooters in the nation

Memphis has added three players out of the transfer portal so far this offseason: Wichita State guard Colby Rogers, Tulsa guard PJ Haggerty and Illinois big man Dain Dainja. Coach Penny Hardaway also signed incoming freshman guard Jared Harris in November 2023. The Tigers are also expected to return forward Nicholas Jourdain, along with walk-on guards Joe Cooper and Noah Stansbury.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected] or follow him  @munzly  on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

Kansas basketball slated to play Creighton in 2024 Big East-Big 12 Battle | Report

K ansas men’s basketball will meet Creighton in the 2024 Big East-Big 12 Battle at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday.

The CBS analyst revealed each of the 11 matchups on the social media site X. No dates were reported for any of the games.

Kansas State will travel to St. John’s, and it’ll be Baylor at UConn, Butler at Houston, Marquette at Iowa State, Xavier at TCU, Cincinnati at Villanova, BYU at Providence, Oklahoma State at Seton Hall, Georgetown at West Virginia and DePaul at Texas Tech.

A year ago, KU defeated UConn 69-65 in the Big East-Big 12 Battle on Dec. 1 at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU is 4-1 in the series, which started in the 2019-20 season. KU fell to Villanova 56-55 on Dec. 21, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Jayhawks defeated Creighton 73-72 on Dec. 8, 2020, at Allen Fieldhouse. KU beat St. John’s 95-75 on Dec. 3, 2021, in New York. The Jayhawks stopped Seton Hall 91-65 on Dec. 1, 2022, at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU leads Creighton in the all-time series between the two programs, 11-6. The Jayhawks have won six straight in the series. The most recent meeting was in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. KU prevailed 79-72 in a second-round matchup on March 19, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas.

This will be the last year of the challenge series of games between teams in the two conferences.

©2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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United Arab Emirates struggles to recover after heaviest recorded rainfall ever hits desert nation

The United Arab Emirates is struggled to recover from the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation, as its main airport worked to restore normal operations even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and roads. (AP video/Malak Harb)

A man walks along a road barrier among floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

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A man carries luggage through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation amidst floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man carries a child through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on an onramp to Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People walk through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Abandoned vehicles stand in floodwater caused by heavy rain along Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A flooded street by heavy rain is seen, with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A group of people work to recover an abandoned vehicle taken by floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Civil defense officials bring water on a raft to a family in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Dubai civil defense officials drive through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates tried to wring itself out Thursday after the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation , with its main airport allowing more flights even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and communities.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel , allowed global carriers on Thursday morning to again fly into Terminal 1 at the airfield. And long-haul carrier Emirates, crucial to East-West travel, began allowing local passengers to arrive at Terminal 3, their base of operations.

However, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said in an interview with The Associated Press that the airfield needed at least another 24 hours to resume operations close to its usual schedule. Meanwhile, one desert community in Dubai saw floodwaters continue to rise Thursday to as much as 1 meter (3 feet) as civil defense officials struggled to pump out the water.

“We were looking at the radar thinking, ‘Goodness, if this hits, then it’s going to be cataclysmic,’” Griffiths said of the storm. “And indeed it was.”

The airport ended up needing 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds. Griffiths acknowledged that taxiways flooded during the rains, though the airport’s runways remained free of water to safely operate. Online videos of a FlyDubai flight landing with its reverse thrust spraying out water caught the world’s attention.

“It looks dramatic, but it actually isn’t that dramatic,” Griffiths said.

Emirates, whose operations had been struggling since the storm Tuesday, had stopped travelers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they tried to move out connecting passengers. Pilots and flight crews also had a hard time reaching the airport given the water on roadways.

But on Thursday, Emirates lifted that order to allow customers into the airport. That saw some 2,000 people come into Terminal 3, again sparking long lines, Griffiths said.

Others who arrived at the airport described hourslong waits to get their baggage, with some just giving up to head home or to whatever hotel would have them.

Two men walk through floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

The UAE, a hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation on the Arabian Peninsula, typically sees little rainfall in its arid desert climate. However, a massive storm forecasters had been warning about for days blew through the country’s seven sheikhdoms.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport. Other areas of the country saw even more precipitation.

Meanwhile, intense floods also have struck neighboring Oman in recent days. Authorities on Thursday raised the death toll from those storms to at least 21 killed.

The UAE’s drainage systems quickly became overwhelmed Tuesday, flooding out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road highway running through Dubai.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”

In a message to the nation late Wednesday, Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, said authorities would “quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused.”

On Thursday, people waded through oil-slicked floodwater to reach cars earlier abandoned, checking to see if their engines still ran. Tanker trucks with vacuums began reaching some areas outside of Dubai’s downtown core for the first time as well. Schools remain closed until next week.

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Authorities have offered no overall damage or injury information from the floods, which killed at least one person.

However, at least one community saw the effects of the rainfall only get worse Thursday. Mudon, a development by the state-owned Dubai Properties, saw flooding in one neighborhood reach as much as 1 meter. Civil defense workers tried to pump the water out, but it was a struggle as people waded through the floodwater.

Residents of Mudon, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity given the UAE’s strict laws governing speech, described putting together the equivalent of nearly $2,000 to get a tanker to the community Wednesday. They alleged the developers did nothing to help prior to that, even as they called and emailed. They also said a nearby sewage processing facility failed, bringing more water into their homes.

“A lot of people were in denial of how bad it was,” one homeowner said as civil defense officials waded through the water, bringing bottled water on a raft.

Dubai Holding, a state-owned company that has Dubai Properties as an arm, did not respond to questions. It’s part of a wider nexus that U.S. diplomats have called “Dubai Inc.” — all properties overseen by the city-state’s ruling family.

The flooding sparked speculation that the UAE’s aggressive campaign of cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding.

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year.

Abu Dhabi’s state-linked newspaper The National in an editorial Thursday described the heavy rains as a warning to countries in the wider Persian Gulf region to “climate-proof their futures.”

“The scale of this task is more daunting than it appears even at first glance, because such changes involve changing the urban environment of a region that for as long as it has been inhabited, has experienced little but heat and sand,” the newspaper said.