provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Sanibel Tropics Storm basketball team made history on Sunday, October 25, capturing its first championship with an impressive 32–10 victory over Team Ghosty in the Next Level Ignite League Championship at Redline Athletics in Fort Myers.
The championship victory capped off an exciting season for team Storm, who finished with a 5–1 record and secured the title during the league’s playoff tournament. The achievement marks an important milestone for a youth basketball program that began just over a year ago with nine players and has since grown to 26 children ranging from first through fifth grade.
Founded by head coach Dr. Dylan Murphy and assistant coach Carey Galantino, the Sanibel Tropics was created to give island children opportunities to play competitive basketball while building teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and confidence.
The team practices at the Sanibel Recreation Center, where young island athletes come together to build basketball skills, form friendships, and learn the value of teamwork. For a community that has seen limited opportunities for competitive youth sports in recent years, the Sanibel Tropics represent an exciting step toward rebuilding organized athletics for local children.
For many of the players, the championship represents just how far they have come in a remarkably short time.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this group of kids,” said Murphy. “Throughout the season, they’ve shown tremendous growth, not just as basketball players, but as teammates. Their commitment to one another, their willingness to work hard, and the effort they’ve put in every step of the way have been incredible to watch.”
“This championship wasn’t given to them; they earned it through dedication, perseverance, and teamwork,” Murphy continued. “To see all that hard work pay off with a 32–10 victory over Team Ghosty in the Next Level Ignite League Championship is something special. These kids deserve every bit of this moment, and we’re incredibly proud to bring the championship title home to Sanibel.”
Assistant coach Carey Galantino reflected on the team’s development, noting that many players began the program with little or no organized basketball experience.
“Most of these kids couldn’t pass, dribble or shoot at all a year ago. We have made strides,” said Galantino. “I love seeing them succeed, of course, but knowing where we started to where we are now is my favorite tidbit,” Galantino emphasized that the success came from consistent practice, dedication, and the encouragement of the families who supported the program throughout the season.
“Coming to practice, putting in the time! Hard work pays off!” Galantino said. “Thank you to the parents who have provided positive support and energy. Love seeing our local community and island succeed! Let’s keep it rolling.”
The championship represents more than an athletic achievement. For a small island community where competitive youth sports opportunities have been limited, the Sanibel Tropics is helping create new pathways for young athletes to learn, compete, and grow together.
The program’s expansion from nine participants to 26 in just over a year demonstrates growing interest in organized youth athletics among Sanibel families. From learning the fundamentals of basketball to competing successfully as a team, the players’ progress reflects their coaches’ dedication and their families’ encouragement.
Community partnerships have also played an important role in the program’s growth and success. The Sanibel Tropics is proudly sponsored by Marty Harrity of HM Restaurant Group, whose continued support helps provide competitive basketball opportunities for young island athletes. The team also recently received a grant from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club. Together, these contributions reflect the community’s commitment to expanding youth sports opportunities and investing in the next generation of Sanibel athletes.
With its first championship secured and a successful 5–1 fall season behind them, the Sanibel Tropics looks forward to continuing their development, welcoming young players, and building on the momentum of an unforgettable season. For coaches, families, and players, the championship reminds everyone what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its children.
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