Kevin Dooley, a seventh grader at St. Rose of Lima, has qualified to to head for Memphis, Tennessee to represent metropolitan New York in the boys 13 or under division at the AAU Nationals.

Dooley plays for the Long Island Allstars, a group of 13-year-olds, who've played together for the last two years. In that short period of time, the Allstars have participated in seven major tournaments, winning five and placing second in two others.

Coach and organizer "Sly" Johnson said Dooley is the stabilizing force that keeps the team together. He is very intelligent and is progressing each time he's on the court. He is a student of the game.

The Allstars defeated the Rising Stars of Queens and Long Island's Lightning and the Bronx Gauchos in a qualifying tournament held May 6 and 7 in Staten Island.

The Allstars will begin fund raising for the trip immediately. Any contributions will be appreciated and acknowledged. To contribute, call "Sly" at 516-769-0178, or Annmarie Amelio at 718-824-7046.