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The Town of Greensboro basketball program wrapped up its third season with an all-day tournament on April 27 at the elementary school.
Four teams of students in grades three through five and five teams of students in grade six through 12 faced off in the culmination of this year’s program, 120 players in all, from Greensboro and surrounding areas, according to organizer Brandon Cunningham.
“It’s fun. It gives the kids something to do, keeps them off the street,” said Greensboro Commissioner Joe Noon. “It keeps them occupied, keeps their minds going.”
The co-educational program began with a community grant through the police department as a good way to instill trust back into the community after the death of Anton Black, Cunningham said.
He said the program has the support of Noon, his fellow Commissioners Christina Robinson and Robert Harrison and the Greensboro Police Department. There were 78 kids, ages 5 to 17, who participated the first year. In the second year, participants were capped at 125 players from second through 12 grades.
Cunningham has coordinated the program since its inception, recruiting community leaders to serve as coaches and mentors, including Terae Warner, Trevor Nichols, Vernon Wilson, and Julius Horton, to name a few. Elementary teams practice and play on Tuesdays; middle and high school school teams practice and play on Thursdays. The season runs about 12 weeks from February through April.
“Life is more than basketball, but it provides a platform. What better way to instill life skills?” Cunningham said.
Each week focuses on a theme, such as respect, teamwork, or sportsmanship, with a police officer or community leader presenting on that lesson. Greensboro Police Department has just two members, so members of other law enforcement have stepped participating as well, including Denton Police Department, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, Natural Resources Police, and Easton Police.
Noon called it a wonderful program that builds character and discipline. Both he and Cunningham praised the free aspect of the program.
“It does not cost parents or kids one penny,” Cunningham said. He added the program is productive and good for the kids, “We have local talent here who has never had opportunity to get exposure.”
However, grant funding isn’t guaranteed year to year and doesn’t cover some things, such as rental of the school gymnasium, so last year supporters started a music fest and car show fundraiser, which also helped provide extras like jerseys, trophies, and lunch on tournament day for the kids. This year’s music fest and car show is set for Aug. 30 at Greensboro VFD Community Center. For information or tickets, contact Cunningham at 443-239-7391.
Leading up to the tournament teams have a fun night playing against the commissioners and other community leaders. This year, the elementary teams went 1-1 against the adults; the adults won both games against the middle and high school teams.
