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Alex City to host ‘Back 2 School’ Hoopfest
Published 10:58am Friday, August 10, 2012For the first time in years, Alexander City will play host to an AAU basketball tournament beginning Saturday morning.
The Alabama Ballers, a newly formed AAU organization comprised of players from across Tallapoosa and Coosa Counties, is playing host to the tournament.
“We’re really excited to bring youth basketball to Alex City and get kids involved in sports,” tournament organizer and Alabama Ballers head coach Orlando Wallace said.
“Our hope is that we will bring revenue to local businesses, hotels and restaurants throughout the weekend and really benefit the Alex City community.”
The tournament will begin Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and will last into the night, with championship games concluding Sunday morning.
The tournament will be made up of 36 teams ranging from grades 4-12 and coming from as far away as Birmingham and parts of the state of Georgia.
“We have teams coming from all over that are excited to get involved in our first-year tournament,” Wallace said.
“It is also a good way for the kids to finish up some summer activities before school starts next week.”
Games can be viewed by the public for a $5 entree fee at either the Benjamin Russell High School gym, Radney Elementary School gym or Sportplex gym on Saturday and BRHS, Radney and Alex City Middle School on Sunday with concessions available at all three gym locations throughout the day.
Wallace is also encouraging volunteers for the tournament, as man-power will be needed at all three locations.
“We could always use help with concession stands, clean-up, and scorers tables,” added Wallace about volunteer participation.
“If there are people out there that want to get involved, we’ll find a way for them to do so.”
Volunteers can show up between 7 and 8 a.m. Saturday at BRHS.
Championship games will begin at either BRHS, Radney or ACMS beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Those with further questions can reach Wallace at 256-750-5655.
