3-on-3 Basketball Tournament a success in Sparta
SPARTA -- Church of God in Christ Jesus All Nations' Youth Department held its 2nd Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament May 1-2.
<span>Sports have been proven to supplement a healthy lifestyle, to build confidence, and teach kids about emotional self-control.</span>
<span>With that in mind, COGIC Jesus All Nations plans to continue to grow the event to include youth throughout all of Southern Illinois. The tournament was open to girls, boys and adults of all ages.</span>
<span>This year, 22 teams participated in the tournament. The tournament was held in the Sparta High School gymnasium.</span>
<span>Elimination rounds were played on Friday, May 1 and the tournament concluded with championship rounds played on Saturday, May 2. </span>
<span>The tournament was organized and directed by Kurtis Clay and Nikea Edmonson. Rosetta Clay and Brandi Johnson-Rodger were in charge of public relations and sponsorships.</span>
<span>Emily Edmonson and Brenda Foote were in charge of concessions and ticket sales.</span>
Coaches:<span> Savonte' Donaby, Keith Claybourn, Jackie Monroe, Johnny Williams, Brandi Johnson-Rodgers, Angel Hunter, Vincent Ward, Michael Meredith, Jarvis Smith, Ricky Douglas, Pastor Joseph Edmonson, Jr., Justyce Bulliner, Octavion Connor, Izayah Miller, Bryan Smith, Tra' Edmonson, Kurtis Clay, Leray Nash, Al Bennett, Tyrone Briscoe, Lee Washington.</span>
Referees:<span> Keith Kohrs, Michael Meredith, Kurtis Clay, Demeatrius Lowery, Vincent Ward, Ricky Douglas, Marcus Myers, Rayford Rodgers, Pastor Joseph Edmonson Jr and Tra' Edmonson. </span>
Scorekeepers<span>: Kimberley Richardson, Tyra Edmonson, Ericka Richardson, Jannice Edmonson, LaShaya Edmonson, Effie Claybourn, Kera Kiner, Tymera Brown, Carmen Jones, Ashia Clark, Kyron Penny and Devin Clark.</span>
<span>A special thanks to the individuals and businesses that supported the tournament with a monetary donations or with an in kind contribution. Without the support of the community this event would not be possible.</span>
Sponsors:<span> Dr. and Mrs Larry Beattie, MedStar Ambulance Service, Gary Hanna, Dolly Enterprise, Principal Amy Price, Assistant Principal Mitch North, Pastor Joseph and Nikea Edmonson, Jr., Emily Edmonson, Principal Laura Woodworth, Clay Construction and Lawn Care, Sparta Police Department, Principal Scott Beckley, Chester Mental Health Employees, County Office Supply, Chad Ashley, Principal Scott Beckley, Athletic Director Rich Williams, Mayor and Mrs Jason Schlimme, Police Chief Shawn Lukes, Commissioner Linda Boston, LaShaya and Jannice Edmonson, Paul and Brenda Foote, Timothy Sivels, Mr. And Mrs. Anthony Stewart, Anthony Barnett, Jerry Johnson, Jackie Monroe, Keith A. Claybourn, Kurtis Clay, Effie Claybourn, Glenda Penny, Tara Penny, Nadya Miller, Kattrina Sivels, Brandi Johnson-Rodgers, and Rosette Clay.</span>
Trophies
Peewee Division
<span>1st Place: </span><span>Team Hoop City</span><span> - Coach Johnny Williams </span>
<span>Players: Xaiver Williams, Ethan Willis and Brayden Henr</span>
<span>2nd Place Peewee Division: </span><span>Team Hoop Squad</span><span> - Coach Vincent Ward</span>
<span>Players: Quintin Littlepage, DeQuan Woods, Kijah Banda and Deriontez Monroe</span>
Junior Division
<span>1st Place: Lil Curry - Coach Pastor Joseph Edmonson Jr</span>
<span>Players: Keith Kiner, Devin Clark, Dustin Lohman and Derrverick Lowery</span>
<span>2nd Place: </span><span>Team Treys for Trey</span><span> - Coach, Ricky Douglas</span>
<span>Players: Isaac Floyd, Luca Williams, and <span>Kijah Banda</span> Traystyn Levels</span>
High School Division
<span>1st Place: </span><span>Team</span><span>Tigers</span><span> - Coach Kurtis Clay</span>
<span>Players: Titus Clay, Josh Bulliner, and David Williams Jr.</span>
<span>2nd Place: </span><span>Team</span><span>Warriors</span><span> - Coach Tra' Edmonson</span>
<span>Players: Bryan Lowery, Dante' Williams and Alex Bennett</span>
Adult Division
<span>1st Place: </span><span>Team</span><span>OT's</span><span> - Coach Leroy Nash</span>
<span>Players: Leroy Nash, Cordiarryl Kilpatrick, Antoine Starnes, and Deontay Starnes</span>
<span>2nd Place: </span><span>Team</span><span>Devils</span><span> - Coach Kurtis Clay</span>
<span>Players; Titus Clay, Brendon Wilson, David Williams Jr. and Josh Bulliner</span>
Tournament MVPs
<span>PeeWee-Ethan Willis, Junior-Keith Kiner, Jr., High School- Titus Clay and Adult-Deontay Starnes</span>
3-Point Shootout Contest
<span>1st Place: Tra Edmonson</span>
Free Throw Contest:
<span>1st Place: Vincent Ward </span>
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