Anniston teams earn state honors

The Anniston 14 & Under Kings. From left, Wyatt Deramus, Darionte Duncan, Curtis Hutcherson, Quintarious Hutchison, Cedric Jackson, Brandon Murray, Jodeci Sanders, Darius Taylor, Lavonte Thomas and Quinkeris Woodruff. Coaches are Quinton Matthews and Darreyl Griffin Sr. Photo: Courtesy/Carver Community Center

During the past two months, basketball fans have had a lot to be proud of in Calhoun County.

The Anniston High School boys, Weaver High boys and Saks High girls made it to the finals of the Sub-Regionals. The Anniston High girls made it to the Final Four in Birmingham, and everyone will be talking about that magical run for the State 4A Boys Championship by Saks High School for a long time.

Many of the stand-out ball players for these high school teams started their basketball careers with the Anniston Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball Program.

While the high schoolers were making an impact, so were the little up-and-coming players.

The city of Anniston was represented in the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) state tournament by the 10 & Under Heat at South Highland Community Center, the 8 & Under Stars and the 14 & Under Kings at Carver Community Center.

The 14 & Under Kings won the District 4 Championship and represented the City of Anniston and District 4 in the ARPA State

Basketball Tournament held in Enterprise. The 12 & Under All Stars won first place in the Annual Just Say No To Drugs Basketball Tournament held in Sylacauga on Feb. 25. The 14 & Under girls All Stars were runner-up in their division in the same tournament.

The future stars not only played well, but they represented their families, city and state admirably.

In the future, you will no doubt read more about all of these young hoopsters.

They will take the basketball fundamentals, the good sportsmanship and education taught by dedicated volunteer coaches into area high school programs. Thanks for making a lasting impact in the life of a child!

NOTE: At the state tournament on March 18. the Heat from South Highland Comm. Center beat Sylacauga, their first-round opponent, 55-27, but fell in the second round to Mobile, 29-28.

Steven Folks is the director of the Anniston PARD Carver Community Center.

• See more team photos in the SCORE! Basketball Photo Gallery!