By Brittany Walker/reporter
Teams battled it out at South Campus’ Hoop It Up basketball tournament Nov. 21.
Sponsored by the African American Student Organization, the tournament raised funds for the American Red Cross to assist with local and national disasters.
Sixteen teams competed for the championship, and Unstoppable came out on top followed by Rejects in second and Black in third.
Kevin Bailey of Unstoppable shot the winning basket and gave credit to the team’s passion for basketball.
“We put our heart into the game, and we won,” he said.
First-place winners each received a cash prize and medallions. Second- and third-place winners each received a trophy.
The event brought a crowd of nearly 350 spectators, AASO sponsor Annie Dobbins said.
Dobbins said this year’s event was the largest turnout with the largest number of teams participating. Dobbins is also proud of how the student event impacts the community.
“By donating a portion of the proceeds, the students are helping others and not just thinking of themselves,” she said.
AASO members said they were happy with the number of spectators as well.
“We should do this again,” Aniqua Little said. “It was a great turnout.”
NE student Dwayne Diamond, who participated in Hoop It Up, said he enjoyed the competition.
“I had a great time playing at this fundraiser,” he said.
Kim Gooden, AASO vice president, said everyone played well and a great deal of talent came out. She credits her fellow AASO members for the event’s success.
“This was one of the best yet,” she said.
